SB 478- Relating to Telehealth
On Tuesday, April 14th, SB 478, relating to Telehealth by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) and Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) unanimously passed through the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services with 7 yeas and 0 nays.

The bill establishes that the standard of care for a telehealth service is the same as the standard of care for a health professional providing in person services. A telehealth provider is not required to research the patient’s medical history or conduct a physical examination if the telehealth provider conducts an evaluation sufficient to diagnose and treat the patient. Additionally, a telehealth provider must document health care services in the patient’s medical record under the same standard as for in-person care.

SB 478 has one last committee stop in the Senate Appropriations Committee before heading to the Senate floor for a vote. AIF continues to support this bill.

AIF supports legislation that permits an unfettered role for telemedicine services that will allow our citizens access to better quality care at lower costs.

On Tuesday, Tammy Perdue released the following statement:

AIF Applauds Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services
for Approving Telehealth Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement attributable to its general counsel, Tammy Perdue, applauding lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services for passing Senate Bill 478, relating to Telehealth.

“This good, bipartisan public policy, championed by Senators Bean and Joyner, strives to ensure patients in rural parts of the state, as well as under-served regions, receive the health care they need by connecting them with providers using technology, like the Internet and smart phones.”

“This is an important piece of legislation that will expand access to affordable, quality health care; and, we at AIF, are hopeful it is successful this legislative session.”

For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.

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