On Thursday, March 10th, HB 7087, relating to telehealth, by Rep. Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater) was sent back to the Senate to be considered as amended by the House. The Senate took up HB 7087 and concurred with amendment 533707 offered by Rep. Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater). HB 7087 was then amended by the Senate and passed unanimously by a vote of 39 yeas to 0 nays.

Senator Aaron Bean (R- Jacksonville) filed an amendment 877884 to amendment 533707 that keeps in place an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) study on the use and coverage of telehealth, and adds a hospital member to the Telehealth Advisory Council (council) comprised of professionals across the medical field. This amendment will also put a new time line in place for how often the council meets. Instead of every three years the council will meet to review its findings every 18 months.  

HB 7087 must now return to the House for its consideration as amended. AIF anticipates HB 7087 will pass through the House tomorrow and go to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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