Telemedicine and audio-only telemedicine services (R 2021-06)

RCW 48.43.735 (leg.wa.gov) addresses requirements for coverage of telemedicine services by health plans. Prior to enactment of ESHB 1196 (leg.wa.gov), RCW 48.43.735 expressly excluded audio-only telephone from the definition of “telemedicine." ESHB 1196 removes this exclusion from the coverage requirement, establishes conditions for coverage of such services and amends statutory language related to telemedicine payment parity. Rules may be needed to clarify terms related to several components of the new law. Such rules will facilitate implementation of the law by ensuring that all affected entities understand their rights and obligations under the new law.