05 AM 28
0565
ADOPTED
Senators
Shafer of the 48th, Hudgens of the 47th and Moody of the 56th offered the
following amendment:
Amend
HB 291 by striking lines 10 through 25 on page 5 and inserting in lieu thereof
the following:
"(c)
It is the intent of the General Assembly to mitigate geographic discrimination
in the delivery of health care by recognizing the application of and payment for
covered medical care provided by means of telemedicine, provided that such
services are provided by a physician or by another health care practitioner or
professional acting within the scope of practice of such health care
practitioner or professional and in accordance with the provisions of Code
Section 43-34-31.1.
(d)
On and after July 1, 2005, every health benefit policy that is issued, amended,
or renewed shall include payment for services that are covered under such health
benefit policy and are appropriately provided through telemedicine in accordance
with Code Section 43-34-31.1 and generally accepted health care practices and
standards prevailing in the applicable professional community at the time the
services were provided. The coverage required in this Code section may be
subject to all terms and conditions of the applicable health benefit
plan.'"