On May 10, 2021, Governor Lamont signed into law Public Act 21-9 which extends until June 30, 2023 certain telehealth provisions that were originally enacted through executive order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the major provisions of the law are that it:
- Continues to allow a broad range of providers to deliver services via telehealth including among others: physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists, marital and family counselors, licensed clinical social workers, pharmacists, and dentists as long as the providers are in network or enrolled in the Connecticut medical assistance program.
- Allows audio-only telehealth for providers who are in network and/or enrolled in the Connecticut medical assistance program.
- Requires telehealth providers to obtain and document in the medical record, patient consent to receiving services via a telehealth platform. Patient consent is required to be obtained at the patient’s initial telehealth encounter.
- Requires telehealth providers to document in a patient’s medical record if a patient revokes consent to receive services via a telehealth platform.
- Places parameters around when schedule I, II or III controlled substances may be prescribed through telehealth.
- Prohibits providers from charging a facility fee for a telehealth service.
- Prohibits providers from delivering services via telehealth until the provider has determined that the patient’s insurance covers the telehealth services.
- Prohibits health insurance carriers from reducing the in person reimbursement rate when service delivered via telehealth.
If you have questions regarding the telehealth law, please contact us.