STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2021) – Legislation expanding telehealth services for Hoosiers and cutting red tape for health care providers could soon be law, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point).
Olthoff, a sponsor of the bill, said when the pandemic began the governor issued an executive order allowing health care providers to utilize telehealth options when providing medical care to Hoosiers. According to Indiana Franciscan Health, in 2020, its doctors and other clinicians conducted more than 112,000 video visits and 92,000 phone visits with patients, and the vast majority were after the pandemic began. If signed into law, Senate Enrolled Act 3 would ensure the expansion of virtual services remains permanent, so Hoosiers can continue to access health care providers remotely.
"Further expanding telehealth to allow patients to continue receiving virtual care is common sense legislation and a step in the right direction," Olthoff said. "Not only does this make it easier for patients to receive the help they need, but it also allows the healthcare system to run more efficient."
According to Olthoff, the legislation incorporates a list of 28 providers that would be allowed to use telehealth services including dentists, physicians, veterinarians, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses and more. The bill would ensure the quality of service a patient receives virtually, along with the creation and maintenance of their telehealth medical records, remains the same as an in-person setting.
"A lot of Hoosiers may not be able to take time off work or have access to transportation to get to all their appointments," Olthoff said. "Incorporating more providers and more professionals for online appointments will help so many people better manage their health care needs."
Senate Enrolled Act 3 now heads to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
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