2012-11

Resolution on Telemedicine

REPRESENTATIVE MARA CANDELARIA REARDON (IN) INTRODUCED AUG. 2012 MEETING (RATIFIED)

WHEREAS over 50 million Americans lack access to primary care services due to doctor and provider shortages at local practices, community health centers, and hospitals; and

WHEREAS in many rural communities, patients must travel long distances, some in excess of an hour each way, to health care providers to receive treatment; and

WHEREAS to realize the full potential of telemedicine and to promote the use of health technologies such as electronic health records, tele-health technologies, and mobile medical applications, it is critical that a framework be put in place to allow health technologies to keep pace with demand; and

WHEREAS the rapid evolution of the healthcare system and technology has over taken the current and traditional medical structures; and

WHEREAS healthcare providers interested in providing services across state lines are required to abide by a patchwork of multiple and sometimes conflicting state rules; and

WHEREAS the convergence of medical advances, health information technology, and a digital technology can transform the delivery of care to the population by bringing the health care provider and patient together virtually, especially those in disadvantaged, remote and insular areas.

WHEREAS the Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provide examples of effective implementation of a national telemedicine framework working in conjunction with state medical boards; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NHCSL will advocate to federal and state policy makers to create workable frameworks for the expansion of tele-health programs where the consumer, patient has an existing relationship with their Medicare provider; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NHCSL will work with other nonprofits, state and federal government agencies and other partners to develop educational opportunities for our members to better understand the potential promises of tele-health and the regulatory issues related to this topic; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, a copy of this Resolution will be transmitted to leadership of the Committees of jurisdiction in Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services, White House, and organizations that advocate similar views.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED ON AUGUST 25, 2012, AT THE NHCSL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA AND RATIFIED AT THE NHCSL 2012 ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO ON NOVEMBER 17, 2012.

Sponsored by: Representative Mara Candelaria Reardon (IN)