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SF2743 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Audio-only telehealth medical assistance extension provision

Related bill: HF2172

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to extend medical assistance coverage to include audio-only telehealth communications in Minnesota. This change aims to make healthcare services more accessible through telehealth, allowing patients to receive medical consultations without needing in-person visits.

Main Provisions

  • Coverage Extension: The bill specifies that medical assistance will cover necessary health services and consultations provided through telehealth, which includes real-time two-way audio and visual communications.
  • Audio-Only Telehealth: Specifically, from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2028, the definition of telehealth will temporarily include audio-only communications between a healthcare provider and patient, making this an eligible format for consultations.
  • Provider Requirements: Healthcare providers delivering services via telehealth must confirm the safety and effectiveness of these services. They need to establish standards for patient care, including safety protocols and quality assurance processes.
  • Documentation and Payment: Providers must document telehealth services as they would for in-person visits, detailing the type, time, and mode of transmission used for the service. They must also demonstrate that telehealth is an appropriate method for patient care.
  • Applicable Locations: Telehealth, including audio-visual and audio-only methods, can meet the face-to-face consultation requirements for various clinics, such as federally qualified health centers and tribal clinics, provided they would otherwise be payable if conducted in person.

Significant Changes

  • The bill modifies existing telehealth laws by explicitly including a temporary provision for audio-only telehealth consultations, which were not previously covered. This change seeks to expand healthcare accessibility and flexibility for medical assistance enrollees.

Relevant Terms

  • Telehealth
  • Audio-only communication
  • Medical assistance
  • Health care provider
  • Face-to-face requirement
  • Reimbursement
  • Federally qualified health centers
  • Tribal clinics
  • Documentation requirements

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Audio-only communication included under telehealth for a limited duration."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 256B.0625 to extend medical assistance coverage to include audio-only telehealth services.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded telehealth definition to include audio-only communication from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2028."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.0625"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references Minnesota Rules part 9505.2175 for health service records for telehealth services.",
      "modified": [
        "Documentation requirements for telehealth services as per existing rules."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "9505.2175"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Section 62A.673 defines telehealth terminology for consistency within the bill.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of terms related to telehealth services such as originating site and distant site."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62A.673"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to the definition of a community paramedic under existing statute.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates community paramedics into the scope of telehealth providers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144E.001"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to various mental health workers and specialists already defined under section 245I.04.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies inclusion of mental health personnel as telehealth providers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245I.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to treatment coordinators, alcohol and drug counselors, and recovery peers.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines inclusion of specific drug and alcohol treatment roles under telehealth provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245G.11"
  }
]

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