Montana Senate Committee Unanimously Moves Forward with Telehealth Expansion Bill

Montana's state senators recently voted unanimously to pass a telehealth expansion bill out of committee, confirms Healthcare IT News . At a hearing about the bill, Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing said, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen an expansion of telemedicine used in Montana. The tools provided have proven useful, and often necessary, in rural communities, with our seniors, with those with mobility issues, with veterans, and for increased access to mental health care professionals." The bill, which came from a collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, calls for prohibiting contract provisions that impose site restrictions on telehealth. It also allows for audio-only communications, while acknowledging there may be limitations by provider type.