Bryan submitted proposed Virgin Islands Telehealth Act to 34th Legislature

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. submitted proposed legislation to the 34th Legislature on June 3, 2022, to establish a Virgin Islands Telehealth Act.

According to Government House, the bill would set standards for the practice of medicine and the provision of health-care services using telehealth. The proposal would establish licensing rules and standards of practice for telehealth providers and authorize the territory’s boards to license providers to treat patients through telehealth.

In a transmittal letter to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Bryan said the measure was being advanced alongside pending behavioral health legislation and said telehealth could expand access to providers for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, including for people with behavioral or mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Government House said the proposal also would require telehealth providers to register with the Department of Health, provide guidance for out-of-state providers, require informed consent before telehealth services, establish insurance reimbursement parity for telehealth visits, add penalties for violations, address medical malpractice and liability insurance, and align with Centers for Medicare Services requirements for reimbursement by Medicare, Medicaid and other health plans.

The proposal also included guidance on the use of telehealth during emergencies, natural disasters and pandemics.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-submits-proposed-legislation-to-establish-first-virgin-islands-telehealth-act/