The Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2015 was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), along with eight other cosponsors.
Currently, the VA only waives state licensure requirements for telehealth services if both the patient and the physician are in a federally owned facility, and VA physicians can only offer telehealth care if both the patient and physician are in the same state, according to a statement from Sen. Ernst’s office. “These barriers are a deterrent for disabled or rural veterans who are seeking treatment from a physician in another state, in some cases forcing veterans to travel great lengths to a federal facility before receiving telehealth services by camera or phone.”
The VETS Act would allow VA providers to function across state lines and conduct telehealth services while also permitting veterans to be treated in their homes.
“The bipartisan Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act moves us one step closer to achieving more affordable, patient-centered health care that our veterans deserve by embracing telehealth services to offer physician care and health treatment beyond the walls of a VA facility,” said Sen. Ernst.
More articles on telehealth:
4 things to know about the AMA’s Telehealth Services Workgroup
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