HOUSE FILE 531

BY  COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES

(SUCCESSOR TO HF 296)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to including telemedicine services as a distinct covered service under the medical assistance program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  MEDICAL ASSISTANCE STATE PLAN AMENDMENT —— TELEMEDICINE AS A DISTINCT COVERED SERVICE.  The department of human services shall submit a state plan amendment to the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services of the United States department of health and human services for approval to include telemedicine as distinct covered services under the medical assistance program. For the purposes of the state plan amendment, “telemedicine” means the delivery and provision of healthcare to patients and the transmission of information related to that care, over distance, using telecommunications technologies, and incorporating direct clinical, preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services and treatment; consultative and follow-up services; remote monitoring; rehabilitative services; and patient education. 
EXPLANATION
   This bill directs the department of human services to submit an amendment to the medical assistance (Medicaid) state plan to the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services of the United States department of health and human services for approval to include telemedicine as distinct covered services under the Medicaid program. The bill defines “telemedicine” as the delivery and provision of healthcare to patients and the transmission of information related to that care, over distance, using telecommunications technologies and incorporating direct clinical, preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services and treatment; consultative and follow-up services; remote monitoring; rehabilitative services; and patient education.