Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation May 5 that dramatically expanded the use of telehealth in the state and is intended to improve access to medical care.
Sponsored by Rep. Regina Cobb, R-Kingman, House Bill 2454 not only expands access to telehealth for patients, it ensures doctors receive equal compensation from insurance companies for these services and allows out-of-state health care professionals to provide telemedicine in Arizona. The legislation went into effect immediately after it was signed, per a news release from the governor’s office.
“Ensuring Arizonans have access to safe and reliable medical services is a top priority,” Gov. Ducey said in a prepared statement. “Telehealth expands access to medical services for low-income families and those living in rural areas, protects vulnerable populations, and allows snowbirds visiting our state to receive telemedicine from their home state. Patients and medical professionals know what’s best for their needs, and we’re working to make sure they have access to those services.”
