Is the dysfunction of Missouri’s legislature going to claim another victim? With just a few days left to go in this year’s legislative session, the odds of any bills that improve Missouri’s telemedicine laws making it across the finish line get smaller by the day.
Several months ago, I wrote about the positive developments in the world of telemedicine, and the laws Missouri needs to change to bring these benefits to state residents. I was optimistic because several bills expanding the role of telemedicine received hearings near the start of this year’s legislative session, and there was little to no opposition voiced against the changes. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to me, the telemedicine bills haven’t moved much since their public hearings.
What makes the lack of movement so surprising is that much of what the telemedicine bills do is restore benefits that Missourians enjoyed a few short years ago. As I’ve written before, during the state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri was one of the national leaders on telemedicine. Because various laws and regulations were waived for emergency response, it was much easier for patients to access their healthcare providers virtually. In response, patients and providers alike grew to value the service—until the emergency ended, and state lawmakers allowed the prior telemedicine restrictions to return.
Two of the telemedicine bills being considered this year seem like no brainers. One expands the definition of “telehealth” to include audio-only technologies. Not everyone has access to the devices or internet required to transmit video, and not every medical service requires a visual examination. Many in the mental health field would like the ability to treat patients over the phone, but state law needs to change for that to be possible.
The second bill makes it easier to establish the physician–patient relationship virtually. Currently, there are concerns about doctors prescribing medications to patients who they’ve never seen in person. Clarifying the process that needs to be followed for safely prescribing medicine remotely seems like it would benefit both patients and providers.
Many Missourians are still struggling with healthcare access, due in large part to a shortage of providers, and telemedicine is one of the best ways to expand the available pool of providers. There are many providers already calling on our general assembly to allow them to see more Missouri patients. There’s still enough time for our lawmakers to act and finally answer the call for improving telemedicine access.
