Session Update: Senate Passes Bill Expanding Telehealth

A bill that would strengthen the use of telemedicine easily won the full support of the Senate Tuesday, April 27. Sponsored by Senator Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, the proposed Minnesota Telehealth Act provides an avenue for health providers to expand upon their current efforts in serving patients using teleconference and audio technology.

Important changes to current law, according to Rosen, include expanding the geographic coverage and prohibiting providers from requiring specific technology for their telemedicine services. The bill also establishes a task force to further develop the use of telemedicine throughout Minnesota.