For Immediate Release
Washington, DC – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) submitted written testimony to the New Jersey Assembly Committee on Health and Senior Services supporting proposed telehealth legislation – Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill 1464 (ACS 1464).
ERIC, the only national association that advocates exclusively for large employers on health, retirement, and compensation public policies at the state, federal, and local levels, has a strong interest in helping to create barrier-free access to telehealth for its members, many of whom have employees and retirees in New Jersey.
In its testimony, ERIC stated its appreciation for ACS 1464 allowing the patient-provider relationship to be established through telemedicine services; setting a ceiling on the reimbursement rate for telemedicine services by providing that it cannot exceed the rate for in-person services; and for permitting a provider’s discretion in the type of technology used in the telemedicine service. The bill would permit two-way audio communication in conjunction with store-and-forward technology to be used for telemedicine services, rather than exclusively two-way audio-visual communication, so long as the provider believes it will meet the requisite standard of care.
“Legislators have done a wonderful job considering the needs of patients by allowing better access to care through the use of telemedicine, while at the same time recognizing that providers must maintain a high standard of care,” said Adam Greathouse, Health Policy Associate, ERIC. “Permitting a technology alternative to two-way audio-visual communication will benefit New Jersey residents that, because of location or income level, cannot access a high-speed network connection and allow them to access the care they need when and where they need it.”