ERIC Supports Ohio State Medical Board’s Proposed Telehealth Regulations

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) submitted comments to the State Medical Board of Ohio. As the only national trade association advocating solely for the employee benefit and compensation interests of America’s largest employers, ERIC speaks for large employers on public policy issues relating to employee benefits. ERIC members have workers in every state across the nation, including Ohio.

ERIC appreciates the Board’s position that telehealth may be used to establish a physician-patient relationship when the standard of care does not require an in-person visit. ERIC also agrees with the Board that the standard of care governing in-person visits should apply in the same manner to telemedicine visits.

“Our members are interested in telehealth and the ease with which it allows their employees and their families to access health care,” said Annette Guarisco Fildes, president and CEO, ERIC. “We appreciate that the Board did not impose unreasonable restrictions to telehealth in its rules. It is important that those in need of medical care can receive it when and how they need it without additional barriers.”

ERIC strongly believes in barrier-free access to telehealth and encourages the Board to also adopt technology-neutral requirements, allowing patients and providers to use of different types of technology platforms; adopt licensing policies that facilitate inter-state practice so providers, no matter their location, can serve patients in Ohio; and to consider the needs of patients and how telemedicine can improve their access to care.

To read ERIC’s letter in its entirety, click here.

You can learn more about ERIC’s telehealth initiative here.

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All media inquiries to The ERISA Industry Committee should be directed to media@eric.org.

About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.