ERIC Supports Texas Telehealth Legislation

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today submitted testimony supporting telehealth legislation (SB 1107) to the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee ahead of tomorrow’s hearing.

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, works to create barrier-free access to telehealth for its members, many of whom have employees and retirees in Texas. ERIC appreciates that this bill will allow Texans access to telehealth and that it recognizes providers’ ability to exercise their professional judgment to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients on a case-by-case basis, in order to maintain a high standard of care.

ERIC has worked for over a year to create a more favorable environment for telehealth in Texas. In September 2016, ERIC filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Teladoc, Inc. et al v. Texas Medical Board et al supporting the use of telemedicine. In February 2016, ERIC submitted testimony to the House Health and Human Services Committee calling for technology-neutral requirements allowing for the use of different telemedicine platforms and licensing policies that facilitate inter-state practice. ERIC also urged Texas legislators not to force patients to visit specific locations to access telemedicine services and not to impose additional requirements on telemedicine providers that are not imposed on in-person visits.

“ERIC is enthusiastic about the growing acceptance of telehealth in Texas. We believe this new bill will enable Texans to access care when and where they need it,” said Allison Wils, Executive Director of State Programs, ERIC.

Click here to read ERIC’s testimony.

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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.