Telehealth State Legislative Activity

Ohio Senate Passes PSYPACT Legislation
On February 9, the Ohio Senate Judiciary passed SB 2 out of Committee. SB 2 allows the state of Ohio to enter the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, which will increase access to telehealth services for Ohioans. ERIC recommended the Committee to vote YES on SB. SB 2 passed out of Committee and passed a Senate floor vote yesterday. The bill will now be sent to the House to undergo the same process. We will update you on SB 2 progress as it moves through Ohio House Committees.
 
New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee Passes PSYPACT Legislation
On February 10, the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 119 out of committee. SB 119 allows the state of New Mexico to enter the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. ERIC supported the passage of this legislation, as it would increase access to telehealth services for patients in New Mexico. The bill has not been referred to another committee as of yet, and still needs to be voted on in the full Senate.
 
Oregon Senate Committee on Health Care Takes up Telehealth Payment Parity Bill
On February 10, the Senate Committee on Health Care heard public testimony on SB 697. SB 697 requires reimbursement rates for telehealth services to be equal to services that were provided in-person. ERIC strongly opposes the legislation and asked Committee members to vote down SB 697. The Committee did not vote on SB 697 and the bill will be heard a second time.

Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Hears PSYPACT Legislation
On February 11, the House Health and Human Services Committee took up HB 2209. HB 2209 allows Kansas to enter the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. ERIC recommended the Committee to pass the PSYPACT legislation out of Committee. Participation in this compact will allow ERIC member companies to expand their health benefit offerings in the state, ensuring that patients will be able to see the mental and behavioral providers they need in a timely manner. The Committee did not vote on HB 2209 and the bill will be heard a second time.