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House approves telehealth bill adding audio-only visits, leaves platform choice to providers
Summary
House Bill 8 25 broadened Missouri’s telehealth definition to include audio-only encounters and specified that providers may select HIPAA-compliant third-party platforms; the House perfected and printed the bill after largely supportive floor discussion.
The Missouri House on March 20 ordered House Bill 8 25 perfected and printed after adopting language that expands the statutory definition of telehealth to include audio-only visits.
The bill sponsor, the lady from Greene, said audio-only telehealth is important for rural communities and seniors who lack consistent broadband or video-capable devices. The bill also clarifies that providers may choose the third-party telehealth platforms they use, provided those platforms meet privacy requirements.
Floor discussion was largely supportive. Members cited telehealth’s role in improving rural access, speeding referrals and extending medical advice to patients who otherwise face long travel times. The gentleman from Taney confirmed visual telehealth was already in the statute and that the bill’s change was to explicitly add audio-only visits.
The House perfected and printed the bill for further consideration.
