Committee approves telemedicine prescribing for opioid and non-opioid therapy to aid continuity of care for people leaving incarceration

The House committee voted unanimously to report SB252 as ought to pass, a measure that would permit telemedicine-based prescribing of controlled and noncontrolled medications in certain circumstances.

Representative McGrath urged support, saying the change will improve continuity of care for people leaving incarceration: "When they're leaving incarceration, it's hard to get a physician so they can get a telemedicine physician so they can continue the therapy that they've been on when they get out," she said. Supporters said telemedicine access would remove barriers for people in rural communities and for those reentering the community after incarceration.

Representative Weber said she had been cautious but changed her thinking after testimony and a review of safeguards; she noted the Drug Enforcement Administration standards and state prescription-monitoring requirements that apply to telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances. Representative Hartnett and others said the bill would help expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence in areas with limited clinical capacity.

Committee members discussed the need to maintain the prescription-monitoring registry and to ensure telemedicine prescribers comply with reporting requirements. The committee recorded a unanimous voice/roll call and reported SB252 ought to pass; members asked agencies to continue to monitor implementation and to ensure coordination with federal DEA guidance and the state prescription-monitoring program.

The bill was placed on the consent calendar and referred onward with the committee's recommendation.