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Committee clarifies telehealth law to restore services by licensed master social workers and other Medicaid‑recognized providers
Summary
Senate Bill 252 would clarify that licensed master social workers and other Medicaid‑identified providers may deliver telehealth services; the committee approved the bill to prevent disruption of telehealth access, especially in rural areas.
The House committee approved Senate Bill 252, a measure clarifying which licensed providers may deliver telehealth services and adding language to future‑proof the telehealth statute for changing license titles and additional Medicaid‑recognized provider types.
Sponsor explained the immediate purpose is to fix an interpretation that had restricted telehealth to licensed clinical ("independent") social workers, which briefly prevented licensed master social workers who had been delivering telehealth services — including to rural veterans and other patients — from continuing. The bill clarifies that master‑level and other licensed providers recognized by Medicaid retain telehealth authority, and the Social Work Board supports the proposal.
The sponsor also noted minor modernization updates (for example, updating “podiatrist” terminology) and said an amendment clarifies supervision rules for licensed master social workers who practice under supervision.
Representative Reeb asked whether the bill limits agencies’ discretion to require in‑person services; the sponsor said no — agencies retain discretion about supervision and practice settings. After brief questions, Representative McQueen moved a do‑pass motion; the committee recorded a do pass on SB 252 as amended.
Supporters said the change is intended to avoid service interruptions in rural communities and to ensure that evolving licensure categories remain eligible for telehealth when recognized by Medicaid.
