| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Relating to the provision of telehealth services by certain health professionals licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 40 would allow the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt rules to regulate telehealth services to prevent abuse and fraud in the use of telehealth services, including rules relating to the filing of claims and records required to be maintained in connection with telehealth services. The bill would also make every reference or rule to direct observation, care, or services as provided in Title 3, Occupations code to include telehealth by default, except where the context indicates otherwise.
Texas Action is neutral on SB 40. Some of the provisions of the bill may help expand telehealth services in the state, and while rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, they appear to be within the same scope as the rules set forth in other areas of law governing telehealth.