Top Legislative Issues
Telehealth Task Force
Memo in Support
Bill Number: A. 422-A (Morelle)/S.4327-A (Robach)
Summary:
HCP supports the enactment of A.422-A which establishes a statewide telemedicine/telehealth task force and allows such task force to have at least one representative from home health agencies. The task force is required to make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on a plan to develop telemedicine and telehealth systems including health education, preventive and primary care and specialty diagnostic and clinical services.
The legislation also establishes a telemedicine and telehealth demonstration program which is responsible for coordination and implementation of projects designed to develop and enhance health care services to rural and other medically underserved populations and improve access to and use of health information to increase consumer knowledge and awareness of preventative health care practices.
Position:
HCP strongly supports this legislation as HCP patient believes access to cost-effective quality home care services should be a cornerstone of New York State health policy relating to advances in technology are creating exciting new opportunities for home care. Telehealth, the use of communication and information technology to deliver home care services and health education over geographical distances, has begun to revolutionize the way home care services are delivered. Telehealth can assist in the delivery of high quality health care services to a wide variety of patients. Telehealth technologies are empowering, efficient and effective.
HCP urges passage of this legislation and is interested in working with the Governor and legislative leaders for involvement in the telemedicine/telehealth task force.
For the above reasons, HCP recommends approval of A.422-A/S.4327-A.
