It’s the law: Cleveland bill expands access to online health care

OLYMPIA — Legislation signed into law today by Gov. Jay Inslee expands the ability of Washington residents to receive telehealth services from out-of-state health care providers while also installing safeguards to ensure quality health care. Sponsored by Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), SB 5481 allows an out-of-state provider to perform telehealth service in consultation with an in-state provider or in the form of a specialty assessment, diagnosis, or recommendation for treatment. “This is just one more piece in our ongoing effort to make health care more accessible and affordable,” Cleveland said. “At a time when we face a troubling shortage of health care providers, this bill should make it easier to get second opinions on medical matters and offer people more choices ...

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