With restrictions on non-essential travel still in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a bill that could soon become law could help overcome barriers of distance and cost to patient care.
State Senator Joe Pittman, who represents part of Butler County, voted in favor of Senate Bill 857.
“This legislation simply codifies existing rules and regulations set out by our government,” Pittman said. “Let’s not politicize Senate Bill 857 anymore than it already has been. Let’s focus on saving lives. Let’s get this bill to the Governor so he can sign it and allow Pennsylvanians to have access to healthcare in their most desperate hour.”
This bill specifically defines telemedicine and establishes guidelines for providing this service as well as provides clarity for insurance company reimbursement.
However the bill faces an uncertain future on the desk of Governor Tom Wolf because Republicans added an amendment restricting doctors from prescribing FDA-approved pharmaceutical abortion medication.