Telehealth Victory in Arkansas — ATA Applauds Telehealth Champions For Passing Legislation Extending Access to Quality Care For Residents
WASHINGTON, DC, APRIL 23, 2021 — The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) applauds Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and telehealth champions including Representative Jim Dotson (R) and Senator Bart Hester (R) for their successful efforts to expand telehealth access to Arkansans. This week, Governor Hutchinson signed into law HB1063, which ensures Arkansas residents maintain the ability to seek care through convenient, accessible, and cost-effective virtual care modalities following the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Specifically, this legislation allows any technology to be used in establishing a patient-provider relationship as long as it meets the standard of care, includes all healthcare providers, and allows any healthcare provider to maintain the necessary health record.
“This legislation is a clear victory for patients who require necessary healthcare services to virtually access affordable, quality care from the safety of their homes, especially those in remote and underserved communities. Signing this into law means Arkansans will have increased choice, to receive care when and where they need it,” said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO of the ATA. “By making telehealth a permanent care delivery option, Arkansas modernized its healthcare system and made important strides to resolve health disparities in the state. We applaud these telehealth champions, including Governor Hutchinson, Representative Dotson, and Senator Hester.”
About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading health care delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models. @americantelemed #telehealthishealth #ATApolicy
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