CTeL Advocates for Adoption of Washington’s Telehealth Licensure Policy Nationwide
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telehealth has emerged as a crucial tool for bridging gaps in access to care, particularly for patients with complex or rare medical conditions. As telehealth services continue to expand, it’s more important than ever to ensure policies are in place that allow providers to deliver high-quality care across state lines. This is where Washington State has taken a leadership role with its forward-thinking Uniform Telehealth Act (SB 5481), enacted in June 2024.
Recently, the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL) sent letters to several key organizations—including the National Governors Association (NGA), National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), and state medical associations—urging them to support and advocate for the adoption of telehealth policies similar to Washington’s groundbreaking law.
Why Washington’s Telehealth Law Matters
Washington’s Uniform Telehealth Act sets an innovative precedent by allowing out-of-state clinicians with valid licenses to provide telehealth services to patients in Washington. This law enables:
Consultations: Out-of-state specialists can consult with Washington-based providers who retain responsibility for the patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
Specialty Assessments and Recommendations: Patients can receive expert opinions, assessments, and recommendations from specialists outside the state.
Follow-Up Care: Clinicians can provide follow-up care to maintain continuity for established patients who are temporarily located in Washington but receive treatment from out-of-state providers.
This policy is critical for patients who require care from specialists with rare expertise, often located in other states. As Christa Natoli, Executive Director of CTeL, noted in the letter, "For patients with rare conditions, this expanded access to telehealth can be lifesaving." Washington’s approach provides a model that ensures patients can maintain relationships with out-of-state specialists without interruption.
“For patients with rare conditions, this expanded access to telehealth can be lifesaving.”
Telehealth’s Ongoing Impact
According to a study by the Advocate Aurora Research Institute, telemedicine usage remains strong, with more than two-fifths of adult patients still using telehealth services two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This statistic highlights telehealth’s lasting role as an essential part of modern healthcare, particularly for individuals with greater care needs. As telehealth continues to play an integral part in patient care, maintaining and expanding access is vital.
CTeL’s Call to Action
CTeL is encouraging national and state organizations to adopt similar policies in all 50 states, ensuring continuity of care across state lines through telehealth. The Uniform Telehealth Act balances flexibility for providers with essential state oversight to maintain patient safety and improve access to high-quality care. As Natoli explained, "Telehealth, when supported by modern licensing frameworks, has the power to break down geographic barriers and reduce healthcare disparities."
By recognizing out-of-state licenses and facilitating specialty consultations, Washington’s law strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of patients. CTeL’s letter urges policy leaders to endorse this approach and work to expand these provisions nationwide.
The Future of Telehealth Policy
As telehealth becomes increasingly vital to delivering equitable care, laws like Washington’s Uniform Telehealth Act ensure that patients can access the highest quality healthcare, no matter their location. The flexibility it provides to healthcare providers helps eliminate geographic limitations and improves outcomes for those who need specialized care.
CTeL’s efforts to promote the expansion of these policies reflect its ongoing mission to shape the legal and regulatory landscape of digital health in ways that prioritize access, quality, and equity. By working with organizations like NGA, NCSL, FSMB, and state medical associations, CTeL is taking significant steps to ensure that telehealth innovations continue to grow and thrive across the country.
For more information on Washington’s telehealth policies and CTeL’s advocacy efforts, please visit www.ctel.org or reach out to Christa Natoli at info@ctel.org.