April 30, 2021
This week came with a spot of good news as one of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physician’s priority bills was sent on its way to the governor’s desk.
SB674, if signed by Gov. Stitt, will provide payment parity for telehealth services for all providers. On Thursday, the Senate accepted amendments that were made in the House that included compromise language reached with Blue Cross Blue Shield. A coalition of providers has worked on this legislation for the last year. The coalition and our authors, Sen. McCortney and Rep. McEntire, stayed strong when the measure went to the House and a compromise was proposed that would have taken out medical providers. Instead, the group pushed the bill forward until palatable compromise language was offered.
We hope that this will be a valuable tool for you and your patients going forward and will continue to foster the growth and usefulness of telehealth in this state.
When the bill arrives on the governor’s desk, most likely Monday or Tuesday, he will have five days to sign or veto it (not counting Sundays) or it becomes law automatically.
Other measures we are still waiting on acceptance or rejection of House amendments or their next step in conference committee:
While we are down to a few bills left, the budget and conference process has begun and promises to keep us plenty busy! Stay tuned.