State lawmakers push telemedicine bill

(Harrisburg) — A group of lawmakers and physicians are advocating for legislation that would expand access to telemedicine in the commonwealth. 

Companion legislation in the House and Senate would allow Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which would give Pennsylvanians access to doctors in other states through telemedicine, while making sure those outside physicians meet Pennsylvania standards.

Republican State Representative Marguerite Quinn says this legislation is needed to ensure Pennsylvania patients are protected.

She compares it to the natural gas industry, which moved in before regulations were in place and caused a lot of controversy.

“We’re trying to put down some basic guidelines here to match policy with technology and make sure we’re not thwarting the growth of this in the meantime,” Quinn said.

Doctors supporting the bill say it will help ease Pennsylvania’s physician shortage and cut down on healthcare costs.