Bill description: HB 342 amends the Idaho Telehealth Access Act to ease the process for providing telehealth care.

Rating: +2

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market? 

HB 342 adds to the definition of telehealth technologies in a way that eases the process of providing telehealth services. Under the current definition, telehealth is synchronous “two way audio and visual interaction.” As a result of the language HB 342 adds to state law, telehealth may include “use of two-way audio or audio-visual interaction.” By simply changing “and” to “or”, this bill opens up telehealth technology to both use audio-visual and solely audio communication.

(+1)

Does it violate the principle of equal protection under the law? Examples include laws which discriminate or differentiate based on age, gender, or religion or which apply laws, regulations, rules, or penalties differently based on such characteristics. Conversely, does it restore or protect the principle of equal protection under the law? 

HB 342 adds a provision in state law to help secure the privacy of patients who have chosen to seek telehealth services, versus traditional health services. HB 342 would require that patients give express permission before their telehealth medical records can be shared with other providers.

(+1)

Analyst's Note: This rating was updated on 2/26 to reflect amendments made to the bill.