Permits healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely with store-and-forward technology when provision of services in such manner is consistent with the standard of care.

Rhode Island Telemedicine Coverage Act: Plain-English Summary

This bill would allow healthcare professionals in Rhode Island to diagnose and treat patients using a specific type of remote technology called "store-and-forward." This technology lets doctors and other medical providers collect a patient's health information — such as photos, medical records, lab results, or other data — and securely send it to another provider for review and follow-up care, even if the two parties aren't communicating at the same time. Think of it like sending a detailed medical file to a specialist who reviews it on their own schedule and responds with a diagnosis or treatment plan.

The bill sets one important condition: this type of remote care is only permitted when it meets the same standard of care that would be expected in a traditional, in-person medical visit. In other words, if a remote diagnosis using stored information would be just as safe and effective as an in-person visit, the provider would be allowed to use this approach.

This bill would affect patients, doctors, specialists, and insurance companies across Rhode Island. For patients, it could make it easier and more convenient to access medical care — especially for those in rural areas, those with limited mobility, or those seeking specialist consultations. For healthcare providers, it expands the tools they can legally use to deliver care. For insurers, it signals that this type of telehealth service should be a recognized and potentially covered form of medical treatment.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.