Gov. Nixon Signs Bill with Rep. Swan's "Telehealth" Language

Sandy Ortiz, Cindy Robinett and Kristin Alexander with SEMO Area Health Education Council during their visit to the Capitol in February 2013.

NEWS From the Office of

Representative Kathryn Swan

147th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 12, 2013

CONTACT: Representative Kathryn Swan

(573) 751-1443

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Today, Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law several bills, including House Bill 315, a health care services law which will help pharmacies refill prescriptions on an emergency basis, and also help expand telehealth capabilities in Missouri. HB 315 was amended in the Senate to include the telehealth bill language by Rep. Kathryn Swan, (R-Cape Girardeau). Swan sponsored a bill establishing the utilization of telehealth by advanced practice nurses in certain rural areas that have a shortage of healthcare professionals (HB 936). Swan's bill passed the House by a vote of 116/39 with bipartisan support.

Previously, advanced practice registered nurses were restricted from traveling beyond 50 road miles from the collaborating physician in rural areas of the state. "With this law, telehealth becomes the communication bridge between the physician and the nurse practitioner. By removing this mileage barrier and allowing nurse practitioners to provide healthcare services in certain rural areas, Missourians may now have greater access to much needed healthcare," said Swan. This portion of HB 315 has a six-year sunset.

###