§1223.2. Legislative findings

            The legislature hereby finds and declares the following:

            (1) As an innovative form of health care, telehealth is extremely valuable because it enhances access to care, particularly in rural locations and other medically underserved areas; makes delivery of care more cost-effective; and distributes limited provider resources more efficiently.

            (2) Many patients with limited access to traditional health care can be diagnosed and treated sooner through telehealth than they would be otherwise, resulting in improved outcomes and less costly treatments due to early detection and prevention.

NOTE: Paragraph (3) eff. until Jan. 1, 2024. See Acts 2023, No. 322.

            (3) Telehealth services could potentially address a great unmet need for health care by persons who have limited access to both traditional healthcare settings and to telemedicine as currently defined in Louisiana law.

NOTE: Paragraph (3) as amended by Acts 2023, No. 322, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.

            (3) Telehealth services could potentially address a great unmet need for health care by persons who have limited access to traditional healthcare settings.

            (4) If this state is to achieve much needed improvement in health outcomes, a prudent and responsible policy for doing so would be to balance patient safety and access to care through expanding access to telehealth services for the people of Louisiana.

            Acts 2014, No. 442, §2; Redesignated from R.S. 40:1300.402 by HCR 84 of 2015 R.S.; Acts 2023, No. 322, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.