Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act

Bill: 115-s-431
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2017-02-16
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health

Health facilities and institutions

Health technology, devices, supplies

Medical tests and diagnostic methods

Medicare

Neurological disorders

User charges and fees
Latest action: action_date: 2017-02-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Summaries:
action_date: 2017-02-16
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><strong>Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act</strong></p> <p>This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to specify that certain siting requirements applicable under the Medicare program shall not apply to telehealth services that are furnished after 2017 for purposes of evaluating an acute stroke. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services shall not pay an originating-site facility fee with respect to such telehealth services.</p>

tv_txt: II 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 431 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 16, 2017 Mr. Thune (for himself, Mr. Schatz , and Mr. Wicker ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the use of telehealth for individuals with stroke.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act . 2. Expanding the use of telehealth for individuals with stroke Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(m) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Treatment of stroke telehealth services (A) Non-application of originating site requirements The requirements described in paragraph (4)(C) shall not apply with respect to telehealth services furnished on or after January 1, 2018, for purposes of evaluation of an acute stroke, as determined by the Secretary. (B) No originating site facility fee The Secretary shall not pay an originating site facility fee (as described in paragraph (2)(B)) with respect to such telehealth services. .