Legislation expanding Alaskans’ access to telemedicine services took effect on Friday.
Representative Lynn Gattis’ House Bill 281, which passed the Legislature unanimously in March, allows patients to obtain over-the-phone or online consultations where physicians can diagnose and, if necessary, provide a prescription.
“Alaskans deserve access to these consumer and budget-friendly services,” said Gattis, R-Wasilla. “We already live in a world rich in technology, where most of us have super computers in our pockets, thanks to our smart phones. So what HB 281 does, is it allows for Alaskans to connect with health care providers on common ailments, saving them trips to the hospital or clinic.”
Only fully trained and qualified primary care physicians residing in Alaska will be able to offer the service. HB 281 does not allow physicians to prescribe controlled substances without an examination unless another licensed health care provider is present with the patient.
The bill mimics the systems already successfully employed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Veterans Affairs hospital and the military. “We decided to follow their lead and build on their success, making the services available to everyone,” Gattis said. “Anyone needing medical care would be able to use the affordable and accessible system.”
