FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2021
CONTACT INFORMATION
Reason Foundation
Allison Tierney
(616) 550-5769
Allison.tierney@reason.org
The James Madison Institute
Emerson W. George
(850) 320-3803
JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE RELEASES POLICY BRIEF ON THE EXPANSION OF TELEHEALTH IN FLORIDA
TALLAHASSEE – A new joint report by The James Madison Institute and Reason Foundation entitled “Expanding Access to Telehealth in Florida: Recent Progress and Opportunities for Improvement” examines Florida’s current structure for telehealth services and introduces innovative recommendations on how the Sunshine State can further provide alternative healthcare solutions.
Prior to 2019, the delivery of healthcare resources proved restrictive with various patchwork regulations and licensing requirements. However, in 2019, the Florida legislature reformed the definition of telehealth services as well as authorization requirements and allowed licensed out-of-state providers to practice in Florida.
Since that time, Florida has taken steps to widen healthcare reach to all Floridians while reducing the associated costs. However, there are still plenty of areas where improvement is needed. The joint report outlines how reforming the conformity of Florida’s scope of practice laws, the difference in limiting services for Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, and the policies surrounding Florida’s private insurance reimbursement will help to provide affordable telehealth services to Floridians.
“In reducing onerous regulatory pressure in the telehealth arena, Florida opened the door to more expansive reach in healthcare delivery. COVID-19 highlighted a need for change in many states, but by placing more proactive measures prior to the pandemic, Florida is now uniquely positioned to be a leader in telehealth to provide affordable healthcare alternatives to the people of the Sunshine State.” – Vittorio Nastasi Policy Analyst, Reason Foundation; Adjunct Scholar, The James Madison Institute
“Improvements to our state’s telehealth policies have been a long time coming, but Florida’s policymakers have proven to be forward thinking in their approach to healthcare reformation. While the adaptation of better telehealth practices has lessened the impact of COVID-19, there are still steps we can take to cement Florida as the antidote to top-down bureaucratic federal healthcare from D.C..” – Sal Nuzzo Vice President of Policy, The James Madison Institute
To read “Expanding Access to Telehealth in Florida: Recent Progress and Opportunities for Improvement,” click here.
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The James Madison Institute is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the advancement of free markets and liberty. The Institute conducts research on such issues as criminal justice, health care, taxes, and regulatory environments.
