Resolution on State-Based Licensure and Regulation of Health Professionals in the Area of Telehealth Exposed
The Resolution on State-Based Licensure and Regulation of Health Professionals in the Area of Telehealth was adopted by ALEC's Health and Human Services Task Force and approved by the ALEC Board of Directors in 1999. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.
ALEC Resolution Text
WHEREAS, telehealth is a relatively recent innovation that utilizes telecommunications technology which transports patients or heath professionals across great distances; and
WHEREAS, telehealth is an important state issue that offers enhanced quality, efficiency, and access to health care; and
WHEREAS, the state-based system of licensure and regulation of health professionals has served all interests well; and
WHEREAS, the transportation of patients or health professionals across state boundaries via telecommunications raises interstate commerce issues that the United States Constitution grants to Congress; and
WHEREAS, the creation of a duplicative federal system of regulation for health professionals would be inefficient, unnecessary, not cost effective and further burden the health care delivery system.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that {State} urges Congress to properly safeguard patient safety and ensure high professional standards in the area of telehealth while maintaining the traditional state regulation of health professions.
BE IT RESOLVED, that {State} urges Congress to solely address the interstate commerce concerns of telehealth
BE IT RESOLVED, that {State} urges Congress to ensure state autonomy and regulation of the health professions
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution will be distributed to the Governor
Adopted by the Health and Human Services Task Force and approved by the ALEC Board
of Directors in 1999
