19 Feb 2021 Legislative Update-Week 7
We are quickly approaching the halfway point of the 2021 Legislative Session. This is the moment where bills will transfer from their originating chamber to the other for further consideration. While activity at the Statehouse may slow down during this transition, the IDA is gearing up for a busy second half. Below are key status updates on relevant bills.
HB 1079: Definition of Dentistry, Immunizations, Virtual Claim Payments
IDA’s bill, HB 1079, seeks to update the definition of dentistry, allows a dentist to administer vaccinations, and provides that a health insurance plan may not require a dental provider to accept payment solely by virtual credit card. The bill overwhelmingly passed out of the House and was referred to the Senate for further review.
SB3: Telehealth Matters
SB 3, related to various telehealth matters, passed out of the Senate and has been referred to the House. SB 3 would permanently codify many of the expansions in telehealth implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure all Hoosiers have access to the health care they need regardless of where they live.
This legislation would put legal safeguards in place for Hoosiers receiving virtual care and require telehealth medical records to be created and maintained under the same standards of practice for patients in an in-person setting.
The bill would also expand the application of the telehealth statute currently in place to include more licensed practitioners and specify the various activities that would qualify as health care services under telehealth law.
Senate Enrolled Act 1: Civil Immunity Related to COVID-19
SEA 1 was signed by Governor Holcomb yesterday at a private ceremony. The new law provides retroactive civil immunity for damages arising from COVID-19 on the premises owned or operated by a person, on any premises on which the person or an employee or agent of the person provides property or services to the individual, or during an activity managed, organized, or sponsored by the person, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
The law is retroactive to March 1, 2020 and should help protect Hoosier businesses against frivolous lawsuits.
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