Advancing California’s Leadership in Telehealth Policy: A Telehealth Model Statute & Other Policy Recommendations ~ Link
In 1996, California passed one of the first telemedicine laws in the country, the Telemedicine Development Act of 1996 (TDA). At its passage, the TDA propelled California into a position of national leadership on telemedicine policy, giving credence to telemedicine as a legitimate means of providing health care services. The original intent of the TDA, as captured in the legislative language below, is as timely today as when it was first written 15 years ago.
“The use of telecommunications to deliver health services has the potential to reduce costs, improve quality, change the conditions of practice, and improve access to health care in rural and other medically underserved areas.”
Map courtesy of American Telemedicine Association