Summary:

 Senate Bill 12  (SB12)  allows out of state health care providers who have obtained a New Mexico Telehealth License to provide second opinions and consultations for treatment of patients in New Mexico. SB12 also expands the number of health care providers to provide telehealth services.  

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 12 (SB12):  As used in the New Mexico Telehealth Act, new language now states that consultation for prospective treatment means communications between a patient in New Mexico and an out of state health care provider that are in relation to treatments or services that the patient will receive if the patient travels to the state in which the out-of-state health care provider is licensed, certified or registered. 

Additional providers are listed under this legislation to include a certified peer support worker, or any other health care professional who has received a Medicaid provider identification number from the health care authority.

An additional definition is also provided to mean, out-of-state health care provider, means a person who is licensed, certified or registered to provide health care in another state but has not obtained a license to provide telehealth services in New Mexico.

A second opinion means a medical opinion following a diagnosis or course of treatment that came from a health care provider licensed in New Mexico.  Under new language pertaining to the scope of the act, out-of-state healthcare providers shall be permitted to provide second opinions and consultations for prospective treatment to patients in New Mexico.