Oct. 27, 2016
HARRISBURG – Legislation by Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton/Franklin) that will increase access to quality health care was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday. This is Topper’s first bill to become law.
“I’m pleased this bill was passed unanimously in the House and Senate and was signed into law by Gov. Wolf. It’s my hope this piece of legislation will make quality health care more accessible and affordable for Pennsylvanians, especially those in underserved areas, and lays the groundwork for greater use of telemedicine across state lines.”
Act 112 of 2016 allows Pennsylvania to become the 18th state to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which was created in 2013. Today’s technology allows a doctor in one state to provide consultation and treatment to a patient living in another state, possibly hundreds of miles away, through telemedicine technology.
The licensure compact, spearheaded by the Federation of State Medical Boards, is designed to permit eligible licensed physicians in one state to treat patients in other states via telemedicine, increasing health care access to patients in underserved areas.
Pennsylvania is now included in a growing list of states that have enacted legislation to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Similar legislation is pending in Michigan.
“I want to thank everyone who supported this bill and especially those who voted for it. I’m glad to see the hard work has paid off,” Topper said.
Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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