AARP Pennsylvania Hails Governor's Signature on Bill Expanding Telehealth Options for State Residents

New law will improve health care access for older adults and their family caregivers

News provided by

Oct 26, 2016, 06:29 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Wolf's signature on legislation that will allow licensed physicians in one state to treat patients in other states via telehealth technologies was praised today by AARP Pennsylvania.

The enactment of HB 1619 makes Pennsylvania the 18^th state to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which encourages physicians to provide care both in-person or through telehealth technologies in multiple states. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78).

AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh said improving the availability of telehealth services is especially important in Pennsylvania, which includes both the nation's third-largest rural population and fourth-oldest population.

"This new law will help older adults and those living in rural or underserved areas use telehealth technologies to access an expanded network of physicians when those providers are unavailable in their area or when getting out of the house is difficult," he said.

Johnston-Walsh added the new law will also greatly benefit Pennsylvania's 1.6 million family caregivers.

"Approval of HB 1619 will help older adults remain at home longer by providing access to home and community-based services (HCBS) in new ways, making it easier for family caregivers to provide care for their loved ones," he said. "Broader adoption of telehealth technologies holds tremendous promise for older Pennsylvanians and their family caregivers."

AARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. Follow AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AARPPA and on Twitter @AARPPA.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into "Real Possibilities" by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine, and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp on Twitter.