ATA Unveils FixLicensure.org to Remove Medical Licensure Barriers, Advance Telemedicine

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Telemedicine Association has launched a new initiative, FixLicensure.org, to reform U.S. medical licensing practices which inhibit the efficient delivery of quality, modern healthcare. The current licensing system limits patient access to the best healthcare by requiring providers to obtain multiple state licenses and adhere to diverse, sometimes conflicting state medical practice rules.  FixLicensure.org aims to foster public support and petition legislators to remove these barriers, thereby increasing consumer choice, improving safety and cutting costs for patients across America.  

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"Telemedicine technologies empower patients to receive world-class healthcare, regardless of what state they—or their doctor—are physically located.  Unfortunately, our antiquated medical licensure system limits the deployment of these vital services," said Jonathan D. Linkous, Chief Executive Officer of the American Telemedicine Association.   "It is wrong to deny a patient healthcare because of state boundaries and overly cumbersome state licensing rules."  

FixLicensure.org is gathering signatures in support of a nation-wide, licensure portability system. Medical professionals, organizations involved in the delivery of healthcare and healthcare consumers are encouraged to show their support. Signatories of the petition will be shared with Congressional leaders, State Medical Licensure Boards and Federal healthcare agencies to show a strong, united demand for licensure reform.

For more information, visit www.FixLicensure.org.

The American Telemedicine Association is the leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies. ATA and its diverse membership work to fully integrate telemedicine into healthcare systems to improve quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. Established in 1993, ATA is headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information visit www.americantelemed.org.

CONTACT: Benjamin Forstag, 202-223-3333, [email protected]

SOURCE American Telemedicine Association