The Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill that would allow physicians to certify maximum medical improvement or impairment ratings remotely.
H.B. 3098 would amend the state’s labor code to allow a medical examination to certify maximum medical improvement or an impairment rating to be conducted via telemedicine. However, a health care professional — which may include licensed or certified individual authorized to administer health care — must be physically present in the same room as the employee being assessed to assist in administering any necessary tests during the certifying physician’s remote evaluation.
If signed into law, the legislation would take effect Sept. 1, 2021.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health has introduced an all-inclusive telemedicine program, Atrium Health Virtual Edge, to expand healthcare services in Georgia and the Carolinas, Becker’s Hospital Review reports. Atrium Health also provides virtual urgent and primary care to companies as part of its employer offerings that focus on lowering healthcare expenditures.