As 2015 winds down, I think it is safe to say that it has been a whirlwind year in telehealth. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), over 200 telehealth-related bills were introduced in 42 states. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has launched an interstate physician licensure compact that creates
The 5 Issues That Trouble Regulators When Evaluating Direct-to-Consumer Telehealth
There can be no question that telehealth has gone mainstream. The numbers speak volumes. Telehealth companies have been able to raise almost $500 million since 2007 according to a noted venture capital analyst. A recent study indicated that U.S. employers could save up to $6 billion a year through telehealth. Per the American Telemedicine Association,
FSMB Releases Completed Draft Framework for Interstate Physician Licensure
On September 5, 2014, the Federation of State Medical Boards, a nonprofit organization representing the 70 state medical and osteopathic boards nationwide, announced the completion of its drafting process for its Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (“Compact”). Finalizing the Compact is a critical step toward removing one of the major barriers preventing a greater proliferation of
FSMB Releases Revised Draft Framework for Interstate Physician Licensure
One of the largest hurdles to the growth of telehealth—the lack of a streamlined process for obtaining physician licensure in multiple states—is one step closer to being scaled. The Federation of State Medical Boards (“FSMB”) recently released a revised draft of its Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (“Compact”). This revised draft is a continuation of efforts
Physician Licensure Compact and the Future of Telemedicine
A significant barrier to the interstate practice of telehealth is closer to being broken down. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has completed and distributed a draft Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, designed to facilitate physician licensure portability that should enhance the practice of interstate telehealth. Essentially, the compact would create an additional licensing pathway,