The “inconsistent patchwork” of state telehealth laws “hinders...

(http://1.usa.gov/1mCyJy4) in the hopes of bringing clarity by creating a federal definition of telehealth. “By establishing a workable federal definition of federal health, I'm hopeful states will look to this legislation for guidance in developing clear and consistent telehealth principles that benefit the nation as a whole,” Johnson said. Telehealth has received increased attention, with consumer advocates expressing concern about the practice’s privacy protections and about what they call a lack of government oversight. Matsui and Johnson’s bill would not address either issue, but Johnson stressed “privacy needs to be central” to any telehealth policy that states develop. “We've got hackers who hack into our databases; what’s to keep intruders from hacking into a telehealth session?” he said. But the first step is laying out a telehealth definition and principles “using a highest common denominator approach,” Matsui said. In the last year, more than 40 states have considered varying types of telehealth legislation, she said, creating market confusion that hinders telehealth for minorities, seniors and the disabled, which telehealth benefits. “Telehealth is, and will continue to be, invaluable in helping to resolve some of our nation’s most pressing health disparities,” she said.