A new Arizona law could permanently expand statewide use of virtual and telephonic doctors visits, which became more commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The law, signed by Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday, makes permanent telehealth flexibility that had been permitted under executive orders Ducey issued during Arizona s COVID-19 public health emergency.
The law takes effect immediately, officials with the Governor s Office said.
One key provision of that expanded flexibility was requiring health care insurance companies to expand telehealth coverage for all services that would normally be covered for an in-person visit. It catapults Arizona to the front of the line in terms of telehealth law nationally, said Dr. Ronald Weinstein, founding director of the University of Arizona s Arizona Telemedicine Program and a president emeritus of the American Telemedicine Association. It s huge.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill into law expanding telehealth medicine, helping vulnerable communities in the state while also making sure doctors get paid fairly.
(Photo credit: cromaconceptovisual - Pixabay)
Many cities and counties have chosen to keep their own mask mandates in place at this time despite Gov. Doug Ducey’s lifting of the restrictions relating to COVID-19 in the state of Arizona.
With the executive order being enacted on March 25, several counties and cities like Phoenix are still continuing to keep their mask mandate in city or government buildings affect for the time being.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stressed in a statement and a following tweet that protecting public health must come first, and that masks are the best and fastest way to fully reopen and recover.
Comments from Arizona governor, others on COVID-19 order ncadvertiser.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ncadvertiser.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Arizona’s health care industry serves as key economic driver
Arizona’s health care industry has proven to be an important business sector across the state, not only for patient care but also for increased economic development, according to leading economists and industry advocates.
Experts say there are a number of reasons for the industry’s durability and success. One major factor is a “competitiveness package” that was adopted by the state Legislature and former Governor Jan Brewer a decade ago.
The 2011 package was designed to encourage business investment and diversify the state’s economy in the state in the wake of the Great Recession.