Annapolis, Maryland–By a unanimous vote, the Maryland State Legislature approved HB1149 and SB 781, sponsored by Delegate Susan C. Lee and Senator Catherine E. Pugh, mandating that health insurers pay for telemedicine services. Governor O’Malley is expected to sign the bill into law this month. Maryland has joined 12 other states that have passed similar legislation.

Remarked Delegate (District 16): “I commend the American Heart and Stroke Association, Jennifer Witten and advocates Dr. Neal Reynolds, Teresa Zent, Gary Capistrant with the American Telemedicine Association, Dr. Karen Rheuban Medical Director of the Office of Telemedicine at the University of Virginia. They and the other distinguished experts worked with me and Senator Pugh in passing this important legislation.”

“Now physicians can be reimbursed for vital health care services delivered through telemedicine, thereby allowing lifesaving services to be provided to patients in rural, remote, or underserved communities or in critical care or emergency situations such as trauma, cardiac arrest or stroke–when minutes matter.”

Senator Pugh of Baltimore City District 40 said: “I am grateful to be a part of such life changing legislation. This legislation increases the opportunities for those living in underserved and rural communities to receive the medical care they might need. It also received by-partisan support because we understand that everyone deserves quality and expert care”.