BILL ANALYSIS
AB 175
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 175 (Galgiani)
As Amended June 24, 2009
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |77-0 |(May 21, 2009) |SENATE: |40-0 |(September 4, |
| | | | | |2009) |
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Original Committee Reference: HEALTH
SUMMARY : Expands, for the purposes of Medi-Cal reimbursement,
until January 1, 2013, the definition of "teleophthalmology and
teledermatology by store and forward" to include services of a
licensed optometrist.
The Senate amendments clarify a reference to a consulting of an
ophthalmologist or other physician and surgeon.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Defines, for the purposes of Medi-Cal, "teleophthalmology and
teledermatology by store and forward" as transmission of
medical information to be reviewed at a later time and at a
distant site by a physician who is trained in ophthalmology or
dermatology, where the physician at the distant site reviews
the medical information without the patient being present in
real time.
2)Prohibits health plans and insurers, including Medi-Cal, from
requiring face-to-face contact for services appropriately
provided through telemedicine.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill was substantially similar
to the version passed by the Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, this bill will increase General Fund costs by $36,000
to $102,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2009-10; $75,000 to $237,000 in
FY 2010-11; and, $86,000 to $270,000 in FY 2011-12. This bill
would increase federal funds costs by $53,000 to $167,000 in FY
2009-10; $96,000 to $302,000 in FY 2010-11; and, $86,000 to
$270,000 in FY 2011-12.
AB 175
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Analysis Prepared by : Allegra Kim / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097
FN: 0002665