Ohio Eliminates Telehealth Rules to Meet Coronavirus Challenges

Ohio has moved to make it easier for residents to access medical services via telehealth technologies at a time when non-essential health appointments have been postponed due to the new coronavirus.

Gov. Mike DeWine (R) on Saturday said he signed an executive order removing requirements that patients have an initial in-person office visit and that health professionals have specific telehealth training.

“We want to ensure that people are caring for themselves, both mentally and physically. Since most non-essential doctors’ appointments have been postponed, telehealth services are being more widely utilized every day,” DeWine said. “At this time of social distancing and stay-at-home orders we’re trying to ensure that those who needs these services can get them. They can access them without leaving their homes,” he said.

Noting the strain that the spread of the new coronavirus has imposed on individuals, DeWine highlighted benefits the order could bring to those seeking behavior health services. Individuals can seek help from marriage counselors, family counselors, and addiction specialists, he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Stephen Joyce in Chicago at sjoyce@bloomberglaw.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Melissa B. Robinson at mrobinson@bloomberglaw.com, Tina May at tmay@bloomberglaw.com,