Bill would require telemedicine contracts to expand medical access in juvenile facilities

Senator Miles told the committee that youth in juvenile facilities can suffer delays in care because medical providers are often on site only once per week and facilities are remote.

Senate Bill 1778 would require TJJD to contract for telemedicine services to give youth access to physicians, advanced practice providers and registered nurses when those clinicians are not on site. Sponsor and medical witnesses said telemedicine can expedite outpatient treatment for rashes, wounds and other non-emergency conditions that can worsen when care is delayed.

Dr. Alexandria Laws, a pediatric resident, and Scott Lepore, medical director for TJJD, described cases in which delayed care led to complications, and they said telemedicine can allow timely diagnosis, treatment and better continuity for chronic conditions.

The committee heard invited testimony and public comment and left the bill pending while noting the need to define scope and protocols.