OLYMPIA… Sen. Ann Rivers’ legislation to allow even more telemedicine consultations throughout Washington was signed today at a state Capitol ceremony. Senate Bill 5423 was passed unanimously by the Senate and the House of Representatives during the 2021 legislative session, which ended April 25.

“For years, Republicans have worked to expand access to health care for all of Washington by harnessing the reach and convenience of telemedicine. This new policy will build on that foundation by allowing licensed practitioners from out-of-state to consult with Washington-licensed practitioners when diagnosing or treating patients in our state,” said Rivers, a member of the Senate health-care committee.

“To me it’s a convenient way to bring in outside medical expertise,” she said, “and this piece of legislation is so appropriate for 2021, considering how many things are being done ‘virtually’ these days.”

The new law will take effect July 25.

Gov. Jay Inslee signs SB 5423 on May 10 at the state Capitol.