AFP-MS Responds to State Medical Licensure Board’s Backtracking on Telemedicine

Mar 26, 2020 by AFP

JACKSON, MS—Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi (AFP-MS) today responded to the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure’s decision to backtrack part of their previous ruling that allowed Mississippians to use telemedicine to access health care from the safety of their homes. The board originally expanded access to care by allowing physicians licensed in other states to treat patients in Mississippi without having a previous relationship, but recently withdrew this decision.

AFP-MS applauds the board for keeping in place the ability for in-state doctors to see patients with whom they did not have a previous relationship. There should be no distinction in this case between in-state and out-of-state doctors who are licensed to practice medicine. As the need increases for access to medical professionals in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, AFP-MS urges state officials to remove red tape that stands in the way of patients receiving the care they need.

AFP-MS Interim State Director Forest Thigpen issued the following statement:

“The Board of Medical Licensure was wrong to re-impose unnecessary restrictions on the use of telemedicine. Mississippians should be free to see any qualified health professional who is available, including through the use of telehealth technology. If the quickest and best way to receive care is to talk to a licensed doctor from another state, no state agency should interfere with that. We urge the board to reinstate their original order and provide more access to care without Mississippians having to risk exposure to the coronavirus that may come through in-person visits to doctors’ offices.”

For further information or an interview, reach Nicole Tardif at NTardif@afphq.org or (571) 329-0161.