With healthcare modernization on the agenda, Indiana’s Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed two pivotal bills into law on Friday, aiming to enhance accessibility to medical services for residents across the Hoosier State. These bills, steered by State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion), target pivotal upgrades in telehealth services and hearing aid accessibility, while also streamlining the process for dental professionals in Indiana.
House Enrolled Act 1031 brings the practice of dentistry into the current medical landscape by revising licensing regulations to allow experienced dentists from other states and Canadian provinces to practice more readily in Indiana. According to Indiana House Republicans, Goss-Reaves highlighted this bill’s focus on cutting through the red tape, saying, “This law helps remove unnecessary regulatory barriers and encourages more dental providers to practice in Indiana.” It also provides a method for dentists to supervise remotely, an operative change that aids the management of dental care within correctional facilities.
The second piece of legislation, House Enrolled Act 1572, broadens the scope of telehealth services and grants Hoosiers the ability to buy over-the-counter hearing aids without the necessity of procuring them from a licensed audiologist. Goss-Reaves pointed out to Indiana House Republicans that this could pave the way for over-the-counter options that are significantly more affordable. “Allowing over-the-counter purchase of hearing aids will permit Hoosiers to obtain this life-changing technology at a fraction of the cost and without unnecessary red tape,” Goss-Reaves said to Indiana House Republicans…