News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Representative John Mark Windle said Tennesseans should have the option to have a doctor’s visit virtually.
Windle said this week’s telehealth legislation will requires insurance companies to cover virtual medical services.
“The details get a little bit murky as to what the compensation is and who has to pay the compensation,” Windle said. “But certainly telemedicine is already here so we have to go along with some type of rules that allow the doctors to see patients over the computer.”
There are some issues how much the reimbursement rate should be since service options are widespread. Windle said whether or not a phone call visit, virtual visit, or in-person visit is cheaper or more expensive is subject to discussion.
Windle said he’s happy with the the Tennessee Covid-19 Relief Act. The bill protects small business owners from COVID-19 lawsuits.
“I hope it’s good for the small business women and men across the Upper Cumberland,” Windle said. “People want to get opened back up, they want to provide restaurant service and other type business that deal with the public. As long as they play by the rules, they should have some security that they will not be subjected to unfounded lawsuits.”
Americans have the right to express frustration against the government, Windle said, but law enforcement deserves the right to be protected.
“When you go to work every day, whether you’re a police person or a highway patrolman, you should not be subjected to being spit upon, or have been thrown on you, or be punched,” Windle said. “That’s not part of it, and that’s not part of the peaceful protest. I support the right to protest, but I also support the women and men who wear a uniform.”
Windle said he hopes the bill proves to be a fair set of rules protecting first responders. Protesters charged with unauthorized camping, vandalism of state property, or disrupting a meeting are to be held for at least 12 hours without bond, by default.
Windle is a Democratic Representative over District 41 which includes Morgan, Jackson, and Overton Counties as well as a portion of Fentress County.
