Two separate House bills would make several pandemic-era telehealth waivers permanent.
One proposal extends telehealth services for health centers and rural health clinics. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), a cosponsor, emphasized the significance of continued coverage for this service, which will otherwise expire at year’s end.
“Expanding telehealth in our community will allow patients to receive quality care in an efficient manner, regardless of their location,” he noted.
Burgess highlighted the importance of telehealth services and other emerging tech tools.
“With technological innovations improving daily, telehealth is the next step in ensuring the well-being of all American patients is prioritized in our healthcare system.”
Addressing the critical need to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, cosponsor Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) added, “Expanding telehealth access is an important step in ensuring that folks, no matter where they are, can receive safe, quality care.”
HR 8154 has been referred to both the US House Energy and Commerce Committee.
A second bill would permanently expand the list of practitioners eligible to provide telehealth services. These include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE).
Kelly highlighted the benefits of telehealth for Americans, especially in rural areas, stating, “Americans across the country, especially rural areas, have seen the benefits of telehealth services following the COVID-19 pandemic.” He emphasized the importance of expanding those critical services to cover more practitioners who play a vital role in caring for communities.
Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies to let those in need of healthcare get services remotely. Relevant home-based technologies can include computers and mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Or a nurse or other caregiver may provide telehealth from a medical office, long-term care facility or mobile van.
