Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2021

Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2022

This bill modifies the extension of certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, the bill provides that certain flexibilities continue to apply until December 31, 2024, if the emergency period ends before that date. The bill allows

• beneficiaries to continue to receive telehealth services at any site, regardless of type or location (e.g., the beneficiary's home);
• occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to continue to furnish telehealth services;
• federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to continue to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner);
• evaluation and management and behavioral health services to continue to be provided via audio-only technology; and
• hospice physicians and nurse practitioners to continue to complete certain requirements relating to patient recertifications via telehealth.

The bill also delays implementation of certain in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services until January 1, 2025, or the first day after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later.

Bill 117 HR 4040, also known as the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021, aims to expand access to telehealth services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill seeks to make permanent many of the temporary telehealth flexibilities that were put in place during the public health emergency.

One key provision of the bill is the removal of geographic restrictions on telehealth services, allowing patients to receive care from their homes regardless of where they are located. This would increase access to care for individuals in rural and underserved areas who may have limited access to healthcare facilities.

Additionally, the bill would allow healthcare providers to continue using telehealth for a wide range of services, including mental health counseling, chronic disease management, and preventive care. This would help to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by allowing patients to receive care in a more convenient and timely manner. The Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021 also includes provisions to ensure that telehealth services are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person services, promoting equity in healthcare delivery. The bill also includes measures to protect patient privacy and ensure the quality of care provided through telehealth. Overall, this legislation aims to build on the successes of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and make telehealth a permanent and integral part of the healthcare system in the United States.