The Latest Telehealth Legislation
A vote is expected to be made soon within the Senate regarding the extension of COVID-19 temporary waivers; The House of Representatives voted 416-12 to pass the “Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act.” This legislation would continue Medicare patient access to telehealth services, including audio-only services. This extension, if passed within the Senate, will extend temporary waivers that have been put in place due to the PHE all the way through December 31, 2024. Below is a list of continuing waivers from Karen Zupko & Associates Inc.:
- Continuing the pause on geographic restrictions limiting the patient’s location to a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or a rural health professional shortage area (HPSA) (some exceptions). The patient’s home is still an acceptable location.
- Allowing the expanded list of eligible providers (i.e., PT, OT, SLP, and audiologists) to continue to provide telehealth services on the Medicare approved list within their scope of practice.
- Continuing coverage for non-mental health audio-only visits.
- Continue allowing FQHCs and RHCs to be distant site telehealth providers for non-mental health visits.
- Delaying certain mental health visit requirements for in-person visits.
- Allowing telehealth to satisfy face-to-face encounters before hospice care recertifications.
Sources:
kpage_drupal. “House-Passed Bill Would Extend Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities : AHA News.”
American Hospital Association | AHA News, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2022-07-28
house-passed-bill-would-extend-medicare-telehealth
flexibilities#:~:text=The%20House%20yesterday%20voted%20416,COVID%2D19%20public%20
ealth%20emergency.
“KZA Telehealth Solutions Center.” KZA Telehealth Solution Center – Access Page,
https://karenzupko.com/KZA-telehealth-solution-center-access.