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.

This bill makes permanent several telehealth flexibilities under Medicare that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19.

Specifically, the bill permanently allows (1) federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner); (2) beneficiaries to receive telehealth services at any site, regardless of type or location; (3) any type of practitioner to furnish telehealth services, subject to approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and (4) audio-only evaluation and management and behavioral health services.