Greater Access to Telehealth Act 2022-07-26 Introduced in House Greater Access to Telehealth Act

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, 2026, 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, 2027, or the first day after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later.

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