House Bill 8489
117th Congress(2021-2022)
Greater Access to Telehealth Act
Introduced
Introduced in House on Jul 26, 2022
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
8489
Congress
117
Policy Area
Health
Health
Primary focus of measure is science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease; health services administration and funding, including such programs as Medicare and Medicaid; health personnel and medical education; drug use and safety; health care coverage and insurance; health facilities. Measures concerning controlled substances and drug trafficking may fall under Crime and Law Enforcement policy area.
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary
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.
July 26, 2022
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07/26/2022
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
07/26/2022
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Dec 29, 2022 6:18:45 PM