The Academy has joined 375 organizations in a letter to bipartisan leadership of the U.S. Senate urging action on telehealth legislation this fall. This letter outlines a request for Senate to pass a two-year extension of critical telehealth polices enacted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to push for permanent extension. These policies are set to expire 151-days following the end of the PHE. Our request for action includes waiving geographic limitations, removing in-person requirements for telemental health, ensuring continued access to clinically appropriate controlled substances without in-person requirements, and increasing access to telehealth services in the commercial market.

Physicians have relied on these key flexibilities when providing medically necessary services to patients under the current PHE. The need for these telehealth flexibilities is expected to remain following the end of the PHE as access to virtual care continues to expand and transform our health care system. Your Academy continues to prioritize patient access and continuity of care by monitoring opportunities that push for comprehensive, permanent telehealth reform. Members with questions about telehealth policy extensions and our Academy advocacy can contact staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org.