Congress Extends Telehealth Flexibilities for Another Two Years

Congress has again acted to provide a longer extension and has officially untied the flexibilities from the existence of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). The omnibus spending bill passed before the end of the year continues the Medicare telehealth flexibilities for two calendar years, regardless of the status of the PHE, through December 31, 2024. These include:

• Waiving the geographic restrictions and originating site requirements (Sec. 4113(a))
• Expanding the list of practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services (Sec. 4113(b))
• Delaying the in-person visit requirement before a patient receives mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications (Sec. 4113(d))
• Allowing for telehealth services through audio-only telecommunications (Sec. 4113(e))
• Allowing for telehealth to be used for a required face-to-face encounter prior to the recertification of a patient’s eligibility for hospice care (Sec. 4113(f))

The Society is currently reviewing all implications of this legislation and will provide more information as appropriate.