Considerations for Providers*
- Stay informed about implications and timing of policy changes for coverage, reimbursement, and licensure requirements
- Gain familiarity with licensure compacts for cross-state telehealth practice
- Develop infrastructure, resources, and training to support long-term sustainability of telehealth programs
Considerations for Policy Makers
- Maintain coverage and payment parity policies beyond the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)
- Maintain as an originating site any geographic location and patient setting, including the home, where telehealth services can be rendered
- Expand capability of HIPAA for telemedicine, allowing providers to continue to use virtual platforms that have the proper security and privacy features
- Relax requirements for e-prescription of controlled substances that allow providers to prescribe medications without an in-person evaluation where appropriate
- More closely align reimbursement rates of telehealth visits compared to in-person visits
- Eliminate barriers that prevent telehealth providers from practicing across state lines during future public health emergencies
*Reference: VanderWerf, M., Bernard, J., Barta, D. Pandemic Action Plan Policy and Regulatory Summary Telehealth Policy and Regulatory Considerations During a Pandemic. Telemedicine and e-Health. 15 Jul 2021.
