Thompson, others introduce legislation expanding telehealth options – Times Herald Online

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Solano

On Tuesday, U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Adrian Smith (NE-03), members of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, introduced HR 8151 – bipartisan legislation that would expand the list of eligible practitioners who provide telehealth services, including qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and audiologists.

Currently, these practitioners do not have permanent authority to provide electronic or virtual care to their patients. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, families have become dependent on telehealth. Congress must take action to preserve these authorities so that families, especially in rural and underserved areas, have equal access to world-class health care.

“Telehealth is a proven method of delivering healthcare to patients who need it, especially those in rural, hard-to-access and underserved communities. Permanently expanding telehealth capabilities to more practitioners just makes sense,” Thompson said in a press release. “I have been working to expand adoption and access to telehealth for decades, and I am grateful to Representatives Kelly and Smith for working with me to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will reduce barriers to health care access for Americans across the country.” land will diminish.”

Kelly was also happy with the news.

“Americans across the country, especially in rural areas, have seen the benefits of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seniors can now see their doctor from the comfort of their own home. Families with children have new flexibility to manage their busy lives.” Kelly said. “I am pleased to lead the expansion of these vital services to include more practitioners who play a critical role in caring for our communities. This bill makes great strides toward delivering modern solutions to the future health care needs of our constituents.”

Thompson is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Telehealth Caucus. He led bipartisan, bicameral legislation that immediately allowed seniors on Medicare to receive telehealth services for the duration of the public health emergency. Rep. Thompson also introduced legislation extending access to telehealth through 2024, which was later passed into law.