PHI’s Mei Wa Kwong Gives National Perspective of Complex Federal Telehealth Laws & Guidelines, Highlighting Regions Like Central New York

“As telehealth continues to evolve, understanding the complex landscape of laws and guidelines is crucial, particularly in regions like Central New York. Currently, telehealth accessibility is shaped by a mix of federal and state policies, with significant implications for patients and providers alike.

To help understand how federal and state legislation are contributing to telehealth accessibility locally, WAER’s Kat Kollins spoke with Mei Kwong, Executive Director for the Center for Connected Health Policy.

Role of the Center for Connected Health Policy

The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) plays a pivotal role in navigating these complexities. As the National Telehealth Policy Resource Center, CCHP provides technical assistance and tracks telehealth policies at both state and federal levels. Their efforts help ensure that healthcare providers and patients stay informed about the latest developments in telehealth legislation. Kwong elaborates, “We track all of the state Medicaid policies, laws and regulations related to telehealth and we also do that for on the federal level as well too.”

Federal Telehealth Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the federal level, telehealth policies have largely been influenced by temporary waivers introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These waivers allowed for an expanded use of telehealth under Medicare, and these provisions are set to remain in effect until the end of 2024. According to Kwong, “The expansions that they allowed for telehealth use in the Medicare program have remained. So, they are valid through the end of this year.”

Kwong also mentions, “There is legislation moving through Congress to extend it an additional two years.” However, without further legislative action, these temporary measures will expire, potentially impacting millions of Medicare beneficiaries who rely on telehealth services.

New York State’s Telehealth Expansions

On the state level, New York has implemented several expansions in its Medicaid program to enhance telehealth access compared to pre-pandemic levels. This includes broader coverage policies, although specifics can vary, encompassing different areas such as prescribing, licensure, and privacy regulations. For instance, telehealth can be used for prescribing controlled substances under federal extensions until the end of 2024, while state-level regulations cover other prescriptions.

Kwong explains, “For example, if you’re talking about a controlled substance, that’s on the federal level to handle. That’s also been essentially extended until the end of 2024, like those COVID-19 extensions…”

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Originally published by WAER 88.3 FM