Complete Story
03/11/2020
Congress Responds to COVID-19 Threat with Funding, Telehealth
Late last week, both Houses of Congress have cleared an $8.3 billion emergency spending package to address anticipated needs surrounding COVID-19, including funding for vaccine research, disease treatment and medical supplies. The legislation also provides some increased flexibility related to use of telehealth in areas hardest hit by the disease. The flexibilities provide authority for the HHS Secretary, under Section 1135, to waive the originating site requirement for telehealth and allow for expanded use of telephonic equipment as part of telehealth encounters under emergency circumstances. This provision may be of some assistance with respect to home health and hospice face-to-face encounter requirements, and may be of some use to attending physician services for hospice patients. The President signed the package on Friday, March 6.
(Article shared from NAHC)