JANUARY 2021 EDITION
National and State Telehealth Policy Update
January Telehealth Policy Update
-Scott Moody, MHA

H.R.5201 - Telemental Health Expansion Act of 2020 

Bill H.R. 5201 proposes to modify the requirements relating to coverage of mental health telehealth services under Medicare. Specifically, the bill removes restrictions that require the originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary) to be in a rural area and allows the home of a beneficiary to serve as the originating site for such services. The Bill was discharged from the Committee on Ways and Means on December 24th to go back to the entire House.
Educational Resources
The 8th Annual Telehealth Summit of SC recordings and presentations are available on the platform until January 31, 2021. Didn't register? It's not too late.
For more information on how to access the platform, click here.
Video: Legislative Panel
Did you miss the Legislative Panel at the Telehealth Summit? Hear from Representative Murrell Smith, Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Senator Tim Scott, and Congressman James Clyburn.

You can access more recordings from the Summit
by clicking here.
Telehealth Reimbursement Basics
The Center for Connected Health Policy created an animated video to help others understand how Telehealth Policy works in the United States.
Online Telehealth Modules
Did you know South Carolina AHEC offers free online telehealth modules?
In the News
New Bill Would Expand Telehealth Options for MAT, Substance Abuse Programs

-mHealthIntelligence

"A new bill before Congress aims to permanently allow healthcare providers to use telehealth in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for substance abuse and provide Medicare coverage for audio-only phone calls."
Carr Welcomes Launch of Round 2 of FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program

-Federal Communications Commission

"This new funding will allow the FCC to launch a second round of this successful telehealth initiative, building on the $200 million that Congress provided and the FCC awarded through this telehealth program last year."
FCC Wants Advice on Relaunching COVID-19 Telehealth Program

-mHealth Intelligence

"The agency is asking for public comments by January 19 on how to evaluate applicants for the next round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which received almost $250 million in the latest relief bill."
FCC Moves Forward on $3.2 Billion Emergency Broadband Program

-RCR Wireless News

"Congress created a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program aimed at helping more low-income customers get access to broadband during the coronavirus pandemic, and the Federal Communications Commission now has to put together the details of how that will work."
PCC Team Expands

In her position, Breanna Parham assists with the implementation and ongoing management of telehealth care in conjunction with standards, protocols, guidelines, policies and procedures. She works with pharmacies, churches and schools and other telehealth providers to set up telehealth programs, assisting as a tele-presenter when needed, and providing education and training on the use of telehealth equipment and services.
U.S. Senator Tim Scott: Permanently Expand Telehealth Coverage

By U.S. Senator Tim Scott Special to the Moultrie News

"This year has been full of unforeseen challenges. The pandemic has forced us to adjust many aspects of our daily lives as we adapt to a new normal. While technology has played a vital role in our push towards safe and effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, we have also come face to face with two long-standing issues: the digital divide and federal regulations that have not kept up with the pace of technological advancements."
Telehealth Growing in Popularity Due to COVID-19

"In this year of firsts because of the pandemic, doctors are seeing a greater number of patients through a computer screen.

Telehealth or telemedicine is a virtual visit with your doctor that’s gaining in popularity as this two-way video communication has now become the preferred choice for some patients.

When at Lexington Medical Center’s Saluda Pointe Urgent Care, you’ll hear “I’m Dr. Crump. I’ll be taking care of you today, virtually.”
Upcoming Events
Webinar Wednesday
January 27, 11am-12pm EST

Palmetto Care Connections offers free monthly webinars. Join us and Jason Cherry from Lexington Medical Center on January 27 to learn about Cybersecurity Best Practices in Health Care.