AHA backs legislation to protect access to telehealth services in rural areas

The AHA today expressed support for the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act (S. 1988), legislation that would make permanent several telehealth flexibilities provided under the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. In the letter, AHA said it supports the bill’s provision that would expand the list of permissible originating sites, allowing patients to access telehealth services from their homes. However, the association urges Congress to further expand the definition of originating sites to include any location where a patient receives a telehealth service. In addition, AHA supports providing and reimbursing for audio-only services.