Senators Bill Cassidy, MD. (R-LA) https://www.cassidy.senate.gov, Tina Smith (D-MN) https://www.smith.senate.gov, Dan Sullivan (R-AK) https://www.sullivan.senate.gov, and Doug Jones (D-AL) https://www.jones.senate.gov have introduced the Enhancing Preparedness Through Telehealth Act (S-4059) directing HHS to inventory telehealth programs across the country to learn how telehealth can be used more effectively in future health emergencies.
According to the legislation, in a recurring report to be performed every five years, HHS will do the following:
- Conduct an inventory of telehealth initiatives in existence, including their capacity to handle increased volume during the response to a public health emergency
- Identify methods to expand and interconnect regional health information networks along with state and regional broadband networks
- Evaluate ways to prepare for, monitor, and respond rapidly to or manage the events of a public health emergency through the enhanced use of telehealth technologies
- Identify methods for reducing legal barriers that deter healthcare professionals from providing telehealth service
- Evaluate ways to integrate the practice of telehealth within the National Disaster Medical System
- Promote greater coordination among existing federal interagency telehealth and health information technology initiatives
- Make recommendations related to updates on the use of telehealth in public health emergencies in Federal and State public health preparedness plans and determine of any actions need to be taken to implement the recommendations
Go to https://www.congress.gov for more details on S-4059.