Telehealth Policy Center: Shaping the Future of Connected Care

119th Congress Policy Priorities

Advancing Digital Health Policy: CTeL's 119th Congress Priorities

The Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL) is championing key policy initiatives in the 119th Congress to improve access, innovation, and affordability in digital health. Here’s a look at CTeL’s top priorities:

1. Permanent Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

Telehealth flexibilities introduced during the pandemic expanded care access and reduced costs. CTeL advocates for eliminating geographic and originating site restrictions to maintain continuity of care for Medicare beneficiaries. Evidence from our research demonstrates significant cost savings, such as $33M in Florida alone during a six-month period.

2. Telemedicine Special Registration Rule

To sustain progress in combating drug overdoses, Congress must urge the DEA to finalize the Congressionally mandated telemedicine special registration rule. This ensures patients maintain uninterrupted access to life-saving medication-assisted treatments via telehealth.

3. Safe Harbor for Telehealth HDHPs

CTeL supports extending safe harbor provisions for telehealth coverage under High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) to ensure 60% of Americans retain access to preventive virtual care without deductible barriers.

4. Expanding Remote Monitoring Services

Remote monitoring technologies reduce hospitalizations and improve outcomes. CTeL calls for legislation mandating payment for services requiring just two days of data collection, unlocking the potential of devices like smartwatches and glucose monitors in managing chronic conditions and supporting addiction recovery.

5. AI in Healthcare Policy

CTeL applauds the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group’s roadmap and highlights the need for increased funding for AI research, testing, and safety measures. We invite Congress to our March 2025 AI Showcase to witness the transformative impact of AI on healthcare delivery.

The rapid evolution of telehealth is transforming healthcare delivery, providing patients with increased access to care, convenience, and innovative solutions. But with these advancements come complex policy challenges that must be addressed to ensure seamless, equitable care. Our Telehealth Policy Center is your comprehensive resource for navigating the ever-changing landscape of telehealth regulations and best practices.

Key Areas of Focus

Licensure and Interstate Practice Telehealth’s ability to connect providers and patients across state lines is essential for expanding access to care. Our licensure policy resources address the evolving rules for multi-state practice, compact agreements, and guidelines for both new and established providers navigating interstate care. Whether you’re seeking clarity on state-specific requirements or exploring the benefits of licensure compacts, we’ve got you covered.

Reimbursement Policies Reimbursement remains one of the most critical aspects of telehealth’s future sustainability. Our policy center provides insights into federal and state reimbursement rules for Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers. Learn more about how to maximize reimbursement opportunities, stay compliant with changing guidelines, and ensure that your telehealth services are financially viable.

Prescribing Laws and Virtual Prescribing Telehealth prescribing, particularly for controlled substances, presents unique challenges. We provide up-to-date information on federal regulations such as the Ryan Haight Act, temporary waivers, and evolving state laws that govern virtual prescribing. Discover what your organization needs to know about e-prescribing, patient safety, and liability concerns as telehealth prescribing continues to grow.

Mental and Behavioral Health Services Telehealth is a game-changer for delivering mental and behavioral health services, reducing barriers to care for millions. Our resources explore telehealth policy developments in mental health, including reimbursement for therapy and counseling, prescribing for mental health conditions, and the use of telehealth in addressing the mental health crisis. We also cover telehealth’s role in expanding access to behavioral health services in underserved areas.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telehealth AI is revolutionizing healthcare, and its role in telehealth is growing exponentially. Our center explores the integration of AI-powered tools in telehealth, from virtual assistants that streamline administrative tasks to predictive analytics that improve clinical decision-making. Stay informed on the regulatory considerations, ethical implications, and future trends in AI-enabled telehealth.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Remote monitoring technologies have the potential to transform chronic care management and post-acute care. Learn about the policies shaping RPM reimbursement, privacy regulations, and data security standards, and discover how RPM can enhance patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. Stay ahead of the curve on the latest innovations and compliance requirements in this rapidly expanding field.

Telehealth Policy Insights & Updates

Stay informed with our regularly updated insights, featuring the latest in telehealth policy developments, legal changes, and technology advancements. Our team of experts provides analysis and guidance on how new laws and regulations impact healthcare providers, health systems, and patients alike.

Join the Conversation

We believe that the future of healthcare is digital—and policy is at the core of that transformation. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, policymaker, or industry leader, our Telehealth Policy Center is here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the evolving telehealth landscape.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the intersection of telehealth, digital health, and legislation has become a focal point for ensuring accessible, efficient, and quality healthcare services.

CTeL stands as a resource for those needing to stay informed, engaged, and empowered within this ever-changing environment.

As the world continues to embrace telehealth and digital health solutions, policymakers play a pivotal role in shaping the regulations that govern these transformative technologies. From remote consultations to AI-driven diagnostics, the ways we access, and experience healthcare are undergoing a fundamental shift. At CTeL, we recognize the critical need for well-informed and balanced policy decisions that not only encourage innovation but also safeguard patient rights, data privacy, and equitable access to care.

Whether you are seeking clarity on the latest regulatory updates, exploring the ethical implications of data-driven healthcare, or simply aiming to contribute to the discourse, CTeL is your go-to platform for all things related to healthcare policy in the digital age.

  • CTeL closely tracks licensure laws and regulations and keeps its members apprised of relevant policy updates for the following licensees:

    1. Dentist

    2. Nurse

    3. Pharmaceutical

    4. Physician

    5. Physician Associate

    6. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

    For more information on Licensure, click here.

  • In the realm of telemedicine, each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the establishment of a practitioner-patient relationship. While all states allow physicians to form such relationships via telemedicine, there may be certain variations and conditions to consider. Some states impose specific requirements on the patient's location, or the modalities used for establishing the relationship. To gain a better understanding, it is advisable to review the specific laws and regulations of each state.

    For more information on Practitioner-Patient Relationship Policy.

  • CTeL tracks reimbursement rules and regulations for Medicare, Medicaid, as well as Private Payers.

    For more information on Reimbursement policy.

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) included a series of requirements for the protection of personal health information (PHI) to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of patient data. Covered entities who must be “HIPAA compliant” are health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, healthcare providers, and, per the HITECH Act of 2009, business associates who have access to PHI.

    For more information on HIPAA policy.

  • Telehealth allows physicians to treat patients from various locations and distances. With growing technologies and capabilities, physicians can perform physical exams from afar. However, there are certain requirements and policies each state requires for their physicians to follow, ensuring the continuation of high-quality healthcare across the board. In addition to state requirements, practitioners must be mindful of the federal requirements, specifically Medicaid and Medicare, for telehealth examinations.

    For more information on Physician Exam Requirements.

  • In 2020, federal and state agencies enacted temporary changes to telehealth policies to ensure access to care during the coronavirus pandemic. The Public Health Emergency (PHE) gave agencies temporary authority to expand telehealth use for the duration of the PHE. When the PHE ends, all “waivers” put in place during the emergency period will go away. Some states have taken steps to make pandemic-era changes permanent after the Public Health Emergency has passed.

    For more information on PHE Waiver policy.

  • Telepsych, Telemental Health, and ePrescribing are big ticket policy items at the moment. CTeL is working to construct, educate, and empower the telehealth community through policy and action.

    For more information on Mental and Behavioral Health policy.

House Energy & Commerce Committee: Committee with significant jurisdiction over health legislation. 

House Ways & Means Committee: Primarily concerned with tax-writing and revenue. 

House Appropriations Committee: Allocates federal funds to government agencies. 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee: Committee with significant jurisdiction over health legislation. 
Senate Finance Committee: Primarily concerned with tax-writing and revenue. 

Senate Appropriations Committee: Allocates federal funds to government agencies. 

Senate AI Working Group Report “Driving U.S. Innovation in Artificial Intelligence”: Lays out a detailed policy roadmap for approaching the risks and benefits of AI. 

Ask a Policy Expert

CTeL is a small team, but we are nationally recognized for our telehealth policy expertise. With nearly 30 years in the field, we’ve been through it all. Do you have a specific policy question that you are wrestling with or struggling to find the answer to? We can help.

Fill out the form to the right to connect with us. These telehealth policy wonks are ready to help.