Us Congress House Bill HR676

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/12/23
• Refer: 9/12/23
• Refer: 9/15/23

Caption

Supporting the designation of the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as "Telehealth Awareness Week".

Impact

The resolution underscores legislative support for telehealth, demonstrating a bipartisan consensus on enhancing access to healthcare through virtual means. It emphasizes the need to maintain a balance between in-person and telehealth services, especially as the latter became crucial during the pandemic. The notable increase in telehealth usage among Medicare beneficiaries, who utilized these services 88 times more than before the pandemic, indicates a significant shift in how healthcare can be delivered, especially in rural and underserved communities. This shift could have lasting impacts on state healthcare laws by fostering a framework that encourages telehealth as a standard practice in many healthcare settings.

Summary

House Resolution 676 (HR676) aims to designate the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as 'Telehealth Awareness Week.' The resolution recognizes the essential role telehealth has played in providing health care services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when telehealth usage surged among Medicare beneficiaries. This legislation reflects a growing legislative effort to support and promote wider adoption of telehealth across the United States, highlighting its importance for patients, practitioners, and healthcare systems alike.

Contention

Although HR676 is primarily supportive and does not face the same level of debate as more contentious legislation might, there are underlying concerns regarding the accessibility and quality of telehealth services. Critics may argue about ensuring that telehealth does not replace traditional care methods but rather complements them, particularly for patients with complex health issues who might require in-person visits. Additionally, discussions around data privacy and the regulatory framework for telehealth services need to be addressed to safeguard patient information and maintain trust in virtual health delivery systems.