~Claire Ernst J.D. Government Affairs Director MGMA
On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package into law, which extended certain telehealth flexibilities related to the PHE. The following waivers will be in effect for an additional 151 days following the conclusion of the PHE:
- Originating site and geographic location: Patients can continue to be treated via telehealth anywhere, including their homes
- Qualifying providers: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and audiologists can furnish distant site telehealth services
- Audio-only services: CMS must continue covering and reimbursing these services
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs): FQHCs and RHCs can be distant sites and be reimbursed
As a reminder, the PHE is in effect until April 16, 2022. It is likely that it will be renewed at least one more time for 90 days.