arrow_back Back to App

Easier Telehealth Access for Rural Areas

This act aims to simplify access to remote medical services, especially for people in rural areas. Changes include removing geographic restrictions and allowing telehealth from home, increasing convenience and healthcare accessibility for many citizens. Additionally, rural hospitals and family health clinics will gain more flexibility in providing these services.
Key points
Elimination of geographic restrictions for telehealth services starting January 1, 2025, meaning patients can access online medical services regardless of their location.
Ability to receive telehealth services from one's home starting January 1, 2025, making it easier to see a doctor without travel.
Increased flexibility for Critical Access Hospitals to provide telehealth services, including billing them as hospital services.
Extension of telehealth service provision by Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics, with new payment rules.
Allowance for certain telehealth services to be furnished using audio-only technology starting January 1, 2025, important for those without high-speed internet access.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_3440
Sponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Process start date: 2023-05-17
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_3440.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-05-17.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Elimination of geographic restrictions for telehealth services starting January 1, 2025, meaning patients can access online medical services regardless of their location.
  • Ability to receive telehealth services from one's home starting January 1, 2025, making it easier to see a doctor without travel.
  • Increased flexibility for Critical Access Hospitals to provide telehealth services, including billing them as hospital services.
  • Extension of telehealth service provision by Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics, with new payment rules.
  • Allowance for certain telehealth services to be furnished using audio-only technology starting January 1, 2025, important for those without high-speed internet access.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Health