In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of sweeping legal changes have been observed in the field of telemedicine across the United States. This shift toward a more digitally enabled healthcare sector, though spurred by necessity amidst a global health crisis, could have long term ramifications for healthcare systems, legal professionals, and the public at large. These changes are keenly tracked and detailed, state by state, in a comprehensive report provided by legal firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP on JD Supra.
One such change of note is S. 2880, a bill designed to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. This bill aims to broaden the types of practitioners eligible for payment for telehealth services under the Medicare program. The passing of S. 2880 is expected to have far-reaching implications within the healthcare industry.
At a time when telehealth is playing an unprecedented role in providing safe and timely medical care, the evolution of legal avenues such as S. 2880 could help mitigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. Simultaneously, these changes also demand careful legal considerations and evaluations, both now and in an inevitable post-pandemic realm. Thus, telehealth’s rising prominence and associated legislation cannot be understated and should be meticulously understood by professionals working within the legal spectrum of the healthcare industry.
More light will undoubtedly be shed on this evolution as we traverse the unfolding landscape of COVID-19. Legal professionals, in particular, would do well to stay informed of these changes to navigate the intricate maze of emerging telehealth-related legislation successfully.