In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of telehealth, and its subset, telemedicine, has been significant. Medical practitioners need to pay attention to the shifting telehealth landscape on topics such as licensing, exceptions to in-person care, acceptable electronic communication technology, labeling of visits, prescription drug monitoring program queries, and record-keeping to maintain proper
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has issued additional blanket waivers retroactive to March 1, 2020 through the end of the emergency declaration to help healthcare providers contain the spread of COVID-19. The updated waivers were released on April 29, 2020 and are an update from those issued on April 21, 2020. The
CMS has expanded Medicare telehealth benefits on a temporary and emergency basis pursuant to the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. Starting March 6, 2020, Medicare will pay for office, hospital, and other visits furnished via telehealth provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. The HHS Office of Inspector
The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping many areas of law and regulation as businesses grapple with maintaining compliance, while also responding to the fluid needs of their clients and employees. In an effort to ease the regulatory burden on businesses, certain government agencies have made announcements that their offices will exercise discretion or waive certain noncompliance
During the 2016 regular Legislative session, the Louisiana Legislature amended and reenacted several statutes relative to the practice of telemedicine. Under the prior legislation, a physician was required to conduct an in-person patient history and physical exam before engaging in a telemedicine encounter. Now, a physician who is either licensed in the state of Louisiana
During the 2014 Legislative session, the Louisiana Legislature enacted the Louisiana Telehealth Access Act (the “Act”), La. R.S. 40:1300.401 et seq. In the Act, the Louisiana Legislature declared telehealth to be “extremely valuable” because it enhances access to care, promotes cost-effective delivery of care, and could improve health outcomes.[1] The Act, which became effective