Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers at both the federal and state level have worked to expand the availability of telehealth services. Since telehealth , in many cases, is viewed to provide a convenient, accessible and safe alternative to in-person visits with healthcare providers, it has been considered an effective tool to maintain … Continue Reading
On January 8, 2022, Minister of Health Roberto Speranza and Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition Vittorio Colao, in an article published in the Italian press, made a number of announcements about the timing of the Italian government’s intended investment in digital health. This investment forms part of the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan … Continue Reading
In March 2020, the State Medical Board of Ohio issued guidance temporarily relaxing Ohio’s telemedicine rules for physicians, permitting physicians to use telemedicine in place of in-person visits in many circumstances for the duration of Ohio’s COVID-19 state of emergency declaration. With Governor DeWine’s termination of the state of emergency in June of 2021, the … Continue Reading
As previously reported, Congress and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have removed longstanding regulatory barriers to the broad deployment of telehealth for general care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In parallel, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has established the Federal Communication Commission (“FCC”) COVID-19 Telehealth Program, (the “FCC Program”) to … Continue Reading
On April 30, 2020, a Squire Patton Boggs Partner will co-present a complimentary webinar, Privacy Law, Coronavirus, and Post-Pandemic Best Practices. The program, organized by Bloomberg Law, will address recent HIPAA changes and temporary waivers, telehealth privacy and cyber considerations, and practical tips and recommendations to manage privacy and cyber risk during these challenging times. … Continue Reading
On March 17, 2020, in response to the national COVID-19 public health emergency, divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined a series of policy changes regarding telehealth services. In an effort meant to expand the capacity of the healthcare system and protect seniors who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, the … Continue Reading
FCC COMMENCES INQUIRY ON ESTABLISHING $100M TELEHEALTH PILOT PROGRAM On August 2, 2018, The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously approved a Notice of Inquiry (“NOI”) to establish a $100-million telehealth pilot program. FCC seeks to identify how the agency can “help advance and support the movement in telehealth towards connected care everywhere and improve access … Continue Reading
Let’s hope you don’t pay that much to encrypt electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). How about a total of $4.3 million over two years? Well, that’s the total penalty for encryption violations assessed by Health and Human Services (HHS). An Administrative Law Judge found the penalty could have been much worse. The facts are sobering. … Continue Reading
PROPOSAL TO INCREASE RURAL HEALTH CARE FUNDING RECEIVES MAJORITY SUPPORT AT FCC Majority Of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Supports 40%+ Annual Increase In Rural Health Care Program Funding – Following on a proposal to review annual funding for the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program (RHCP), which currently provides $400 million in annual subsidies for telecommunications … Continue Reading
