Connecticut Extends Telehealth Service Provisions For 2 Years

CONNECTICUT — The state has extended the relaxed telehealth services provisions previously enacted through an emergency executive order due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Telehealth services are those that enable healthcare providers to interact with patients, including those with Medicaid coverage, by using electronic methods, such as videoconferencing and telephones, without needing to meet in person.

When the pandemic began in March 2020, Gov. Ned Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7G, which utilized the emergency authority granted to him in order to temporarily relax certain state laws that regulate these services, thereby enabling more patients to use telehealth. On Monday, Lamont signed House Bill 559, enabling the relaxed rules to remain in place through at least June 30, 2023.

The legislation permits an expanded pool of health specialists, including dentists, behavioral analysts, music therapists, art therapists, physician assistants and physical therapy assistants to provide telehealth services. It also allows the use of telehealth services by audio-only without requiring video, permits licensed providers in other states to provide telehealth services to Connecticut residents as long as they have the proper insurance coverage.

"Throughout the last year, patients across Connecticut have found that connecting with their medical providers through videoconference or telephone has been incredibly beneficial and practical for a wide variety of reasons, so it absolutely makes sense to allow for these services to continue," Lamont said.