Shenango Valley News

U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly, Mike Thompson, and Adrian Smith have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding Americans' telehealth options. The bill, H.R. 8151, seeks to permanently broaden the scope of practitioners eligible to provide telehealth services to include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and audiologists.

"Americans across the country, especially rural areas, have seen the benefits of telehealth services following the COVID-19 pandemic," expressed Rep. Kelly. He emphasized the importance of ensuring equal access to world-class healthcare, particularly for families in rural and underserved areas.

Rep. Thompson highlighted the effectiveness of telehealth in reaching patients in rural and underserved communities, stating, "Telehealth is a proven method of delivering health care to patients who need it." He commended the bipartisan effort to expand telehealth capabilities to more practitioners, emphasizing the importance of reducing barriers to healthcare access.

Rep. Smith also underscored the value of telehealth in increasing healthcare access, particularly in rural and remote communities. He emphasized the efficiency and convenience that telehealth brings to patients, especially seniors.

The legislation builds upon previous efforts in Congress to advance telehealth options. Rep. Kelly's involvement in telehealth legislation dates back to the 117th Congress, where he served on the Health Futures Task Force. The bill reflects a continuation of his commitment to expanding telehealth options and ensuring permanent access to telehealth services for patients across the country.

The introduction of H.R. 8151 underscores the ongoing efforts by lawmakers to modernize healthcare delivery and improve access to care, particularly in underserved communities.