Apr 05, 2025
CTeL Member Benefit: Telehealth Scoop
Ctel
CTeL Creates Legislative Tracker to Keep You Informed on Legislation
CTeL created a legislative tracker that will be updated in real time with legislation and its status introduced in the 119th Congress. This resource will be updated on a weekly basis for the benefit of our members. The document also includes leadership maps for the members of Congress serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, House Energy and Commerce Committee, Senate Finance Committee, and Senate HELP Committee. View CTeL’s Legislative Tracker HERE.
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Join us every week as we decode the complexities of healthcare regulations, share breaking news, and deliver actionable insights to keep you ahead of the curve. From Washington’s hottest debates to state-level trends and emerging tech, our expert hosts bring you concise, no-nonsense updates you can count on. Perfect for busy professionals who need to stay informed on the go. Tune in to navigate the ever-changing telehealth landscape with confidence!
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Want to be a guest? Email us at Lindsey@ctel.org!
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Last Change to Sign-On! Closing EOD Today!
Join CTeL’s collective advocacy efforts by adding your organization to our sign-on letter urging Congress for a new telehealth score from CBO – the first step towards achieving a permanent Medicare telehealth expansion solution.
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Lack of legal and regulatory clarity in AI liability may worsen administrative burden and burnout, according to a new article in JAMA Health Forum. The authors raise concern over the fact that “[physicians] are expected to rely on AI to minimize medical errors, yet bear responsibility for determining when to override or defer to these systems.”
Oracle Health and Oracle Cloud have reportedly been breached; the FBI is investigating. The company disputes the claim that Oracle Cloud has been breached, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Eli Lilly is expanding its telehealth connection services to include Alzheimer’s care. Their service, which is already in place for conditions like diabetes and obesity, connects patients to telehealth providers for conditions that the company sells drugs for.
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Mass layoffs at HHS are underway, with an estimated 20,000 employees being cut from the agency. HHS said layoffs are expected to save $1.8 billion annually — about 0.1% — from the department’s $1.7 trillion budget, most of which is spent on Medicare and Medicaid health insurance coverage for millions of Americans.
A federal state of emergency related to cyberattacks is being extended for an additional year due to continued threats.
Mehmet Oz, Trump’s nominee to lead CMS, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday. He stated he would advance the Administration’s agenda against abortion and gender-affirming care if confirmed to lead the agency.
Audits of remote monitoring programs are increasing in frequency and scrutiny, raising concerns over improper auditing and overreliance on third-party vendors.
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New York is leading a lawsuit with 23 states and DC against the federal government’s termination of $11 billion in health funding.
Utah recently signed three AI bills into law:
Oklahoma and Tennessee had millions in Title X funds for family planning services restored. The Biden administration originally withheld the funds over program compliance concerns with a rule that requires states to provide comprehensive pregnancy options counseling and abortion referrals for those who want them.
Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced that he is running for California governor. On healthcare, he left open the possibility of reconsidering the state’s policy of providing healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic was heard by the Supreme Court this week. At question is “whether Medicaid beneficiaries can seek relief in federal court to enforce Medicaid’s ‘free-choice of provider provision,’ which allows Medicaid beneficiaries to seek care from any provider that is qualified and willing to participate in the program.” This case is part of a larger effort to exclude Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid payments. A decision is expected this summer.
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CONNECT For Health Act was reintroduced by a bipartisan coalition of 60 Senators. The bill would permanently extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of both the House and Senate are demanding answers from HHS after the agency’s mass layoffs. 40 Senators sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. seeking clarification on the impact of the layoffs. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to be briefed by HHS staff next week on the restructuring.
Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 was reintroduced by House Republican and Democratic Doctor Caucus leadership. The bill would require that board-certified physicians in the same specialty are the ones making prior authorization decisions. The sponsors note that the bill would restrict the use of AI in PA decision-making, among other influences.
Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) is calling for the House AI Task Force to return and work closely with industry. The group published its report and policy recommendations in December 2024.
Key committee hearings held this week:
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CTeL is actively prepping and scheduling meetings for our spring policy day on June 10, 2025. CTeL members who are interested in attending Hill Day should register as soon as possible to allow time for scheduling and coordination with congressional offices and pre-meeting preparation. Interested? Sign up today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TDB93RR
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