NRTRC March 2025 Newsletter

Passage of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (signed by the president on March 15, 2025) ensures that certain telehealth flexibilities are extended through September 30, 2025. This act changes dates that are currently in the Social Security Act (SSA) located at 1395m: Payment for telehealth services and 1395f: Conditions of and limitations on payment for services. Please keep in mind that these provisions and flexibilities only apply to telehealth services covered by Medicare.

Removing Geographic Requirements and Expanding Originating Sites for Telehealth Services

Geographic requirements for originating sites continue to be lifted, and an originating site can be “…any site in the United States at which the eligible telehealth individual is located at the time the service is furnished via a telecommunications system, including the home of an individual.”

Expanding Practitioners Eligible to Furnish Telehealth Services

The list of practitioners includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists, noting that the SSA adds “qualified” before each of these.

Extending Telehealth Services for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)

FQHCs and RHCs may continue to provide and be reimbursed for telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries.

Delaying the In-Person Requirements Under Medicare for Mental Health Services Furnished Through Telehealth and Telecommunications Technology

Delay in the requirement for an in-person encounter within the 6-month period prior to the first telehealth visit for mental health services. Note that this does not apply if payment would otherwise be allowed for “…telehealth services furnished to an eligible telehealth individual with a substance use disorder diagnosis for purposes of treatment of such disorder or co-occurring mental health disorder” (1395m(m)(7)(B)(ii)). This telehealth flexibility includes telemental health services delivered by FQHCs and RHCs to Medicare beneficiaries. These in-person visit requirements for FQHCs and RHCs are outlined under section 405.2463(b)(3) of title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations and herein it states that the in-person requirement for FQHCs and RHCs begins January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the Calendar Year 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule (CY2025 PFS FR) states that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will “…we are finalizing our proposal to continue to delay the in-person visit requirement for mental health services furnished via communication technology by RHCs and FQHCs to beneficiaries in their homes until January 1, 2026.” (CY2025 PFS FR p. 98017)

Allowing for the Furnishing of Audio-Only Telehealth Services

Continued coverage and payment for telehealth services furnished via an audio-only communications system.

Extending Use of Telehealth to Conduct Face-To-Face Encounters Prior To Recertification of Eligibility for Hospice Care

Hospice physicians or nurse practitioners may conduct a face-to-face encounter via telehealth to recertify eligibility for continued hospice care rather than performing an in-person encounter.

The NRTRC, in collaboration with the University of Washington and the Behavioral Health Institute, is excited to announce that TeleBehavioral Health 501, their fifth webinar series, is now live! Discover innovative methods to enhance telebehavioral healthcare delivery while expanding your reach to individuals who are geographically dispersed or mobility challenged. Increase your knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices in telebehavioral health while gaining confidence in addressing ethical considerations specific to teletherapy. 

ATA NEXUS 2025 will take place May 3–6, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event will unite healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, and innovators to advance digital health and redefine the science and strategy of healthcare.

This year’s NEXUS is an educational experience designed to spark collaboration, foster advanced insights into digital-first innovation, and drive meaningful change in care delivery.

With tailored educational tracks, interactive workshops, and actionable strategies, NEXUS emphasizes real-world application. Presenters will deconstruct outdated care models, rebuild them with innovation and measurable results, and shape the next era of healthcare delivery.

Register now using the code “NRTRC” to secure your spot by going to the link.

https://bit.ly/3ZWNqpi

TeleBehavioral Health 2025 Care for TBI Patients over Telehealth

Apr 18, 2025 @ 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

Organizer: University of Washington Behavioral Health Institute

The TeleBehavioral Health 2025 Training Series is a free twelve-part webinar series open to anyone providing services to individuals who live with mental health and substance use issues. This Zoom-based series takes place the third Friday of each month, January through December 2025, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (PT). You are invited to attend all webinars, but you will need to register for each webinar separately.

52nd Annual 2025 National Association for Rural Mental Health Conference

May 1–3

Anchorage, AK

Organizer: National Association for Rural Mental Health

The 2025 National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH) Annual Conference will be held in person at the Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage, AK, on Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 3, 2025.

This year’s theme is “Stronger Together: Weaving Cultural Diversity and Strengths to Support Mental Well-Being.” The event will highlight speakers and workshops focused on rural policy, clinical practice, and effective leadership. Attendees will also hear about the resilient and innovative strategies and solutions speakers have employed in their communities over the last several years.

Join us as we convene to share insights, learn from one another, and discuss the future of rural mental health services.

ATA Nexus 2025

May 3–6

New Orleans, LA

Organizer: American Telemedicine Association

Nexus 2025 will convene leading healthcare delivery organizations and the solution providers that support them, government agencies, payors, and other stakeholders to share critical insights and build action plans that enable virtual care as an indispensable care modality and permanent part of healthcare delivery. Nexus 2025 is where the future of healthcare is being built.

See our story above, "Join the NRTRC at ATA Nexus and Save $300 on Registration," for a code that will give you a $300 discount on the conference fee!

Bridging the Gap—Connecting Healthcare and Communities for Wellness

May 6–May 8

Casper, WY

Organizer: Wyoming 211

What to expect: 

• CommUNITY—Coming together 
• Community Resource Building 
• SDOH Education Topics

Forum on Rural Population Health & Health Equity

May 19–21

Seaside, OR

Organizer: Oregon Office of Rural Health

Save the date! The next forum will be held in person May 19–21, 2025, at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center in Seaside, Oregon.

The forum aims to strengthen community health in rural Oregon by gathering experts, leaders and practitioners to share best practices, emerging models and strategies, resources, case studies and innovations focused on enhancing community health from an array of perspectives. 

The forum welcomes attendees from across the healthcare continuum, including healthcare workers and administrators, coordinated care organizations, community-based organizations, local and state officials, local leaders, policymakers, public health officials, and anyone invested in promoting rural community health.