U.S. healthcare sector advocates for long-term telehealth protections
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — A coalition of nearly 350 healthcare organizations has called on U.S. congressional leaders to prioritize permanent telehealth access in March, citing concerns over expiring pandemic-era provisions that expanded virtual care.
The push reflects mounting pressure to solidify telehealth as a core component of modern healthcare delivery.
Stakeholders warn of care gaps without legislative action
Temporary telehealth flexibilities, initially implemented during the COVID-19 crisis, face uncertainty as key provisions near expiration. The Alliance for Connected Care, co-leading the initiative, stressed in its congressional letter that telehealth remains critical for immunocompromised patients, rural populations, and those with limited transportation access.
“Both patients and practitioners seek assurance that services will remain available,” the coalition wrote, noting that repeated short-term extensions create operational instability for health systems.
Parallel advocacy efforts target proposed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rules requiring in-person evaluations for certain telemedicine-prescribed controlled substances.
Over 150 organizations — including Intermountain Health, Ascension, and mental health advocacy groups — recently urged U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to withdraw the draft regulations.
DEA proposal draws criticism from cross-sector coalition
Industry leaders argue the DEA’s framework contradicts congressional intent in the 2018 SUPPORT Act, which aimed to expand telehealth access for substance use disorder treatment.
The proposed rules would mandate in-person visits within 30 days of initial telemedicine prescriptions for Schedule II-V drugs, a requirement opponents claim creates “unnecessary barriers.”
“While we recognize the need for protections against diversion, guardrails on remote medical care must appropriately balance this risk without effectively forcing in-person care,” the coalition letter stated.
Signatories emphasized that existing fraud prevention tools — including prescription drug monitoring programs and urine testing — already mitigate risks without restricting patient access.
Notable signatories include the American Telemedicine Association, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and multiple university health systems. Advocacy groups for small businesses and technology innovators also joined, highlighting telehealth’s economic implications.
As the March legislative deadline approaches, these coordinated campaigns underscore healthcare leaders’ growing insistence on regulatory frameworks that preserve pandemic-era care innovations while addressing security concerns. The outcome could determine whether telehealth maintains its role as a care delivery mainstay or reverts to niche status.
