Expansion of Telehealth Services Extended

On December 2, 2020, Gov. Raimondo issued Executive Order 20-102, once again extending the applicability of several prior COVID-19 related executive orders in light of the continued public health emergency. Included in the order was reference to Executive Order 20-06 — extending its applicability through December 31, 2020 (unless renewed, modified or terminated by subsequent executive orders).

Executive Order 20-06 expands access to telemedicine by suspending the patient location requirement and the prohibition against audio-only telephone conversation (and the limitations on video conferencing). Further, the order provides that all medically necessary telemedicine services provided in-network must be reimbursed at rates not less than services provided in-person.

The order was originally effective beginning March 18, 2020, and has been extended several times. Executive Order 20-106 now further extends its applicability through December 31, 2020, in light of the continued public health emergency.

Employers should be aware of these developments.

Executive Order 20-102 »