New Law Extends Relaxed Telehealth Service Requirements

On May 10, 2021, Gov. Lamont signed House Bill 5596 into law. This legislation provides a two-year extension of the relaxed telehealth service requirements that were previously enacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March 2020, Gov. Lamont enacted emergency Executive Order No. 7G, which suspended certain telehealth limitations to enable more residents to use telehealth services. For example, the order expanded the types of providers and licensed professionals who can provide telehealth services and permitted licensed providers in other states to provide telehealth services to state residents. The order also allowed for the use of audio-only services.

In recognition of the benefits of allowing broader access to telehealth services, the recent law extends the relaxed standards through at least June 30, 2023.

Group health plan sponsors may want to be aware of this development.

House Bill 5596 »