This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 21, 2026, as Telepractice Awareness Day. The resolution highlights the benefits of using technology to provide speech, language, and hearing services to people who face barriers like distance or lack of local specialists. It also notes concerns about internet access in some households and supports the idea that telehealth can improve care for underserved communities. The measure does not change any laws or funding but serves to raise public awareness about these services. Copies of the resolution are sent to the Governor and relevant colleges that offer telehealth programs.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.
Establishes a youth mental telehealth services program to facilitate access to mental health services, including substance use disorder services, for youth to respond to identified mental health needs.
Permits telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the workers' compensation system; permits one in-person visit within twelve months unless such in-person visit causes undue hardship on a patient.
Relates to the production of and the assessment of a surcharge for distinctive "Feeling Rural Good" license plates; establishes the feeling rural good health care fund; provides that funds deposited into the feeling rural good health care fund shall be used in rural regions of the state to expand school-based health programs, improve access to health research and education, and expand broadband access for improved access to telehealth.
Authorizes physicians licensed in another state or territory of the United States to practice time-limited follow-up care via telehealth in NYS pursuant to a reciprocal agreement; requires annual authorization.
Adds services delivered, to individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury, through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law, to the requirement that telehealth services be reimbursed at the applicable in person rates or fees regardless of the location of the patient or the clinician.
Authorizes physicians licensed in another state or territory of the United States to practice time-limited follow-up care via telehealth in NYS pursuant to a reciprocal agreement; requires annual authorization.
Permits telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the workers' compensation system; permits one in-person visit within twelve months unless such in-person visit causes undue hardship on a patient.
Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.
