House bill would make telehealth changes permanent - American Medical Association | AMA
A House bill proposes making pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities permanent, including waiving in-person visit requirements for mental health services and allowing audio-only telehealth. This would reduce regulatory uncertainty for cross-state telehealth providers.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Telehealth Cross-State Licensing space on July 6, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Bill passage expected within current legislative session (6-12 months); interim waivers remain in effect until then.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Telehealth Cross-State Licensing continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
The bill would permanently remove the requirement for an in-person visit before prescribing controlled substances via telehealth (Ryan Haight Act waiver) and expand originating site flexibility, including patient home and audio-only options.
Who it affects
Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers
What you must do
Monitor bill progress and prepare to update compliance protocols for permanent telehealth allowances; engage in advocacy to support passage.
Deadline
Bill passage expected within current legislative session (6-12 months); interim waivers remain in effect until then.
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