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Trending in Telehealth: March 2026

by Lisa Mazur, Amanda Enyeart and Abygail Hoey | Apr 28, 2026 | Telehealth

Trending in Telehealth highlights monthly state legislative and regulatory developments that impact the healthcare providers, telehealth and digital health companies, pharmacists, and technology companies that deliver and facilitate the delivery of virtual care.

Trending in March:

Expansion of telehealth across additional professions (veterinary medicine, genetic counseling, social work, naturopathic medicine).
Licensure flexibility and cross‑state practice, including reciprocity and compacts.
Telehealth integration into emergency, rural, and specialty-care models.

A CLOSER LOOK

Proposed legislation and rulemaking:

Both chambers of the Virginia legislature passed HB 1391 establishing a Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network, which among other things, would allow specialists to provide telehealth consultations on pain management, treatment protocols, and care coordination.
In Florida, both chambers passed SB 688, which would revise existing laws related to naturopathic medicine, including adding licensed naturopathic doctors to the term “telehealth provider.”
In West Virginia, the first chamber passed SB 677 allowing genetic counselors to provide telehealth services.
In Colorado, the first chamber passed HB 1069, clarifying that “emergency services” includes transportation of an individual to an appropriate location other than a hospital or community integrated healthcare service agency. The use of telemedicine when an insured person has encountered an ambulance service or agency to prevent the need to transport the person to an emergency department is included in the definition of “emergency services,” which services are required to be made available to insured persons 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
The first chamber of the Hawaii legislature passed HB 2558 aimed at addressing Hawaii’s physician shortage by allowing out-of-state doctors to establish initial physician-patient relationship with Hawaii residents through telehealth services under certain conditions.
Both chambers of the Georgia legislature passed HB 1195 amending Georgia law to allow licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to practice telemedicine, teleadvice, and teletriage without requiring an established veterinarian client patient relationship.
The first chamber of the Arizona legislature passed SB 1286 permitting veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means.
In Hawaii, the first chamber passed HB 1871, which would establish the Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program within the state Department of Health to offer eligible participants improved maternal healthcare through remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and maternal diabetes.
Both chambers of the Kentucky legislature passed HB 424, which regulates the provision of social work services via telehealth in Kentucky by clarifying that social work may be practiced in person, through telehealth, or through other technology, but only by appropriately licensed individuals, those holding a temporary permit, or practitioners authorized under the Social Work Licensure Compact. The bill defines “telehealth” by reference to existing Kentucky law and establishes detailed requirements for telehealth practice, including informed consent, confidentiality, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, proper use of HIPAA‑compliant technology, identity and location verification, documentation, and adherence to the same standards of care as in‑person services. It also addresses cross‑border telehealth by permitting licensed out‑of‑state and multistate practitioners to provide services to Kentucky clients.
The Board of [...]

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Trending in Telehealth: February 2026

by Stacey Callaghan, Amanda Enyeart and Lauren Ellison | Mar 20, 2026 | Telehealth

Trending in February:

Teledentistry
License compacts

A CLOSER LOOK

Proposed legislation & rulemaking:

The first chamber of the South Carolina legislature passed S. 453, which would set outdetailed practice standards for teledentistry, including a “bona fide relationship” framework, emergency-related procedures, and informed consent requirements. The bill clarifies that a bona fide relationship between a patient and a licensee only exists if the licensee has reviewed the patient’s relevant history, medical records, and diagnostic records; has performed an appropriate in-person physical examination of the patient; and has a reasonable expectation that the licensee will provide in-person follow-up care and treatment to the patient on a regular basis.
In Mississippi, the first chamber passed HB 1152, which would permit the use of telemedicine for medical cannabis certification.
Both chambers of the Tennessee legislature passed SB 2118 to prohibit TennCare from covering or reimbursing any medical procedures performed to help an individual identify with or live as a gender that differs from their biological sex assigned at birth. The term “procedures” includes those performed or administered via telehealth.
Both chambers of the New Mexico legislature passed HB 306, which seeks to eliminate facility fees for certain outpatient preventive healthcare, vaccination, and telehealth services, except in rural areas. The bill defines “facility fee” as a fee charged or billed by a hospital or health system for outpatient hospital services that is intended to compensate the health system or hospital for operational expenses. A facility fee is separate and distinct from a professional fee charged or billed by a hospital or health system for professional medical services.
In Virginia, both chambers passed SB 813 to establish the Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network. This network, in collaboration with the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority, focuses on telehealth consultations with sickle cell specialists for guidance on pain management, treatment protocols, and care coordination.
Virginia’s first chamber also passed SB 555, mandating that all nursing homes conduct monthly medical visits for each resident. Two visits per year must be in person with a physician, while the rest can occur via telehealth.
In Florida, both chambers passed HB 89, requiring veterinarians to inform clients of their right to receive a written prescription before dispensing medication. If the visit is conducted via telehealth, clients must be informed electronically.

Finalized legislation & rulemaking:

The Washington State Health Care Authority issued emergency rules regarding the Apple Health Expansion Program for immigrants. The rules clarify that the requirements for the authorized use of telemedicine and store-and-forward technology are applicable to program benefits, including those administered by the health plan.
Washington’s Health Care Authority also issued a final rule [...]

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Trending in Telehealth: January 2026

by Amanda Enyeart and Allie Kelley | Feb 6, 2026 | Telehealth

Trending in Telehealth highlights monthly state legislative and regulatory developments that impact healthcare providers, telehealth and digital health companies, pharmacists, and technology companies that deliver and facilitate the delivery of virtual care.

Trending in January:

Expanded use of telehealth across specific care settings, including reproductive health, maternity support services, controlled substance prescribing, and crisis care
Telehealth compliance and disciplinary standards
Broader use of out-of-state registration pathways and licensure compacts to support interstate practice

A CLOSER LOOK

Proposed legislation & rulemaking:

In New York, S 1438 passed the first chamber. The bill would establish a program within the New York State Department of Health to train healthcare practitioners in abortion and related reproductive care services, including telehealth delivery of such services.
In Vermont, HB 84 passed the first chamber. It would amend the state’s telehealth law, which currently prohibits a healthcare provider or patient from recording a telemedicine consultation, to allow telehealth appointments to be recorded with both patient and provider consent.
In Wisconsin, SB 214 passed both chambers. If signed by the governor, the bill would allow out-of-state healthcare providers to register with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to provide telehealth services to patients in Wisconsin in lieu of requiring licensure or other registration in the state. Registered providers could provide services within the scope of practice established under Wisconsin law and would be subject to disciplinary action in Wisconsin. Registration requirements would include holding an active, unencumbered out-of-state credential that authorizes similar services in the provider’s home state; having no recent disciplinary history; designating an in-state registered agent; and maintaining malpractice coverage for services provided to Wisconsin patients. The law would prohibit registered telehealth providers from opening an in-state physical practice without obtaining a Wisconsin credential and would require DSPS to publish a list of registered telehealth providers.
In New Mexico, HB 13 and HB 11 each passed the first chamber. They would adopt the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and the Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Compact, respectively.
A Washington proposed rule would permit state Medicaid reimbursement for certain maternity support services delivered through telemedicine, including an initial screening, replacing requirements that such services be provided in person.
In New Hampshire, a proposed rule would introduce an option for participants in the Choices for Independence program to elect to receive services via telehealth subject to certain requirements, including that the provider assess the appropriateness of telehealth delivery for the participant and ensure that the participant has adequate access to any necessary technology before services are provided.
In Wisconsin, a proposed rule would impose additional requirements on crisis care facilities. The rule would mandate the adoption of policies addressing telehealth, artificial intelligence, and consultation via electronic communication and would require facilities to maintain adequate 24/7 staffing, including through the use of telehealth.

Finalized legislation & rulemaking activity:

Trending in Telehealth: December 2025

by Jayda Greco, Amanda Enyeart and Brigit Dunne | Jan 9, 2026 | Telehealth

Trending in December:

Medicaid reimbursement policies
Telehealth practice standards
Behavioral health integration

A CLOSER LOOK

Proposed legislation & rulemaking:

A proposed rule in Iowa would establish guidelines for the provision and reimbursement of certain services under Iowa Medicaid. This regulation would provide that in-person contact between a healthcare professional and a patient is not required as a condition for payment of otherwise covered services.
The Wisconsin Physical Therapy Examining Board proposed amendments to define “telehealth” and remove an onsite requirement for patient assessments and reevaluations, allowing these tasks to be performed via telehealth under specified conditions. “Telehealth” would be defined as the practice of healthcare delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, or transfer of medically relevant data by means of audio, video, or data communications that are used either during a patient visit or a consultation, or are used to transfer medically relevant data about a patient. “Telehealth” would include asynchronous telehealth services, interactive telehealth, and remote patient monitoring.

Finalized legislation & rulemaking activity:

The Delaware Board of Pharmacy temporarily renewed emergency regulatory amendments permitting out-of-state pharmacists to practice in Delaware following widespread pharmacy closures. The renewal expired on December 31, 2025, and no subsequent renewal has been issued..
The December 2025 Michigan Register published updated certificate of need review standards for psychiatric beds and services. Michigan’s certificate of need standards use a point system to evaluate applications, requiring applicants to meet a minimum threshold for approval. Projects receive three points if the applicant has or proposes a telehealth or telemedicine program to support inpatient psychiatric admissions or assist with diagnosis, treatment, or other inpatient services necessary for admission or retention.
New York passed S4914B, which expands protections for people who provide or receive legally protected health activities, including reproductive and gender-affirming care, against out-of-state legal actions. Amendments include a revised definition of “reproductive healthcare” to include all medical, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, mental health, behavioral health, preventative, rehabilitative, supportive, consultative, referral, prescribing, or dispensing services relating to the reproductive system provided via telehealth.
Ohio adopted a rule that allows individual pharmacists enrolled in Medicaid to receive payment for covered telehealth services.
Oregon finalized its durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) face-to-face encounter requirements rule. Telehealth encounters used to satisfy the face-to-face encounter requirement for a DMEPOS item must meet the requirements outlined in the prioritized list of health services, telehealth, teleconsultations, and online/telephonic services ancillary guideline.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) extended pandemic-era flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances online for one year, through December 31, 2026. The DEA and the US Department of Health and Human Services also announced two rules effective December 31, 2025:
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Trending in Telehealth: November 2025

by Lisa Mazur, Amanda Enyeart and Nathan Gray | Dec 31, 2025 | Telehealth

Trending in Telehealth highlights monthly state legislative and regulatory developments that impact the healthcare providers, telehealth and digital health companies, pharmacists and technology companies that deliver and facilitate the delivery of virtual care.

Trending in November:

Telehealth expansion
Teledentistry
Veterinary telemedicine
Mental and behavioral health

A CLOSER LOOK

Proposed Legislation & Rulemaking

Alaska proposed a rule to move the telemedicine business registry provisions from the centralized professional licensing regulations to the business license regulations and to combine the application for the general business licenses and the telemedicine business registration.
Arkansas proposed a rule that would amend the Arkansas Medicaid Personal Care and Independent Assessment Manuals to clarify that personal care services provided by telehealth are not covered by Arkansas Medicaid and that reassessments of a functional needs Independent Assessment can be performed via telehealth.
The Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel issued a notice of development of rulemaking to update disciplinary guidelines regarding patient overpayments and refunds to include telehealth registrants. The new rule would go into effect on January 1, 2026.
In Michigan, the first chamber passed HB 4220 which would require veterinarians to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before practicing veterinary medicine on an animal. This relationship requires veterinarians to obtain current knowledge of the animal, either through in-person examinations, telehealth, or visits to where the animal is kept. Telehealth examinations have specific limitations, particularly for non-companion animals and situations involving controlled substances, which require in-person examinations. The veterinarian may only prescribe a limited supply of medication following a telehealth visit, with certain conditions needing an in-person follow-up.
Nevada proposed a revised rule related to teledentistry. The regulation would set detailed requirements for dental care provided via teledentistry, including prescribing conditions, collaboration protocols, and supervision procedures.
New Mexico’s Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy proposed a rule to clarify that the New Mexico Telehealth Act does not alter supervision requirements for occupational therapy assistants.
Ohio proposed a rule that would amend the Ohio Medicaid telehealth regulations to add doulas and certified lactation specialists to the list of eligible providers, remove hospice aides, private duty registered nurses, and private duty licensed practical nurses in a hospice setting from the list of eligible providers, and add various services to the list of services eligible for payment including doula services, nurse home visiting services, individual counseling for PreP, and services that have a code description including a telehealth component and are covered in an Ohio Medicaid program fee schedule. The proposed regulation would also require a rendering provider’s NPI for professional claims for telehealth services and would remove expired COVID-19 language from the regulation.

Finalized Legislation & Rulemaking Activity

In Louisiana, the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners adopted a final rule that allows licensed counselors or therapists from other states to register to provide mental health counseling services via telehealth if their license is unencumbered.
A final rule in Oregon revised to the circumstances under which a veterinarian may utilize [...]

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