|
Dear Colleagues,
What a busy summer it's been! We hope you've found time to enjoy the wonderful Northeast region. In this month's newsletter, we highlight hot topics, fresh insights, and the latest telehealth developments: August has been packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and innovate thus far, with more to come.. As always, plenty is going on across the nation in the world of telehealth, and this month's edition of Northeast Connections is here to help you keep track!
Four things to do this month:
- Revisit your State's RHTP Page and prepare for potential application opportunities
- Review the 2027 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) released by CMS and insights into major changes from thought leaders across the country to prepare comments before next month
- Visit your state legislation page to understand the timeline for new telehealth policy conversations.
- Make plans to attend a conference or upcoming regional event this fall!
Remember, we're here to support you, and we'd love to help. Thanks for the work you do, and for taking a few minutes to stay current with us!
On behalf of the entire NETRC Team, be well,
Reid Plimpton, MPH - Program Manager
| | The Northeast RHTP Corner | | CMS Proposed 2027 Physician Fee Schedule | | |
On July 14, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or after January 1, 2027.
Read the CMS press release here, access the Full PFS here and see additional materials and information on the Federal Register here.
Additional write ups about the telehealth specific impacts can be found here, here, and here. Additionally, our colleagues at CCHP have prepared multiple informative deliverables on the topic, some of which can be found here.
Public Comments will be accepted via the Federal Registrar until September 14,2026
| | Federal Funding Opportunities | | Recent announcements and forecasts across federal agencies reflect a continued emphasis on digitally enabled care models. These opportunities range from large-scale innovation models and behavioral health system transformation grants to research funding and broadband infrastructure programs. Below are upcoming federal opportunities that include a telehealth component. | Open Federal Funding Opportunities Supporting Telehealth | | |
HRSA- 2027 Expanding Nutritional Services
Closing 9/9/2026
| |  | |
NTIA Announces Two New Funding Opportunities to Expand Broadband Connectivity on Tribal Lands
Closing 9/17/2026
| | Forecasted Federal Funding Opportunities Supporting Telehealth | | |
Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Programs
Estimated Post Date:
February 2, 2027
Estimated Application Due Date:
May 1, 2027
| | |
Chronic Care Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program
Estimated Post Date:
February 1, 2027
Estimated Application Due Date:
May 3, 2027
| | Although many legislatures within the states in our region are on break or preparing for the launch of the new legislative calendar, the end of the 2026 sessions resulted in passage of several telehealth related bills, see below to learn more. | | | | | |
Connecticut
HB 5142 CT An Act Concerning The Use of Technology For Virtual Monitoring In Residential Care Homes
The legislation establishes the right of residents in residential care homes to use technology for virtual monitoring, which must be at their own expense and comply with privacy laws.
To learn more, click here.
| | |
Maine
LD 765 ME An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Control Substances Prescription Monitoring Program
The legislation amends the rules governing the controlled substances prescription monitoring program in Maine, enhancing the clarity and scope of prescriber definitions to include telehealth providers To learn more, click here.
| | | |
Massachusetts
H 1130 MA - An Act Relative To Telehealth And Digital Health Equity For Patients
The act aims to enhance telehealth and digital equity by amending existing laws to include coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services like e-consults, e-visits, and remote monitoring services. It mandates procedures to promote digital health literacy. It requires health insurers to offer educational materials and interpreter services to improve access for patients with limited digital skills or language barriers.
To learn more, click here.
| | |
New Hampshire
HB 1725 NH Relative To The Practice Of Pharmacy, The Dispensing Of Certain Medications By Pharmacists, And Permitting Treatment Of Certain Severe Illness Under The Right To Try Act.
Amends the definition of "telehealth prescreening' to include a person with a qualifying severe illness (as opposed to only a terminal illness).
To learn more, click here.
| | | |
New York
A949- NY Permits Telemedicine Services For Mental And Behavioral Health Issues Under the Workers' Compensation System
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.
To learn more, click here.
| | |
Rhode Island
HB 7538RI An Act Relating To Health and Safety--Use of Artificial Intelligence By Healthcare Providers Notification Act
The legislation establishes oversight and regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in mental healthcare services.
To learn more, click here.
| | | |
Vermont
H 583 VT- An Act Relating To Clinical Decision Making
Defines telehealth under the definition of health care services in a bill that deals with prohibited business practices for providers.
To learn more, click here.
| | |
HR 9260
Department of Labor, Health & Human Services, & Education & Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027
The text details funding allocations for fiscal year 2027 for various programs under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, as well as related agencies. It includes appropriations for essential services such as workforce development, healthcare, education, child care, and various public health initiatives. The bill also includes provisions on program management, program evaluation, administrative expenses, and rescissions of unobligated balances from previous appropriations. Lastly, the bill imposes specific restrictions on the use of funds, such as prohibitions on using funds for abortion-related services, promoting gun control, and supporting certain foreign entities or activities like COVID-19 mandates and Critical Race Theory.
| | |
Rural Health Transformation Funding Creates a Timely Opportunity for Connected Care
📅 Date & Time:
August 19th at 12-1pm Est
Across New England, Rural Health Transformation Fund opportunities are creating a limited window for rural healthcare organizations to invest in technology, workforce support, and new models of care. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) can help rural clinics extend care beyond the clinic walls, identify patients who may need attention sooner, and manage chronic conditions without relying solely on additional staff. When structured appropriately, these programs can also create a sustainable reimbursement model that continues after grant funding ends.
| | Save the Date: NY State Association of Rural Health Annual Symposium | | | | |
The New York State Association of Rural Health’s Annual Symposium is one of the state’s premier gatherings for healthcare, public health, health and human service agencies, mental health, workforce development, mobility, governmental representatives, community-based organizations, rural health networks, and all key stakeholders interested in emerging innovations in rural health.
This year's symposium is September 17-18 in Clayton, NY. With the inclusion of the 2026 NYSARH Annual Meeting, renowned speakers, and ample networking time, we anticipate another symposium with great energy and excitement.
| | | |
MPHA- Nourish to Flourish: Cultivating Healthy Communities for Today and the Future
Will explore efforts that nourish and sustain people and communities. Grounded in the foundations of health, Nourish to Flourish returns to the basics of public health by centering essential needs such as food systems, safety, housing, healthcare, clean air and water, and community as the building blocks of well-being.
REGISTER AS AN MPHA MEMBER HERE
REGISTER AS A NON-MEMBER HERE
| | Upcoming Event: North Country Leadership Summit (NY) | |
NORTH COUNTRY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
"Partners in Progress"
September 30 - October 1, 2026
Lake Placid, New York
| | |
Join us in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on November 19, 2026!
Download and share these free resources to help spread the word and be part of the #PowerOfRural celebration.
National Rural Health Day (NRHD), founded in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), honors the individuals and communities working every day to support and strengthen rural health across America.
To learn more about National Rural Health Day and the Power of Rural, visit powerofrural.org.
| | Project ECHO Series: Meaningful MOUD Care | |
|
Wrapping Up Soon: Meaningful MOUD Care: A Team-Based Approach
This ECHO is designed for the entire care continuum, whether you’re a prescriber, pharmacist, peer or recovery coach, social worker, PT/OT, or play another vital role in supporting individuals with opioid use disorder.
You’ll join a collaborative, supportive learning community focused on delivering more meaningful, team-based MOUD care in real-world settings. We especially encourage participation from individuals with lived experience - your voice is incredibly valuable in shaping this work.
Up to 12.0 FREE hours of CEUs pending for physicians, nurses, and social workers, and ADCs. This program also meets the state-required opioid CMEs for physicians.
| | | |
|
This Week!! NCTRC Webinar - The Importance of Operations Planning for Telehealth: How to Develop a Plan that Works
📅 Date & Time: August 20th at 2-3pm Est
A well-designed operations plan is essential to building a sustainable and scalable telehealth program. Join the Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center (UMTRC) as Danielle Renckly shares practical strategies and real-world examples to help organizations strengthen their telehealth operations.
During this webinar, you'll learn how to:
-Identify the key information needed to develop a practical, scalable operations plan
- Standardize telehealth operations and incorporate emergency response triggers into your planning
- Explore the opportunities and challenges that emerging technologies bring to telehealth operations
| | | | |
As the federally designated National Telehealth Resource Center on Policy (NTRC-P), the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) regularly responds to questions from providers, health systems, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking clarification on telehealth policy and billing requirements. Each month, CCHP features a frequently asked question about telehealth policy in our newsletter.
Within our previous month’s technical assistance (TA) spotlight email, several of you took the time to respond to our survey question associated with what will be today’s topic of focus – here are the results of that survey. Were you one of the 43% who knew the answer?
| | |
|
Telehealth navigator program improves blood pressure control among Black patients at federally qualified health centers
When a child is struggling with anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes, parents often turn first to someone they already know and trust—a pediatrician, family doctor, or other primary care provider.
| |
|
Your Questions Answered: Can a provider deliver telehealth services to U.S. patients while physically located outside the United States?
In most cases, telehealth services are governed by the laws and licensure requirements of the state where the patient is physically located at the time of the encounter.
| | |
Mobile health tops early RHTP funding trends
State rural health transformation programs aim to overcome high startup costs and allow rural providers to deliver complex care locally with remote ultrasound, RPM and other mobile health technologies, says one industry expert.
| | |
Survey: Staff say school-based telehealth cuts behavioral issues
At North Carolina schools that provide behavioral health care remotely, teachers and school staff say they’re seeing an impact on students’ behavioral challenges.
| | |
Top Telehealth News Just For You
Every month, we curate the most recent and relevant news stories for telehealth so you can stay up to date. Find these and more on our website's news library.
Between therapy sessions, some technologies can offer help
HealthcareITNews July 28, 2026 Link
Approved digital tools may boost outcomes for patients who need extra help before their next visit, says author Davor Mucić, noting that mental health crises rarely happen during appointments.
CMS Expands Remote Patient Monitoring Billing as Study Questions Outcomes
telethealth.org July 30, 2026 Link
Beginning in 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reduced the amount of clinical staff time required to bill certain remote patient monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) services.
2027 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule
CCPH July 28, 2026 LInk
On July 14, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their proposed CY 2027 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The PFS is the vehicle used by CMS to make changes for the upcoming year within the Medicare program. At this time, these changes are only proposals and the public has until September 14, 2026 to provide comments.
ATA Action flags 'stark contradiction' in CMS Physician Fee Schedule
HealthcareITNews July 22, 2026 Link
The virtual care organization is concerned that with the proposed changes to the 2027 Physician Fee Schedule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services could reverse bipartisan legislative gains for remote patient monitoring.
| | Other Research + Resources | | |
Transcribe Health
Nature
Billing For Telehealth
Telehealth.HHS.gov
Official Website of the United States Government
| | Have telehealth questions? | | |
NETRC | netrc@mcd.org | 800-379-2021 | netrc.org
| | | The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center has been made possible by award number U1U42523 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth: HRSA / DHHS. | | | | |
