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Dear Colleagues,
As summer continues, the telehealth landscape remains as dynamic as ever. In this month's newsletter, we highlight important CMS document releases, key developments in RHTP efforts across the region, open federal funding opportunities, upcoming events, and new resources. There's a ton going on across the nation in the world of telehealth, and this months' edition of Northeast Connections is here to help you keep track!
Four things to do this month:
- Explore your State's RHTP Page and prepare for potential application opportunities
- Review the 2027 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) released by CMS (and submit comments!)
- Check out the recordings of our RPM Workshop hosted last month
- Make plans to attend a conference or upcoming regional event
As always, we're here to support you. 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 | |
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Recording: Rural Health Transformation: Insights from States
In June, the Bipartisan Policy Commission (BPC) hosted a webinar regarding how states are using RHTP funding to expand technology innovation, strengthen the rural workforce, and build new models of care.
Panel Discussion with:
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Andy Lowe | Executive Director, New England Rural Health Association
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Dr. Lauren LaPine-Ray | Vice President, Policy and Rural Health, Michigan Health & Hospital Association
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Lloyd Sirmons | Executive Director, Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center; Executive Director, Georgia Rural Health Association
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Dr. Kevin Bennett | Rural Health Fellow, The Commonwealth Fund; Director, South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare (Moderator)
| | Just Released! CMS Proposed 2027 PFS | | |
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.
Public Comments will be accepted until September 14,2026
| | Federal Funding Opportunities | | |
Open Federal Funding Opportunities Supporting Telehealth
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.
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HRSA-Rural Health Network
Advancement Program
Closing 7/24/26
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HRSA- Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program
Closing 08/06/26
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HRSA- 2027 Expanding Nutritional Services
Closing 9/9/2026
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NTIA Announces Two New Funding Opportunities to Expand Broadband Connectivity on Tribal Lands
Closing 9/17/2026
| | Although many legislatures within the states in our region are on break or at the end of their annual cycle, the end of the various sessions resulted in passage of several telehealth related bills, see below to learn more. | | | | | |
Connecticut
SB5 CT An Act Concerning Online Safety
Establishes various requirements concerning artificial intelligence systems, including having the Office of Health Strategy create a program to use artificial intelligence systems to enhance health outcomes for state residents.
To learn more, click here.
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Maine
LD 1583 ME An Act Regarding Home Health Care And Hospice Services Ordered By A Healthcare Provider Outside of Maine
This legislation allows licensed home health care providers in the state to offer services for up to 90 days based on orders from physicians licensed in other states, provided certain conditions are met.To learn more, click here.
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Massachusetts
S 380 MA - An Act Establishing The Social Work Licensure Compact In Massachusetts
The proposed changes to the public health law mandate that telehealth services receive reimbursement on an equal basis to in-person services, excluding certain costs related to facility fees if not applicable to telehealth.
To learn more, click here.
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New Hampshire
HB 1232 NH Relative To Insurance Coverage For Telemedicine Services
Insurers must provide equal coverage and reimbursement for telemedicine services if they are substantially equivalent to in-person services, ensuring that telemedicine is treated on par with traditional in-office visits.
To learn more, click here.
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New York
A1691- NY Expands Health Care Services Provided By Telehealth
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.
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Rhode Island
HB 7349 RI An Act Relating To Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals- Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Technology In Mental Health Care Act
The legislation establishes oversight and regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in mental healthcare services.
To learn more, click here.
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Vermont
S 84 VT- An Act Relating To Allowing Telehealth Appointments To Be Recorded With Patient And Provider Consent
The legislation permits the recording of telehealth appointments only when both the patient and health care provider consent. It applies to telemedicine consultations and audio-only telephone consultations.
To learn more, click here.
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Telehealth Specific
HR 1107 US Protecting Veteran Access To Telemedicine Services Of 2025
The legislation amends the United States Code to permit certain health care professionals within the Department of Veterans Affairs to use telemedicine for distributing controlled medications to veterans. It allows such professionals to dispense these medications under regulated guidelines, even without conducting an in-person examination, provided they are authorized and acting within professional standards. To learn more, click here.
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Behavioral Health
HR 6817 Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act Of 2025
The bill proposes establishing a grant program aimed at enhancing mental health and substance use services through home-based telemental health care, focusing on rural medically underserved populations and individuals in farming, fishing, and forestry. To learn more, click here..
| | ICYMI: Recordings from the 2026 NETRC-NERHA RPM Workshop are now available | | |
On June 23, the NETRC and NERHA teams welcomed people from across the region for a workshop focused on Remote Patient Monitoring. The NETRC team wants to thank all those who participated and made the event possible. The event featured five different sessions developed by knowledgeable speakers and some lively Q&A sessions.
| | | | *Due to the nature of OneDrive Folders, you may need to contact Reid or the NETRC Team for full folder/material access. | |
#MATRC2026 | More than a conference—it’s a working environment for connection and co-creation.
Bringing the right people, ideas, and technologies together…Now in its 14th year, the MATRC Telehealth Summit moves beyond laying the foundation to elevating what comes next—bringing together healthcare leaders, community organizations, policymakers, and industry collaborators to actively shape the future of care delivery. This isn’t just about sharing ideas – it’s where they’re tested, refined, and put into action…so you leave with practical strategies, trusted partners, and momentum to move your work forward.
| | 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.
| | | Upcoming Event: North Country Leadership Summit (NY) | |
NORTH COUNTRY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
"Partners in Progress"
September 30 - October 1, 2026
Lake Placid, New York
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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 | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
| | Other Research + Resources | | 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. | | | | |
