Greetings Northwest Region:
Who should attend this free virtual summit?

Anyone providing services or leading programs for individuals who live with mental health and substance use issues is encouraged to attend.

Questions? Email bhinstitute@uw.edu.
PHE Coming to an End May 11, 2023

The Biden administration has announced that the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. 

Although many of the waivers introduced during the pandemic will stay in place through December 21, 2024, two waivers will immediately go away. The HIPAA notification of enforcement discretion during PHE will end, as will the prescribing of controlled substances to patients for whom prescribers have not conducted an in-person medical evaluation. 
News You Can Use
The NCTRC 2022 Annual Report now available! The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers (NCTRC) is pleased to provided this annual report on its activities for 2022. The fourteen telehealth resource centers continue to provide invaluable technical
assistance, training and resources to the nation’s health care system and patients.
 
Underfunded Infrastructure; Impact on Health Equity: The Telehealth Equity Coalition (TEC) explores the digital divide and other key social determinants that create barriers to quality health care. Read about the government policies and infrastructure investments that are needed to address these barriers.

Best Practices for the Provision of Virtual Care: A Systematic Review of Current Guidelines: Conclusions: “Telemedicine has become a routine element of clinical care in a variety of disease contexts. Best practices for successful telemedicine encounters include ensuring confidentiality and consent, preparation before a visit, and clear patient communication.”

UC Davis Health Study: Telehealth Cuts Health Care’s Carbon Footprint and Patient’s Costs During Pandemic: Researchers assessed telehealth visits’ carbon footprint and their potential savings in lives, costs and time compared to in-person visits.

What to expect in telehealth in 2023? About 25% of patients used telehealth last year, far exceeding the 5% who accessed care this way before the pandemic. As telehealth evolves, that number is expected to rise in the coming years.
Upcoming Events & Webinars
NCTRC Webinar: Utilizing Innovations in Telehealth to Advance the Care of Patients in Congregate Settings: This webinar will cover the lessons learned during the COVID pandemic about delivering telehealth care to patients in prisons, nursing homes, and group facilities. The presenters will share best practices and lessons learned. They will also explore new, cost-effective models of telehealth care. Feb. 16, at noon MST

Telemedicine Policy Update: The past, present, and future of the regulation of telemedicine: This webinar will review legal and regulatory requirements applicable to telemedicine and the expansion of telemedicine. The session will focus on COVID-19 and Medicare reimbursement, licensure and prescribing issues, the fraud and abuse focus of the Office of Inspector General, and the continued emergence of telemedicine in clinical trials. March 14, 11 a.m. MST

Leveraging Telemedicine to Eliminate Outcome Disparities for Rural-born Newborns: This session will teach attendees about using telehealth to providing critical assessments and care for neonates after difficult deliveries. March 16, 2023 11:00 a.m. PT
Conferences to Look for in 2023
ATA 2023: The American Telehealth Association's annual conference will be held next month in San Antonio. ATA2023 is the telehealth conference that puts telehealth in its place within a hybrid-care delivery model. The conferenced will feature visionary keynotes, thought-provoking fireside chats, and interactive sessions to advance your knowledge. March 4-6, in San Antonio, Texas.
Qualify for a $300 discount with the registration link and passcode NRTRC.

HIMSS 2023: The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Inc. will bring together thought leaders, disruptors and change-makers across the global health information and technology spectrum. April 17–21 in Chicago.

NRHA 2023: The National Rural Health Association and rural health leaders from across the country will meet to help raise the standard for rural health care. This conferenced will offer more than 80 innovative, practical and cost-saving sessions. May 16–19 in San Diego.

APHA 2023: The American Public Health Association will hold its annual meeting and expo, Nov. 12–15 in Atlanta.
Do you provide health care or services via telehealth?  

Telehealth Resources




  • Emergency Declarations: Utah is the only state in the Northwest Region still under an emergency declaration because of the COVID pandemic. It is set to expire when the national PHE expires.


  • Research: current research opportunities, research articles and survey results.
Grant Funding Opportunities

  • Refer to the funding page on the NRTRC website for updated grant opportunities.

NRTRC’s 2022 Annual Telehealth Conference video sessions are free to view. If you were unable to attend, or want to watch your favorite sessions again, visit NRTRC’s YouTube page.
Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center
“This publication was made possible by grant number UiUTH42531-01 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS”