Dear Colleagues,
Spring is in sight, and 2021 is proving to be just as unique a time as 2020; telehealth continues to be a focal point of consideration in various aspects of our lives, and data from the past year of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) has started to inform long term programs and policy at both the Federal and State levels. As we all continue to combat COVID-19, there are indications that the next phase of "normal" is in sight, and the NETRC team is here to help you prepare for it!
This edition of Northeast Connections is full to the brim with new materials and updates on all things telehealth; from policy updates, to the release of new NCTRC materials and updated website, and upcoming events you'll want to watch.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with your telehealth questions or success stories, or just to say hello!
On behalf of the entire NETRC Team – Be well,
Reid Plimpton, MPH - Project Manager
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Federal Policy and Guidance Updates |
Open Funding Opportunities |
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NEW NETRC Regional Telehealth Success Stories!
ADAPTATION OF MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE CARE VIA TELEHEALTH: PRE-TO-POST COVID-19
Vermont has long been an innovator in telehealth, as the state's policy, demographics, broadband, and rurality combined to allow for favorable opportunities for telehealth since the 1990's. The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC) is proud to partner with both the University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) and the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) on our NETRC work, and one benefit of our partnership is the opportunity to witness their impressive efforts regarding telehealth services. Despite having a very successful range of telehealth programs for many years, UVMHN was like many health systems when COVID-19 first started to spread, in a place of needing to pivot towards connecting to patients in their home and other non-healthcare facility settings.
NETRC PROVIDES TELEMEDICINE EXPERTISE IN DEVELOPMENT OF
REGIONAL DISASTER HEALTH RESPONSE SYSTEM (RDHRS)
In September of 2018, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Readiness (ASPR) awarded two $3 million grants to investigate and develop regional disaster health response systems (RDHRS). Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts, received one of the two grants to conduct a pilot project that demonstrates the potential effectiveness and viability of an RDHRS in Massachusetts/Region 1 (MA/R1). A major goal of the RDHRS project is to develop a novel telemedicine system to rapidly expand access to various clinical subject matter experts (SME) that may be needed in disasters. In the prototype system model, a national registry of expert teleconsultants would be rapidly activated and deployed to provide on-demand, virtual clinical support for regional field sites at the point of need. In Year One of the RDHRS project, MGH partnered with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, the American Burn Association (ABA), the NETRC, and other state and local healthcare organizations to conduct a large simulation exercise of the newly developed MA/R1 RDHRS, & the prototype system model.
More regional success stories can be found here
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Tufts University to Fund & Support Seven Women Infants & Children (WIC) Program Telehealth Innovations!
In February 2021, The USDA/Tufts Telehealth Intervention Strategies for WIC (THIS-WIC) announced that seven WIC State Agencies across the U.S. will receive awards up to $1,000,000 each! Selected through a competitive review process, these 24- to 30-month projects will use innovative telehealth solutions to deliver nutrition education and breastfeeding support to WIC participants to overcome barriers to access, particularly those encountered in rural settings. The THIS-WIC team will oversee the evaluation and provide technical support to funded WIC State Agencies.
THIS-WIC is a collaboration between Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the American Telemedicine Association, Old Dominion University, RTI International, and an expert Advisory Board, including representation from both the NETRC and the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers.
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Federal and State Policy Updates |
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Policy Adjacent Updates:
Last week, The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced a plan to begin auditing seven different aspects of Medicare telehealth services to detect potential vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The audits will be conducted in two phases, the first phase focusing on making an early assessment of whether services like E & M, OUD, ESRD, and psychotherapy meet Medicare requirements, and the second phase will include additional audits of services related to distant and originating site locations, virtual check-ins, e-visits, RPM, use of telehealth for annual wellness visits, and more. Articles with more information can be found here and here and here.
Federal Policy Updates
As part of the Consolidated Appropriations act of 2021 that was signed in December of 2020, a new Medicare telehealth requirement has been enacted regarding mental health services. The new requirement is explained as follows: "Payment may not be made under this paragraph for telehealth services furnished by a physician or practitioner to an eligible telehealth individual for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a mental health disorder unless such physician or practitioner furnishes an item or service in person, without the use of telehealth …” Under this new law, Medicare will cover telemental health services only if the practitioner has conducted an in-person consult with the patient in the prior six months and subsequently continues to conduct in-person exams." However, this new policy requirement does not appear to circumvent the COVID-19 PHE Considerations that are still active. Link to more information can be found here and here.
Helpful Policy Materials
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Open Telehealth Job Opportunity |
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Mental Health Clinician: Remote – Licensed in NH
Counseling Associates of New London, PLLC, is growing! We are looking for compassionate, experienced providers to join our team. This full time Mental Health Clinician position is performed via Telehealth, with flexibility being fully remote. At Counseling Associates, we take a strengths-based, respectful approach to both our work with our clients and with each other.
To effectively support our expanding integrative practice, we are looking for providers with a commitment to both clinical excellence and professional growth.
Our practice has supported our staff and client base during the Covid-19 conditions by using Office 365 for real time communication and Telehealth for continuity with clients. This kind of flexibility and support is what sets Counseling Associates apart! We also support and encourage clinicians’ pursuit of professional interests and development of their practice, interests, and specialties.
Summary of Requirements – Applicants must possess the following:
- Masters or Doctoral clinical degree
- Licensed as a mental health professional in New Hampshire as LCMHC, LMFT, LICSW, LADC, MLADC, or Psychologist
- Commitment to ongoing professional growth, ethics, and clinical excellence
- Excellent communication skills, professionalism, and collaborative abilities
- Available for a work schedule that is responsive to client needs
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Open Funding Opportunities |
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Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Paraprofessionals
Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-21-090
The application closes on April 12, 2021
HRSA expects approximately $24.3 million to be available in FY 2021 to fund 43 grantees.
Evidence Based Telehealth Network Program
Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-21-082
The application closes on April 2, 2021
HRSA expects approximately $4.9 million to be available in FY 2021 to fund 14 grantees.
For a complete list of funding opportunities, visit the HRSA website.
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The 2021 AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Acceptable Project Types (These project types will be prioritized over those that support ongoing programming or events)
- Permanent physical improvements in the community
- Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
- New, innovative programming or services
Applications are due April 12,2021. Go here for more information and to apply!
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Upcoming Webinars and Events |
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NCTRC Telehealth HACK Events
March 10, 2021: Rehabilitation Services & Early Intervention
Presenters
• Nicki Perisho, Program Director at Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center, University of Utah
• Anthony Yengo, DPT, OCS, ATC, MTC, CSCS, Quest Physical Therapy
• Benjamin Boyle, DPT, Chief Clinical Affairs Officer at Integrated Rehabilitation Group (IRG) Physical & Hand Therapy
March 24, 2021: Behavioral Health Services & Early Intervention
Presenter: Susan Elswick, LCSW, PRT-S, University of Memphis
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New England Rural Health Association (NERHA) Virtual Panel Event
March 25, 2021 "Federal Panel Discussion on Rural Health in the Context of the Pandemic Response"
Speakers Include:
- Marcia Brand - Moderator | DentaQuest Foundation
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CAPT Christopher Bersani | HRSA ORO Region 1 Deputy Regional Administrator
- Betsy Rosenfeld | HHS/OASH Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Regional Health Administrator
- Michael Fallahkhair | HRSA FORHP
- Taylor Bryan Turner, Assistant Regional Administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- And Many More!
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In Case You Missed It! Recently Recorded Webinars |
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NCTRC Telehealth HACK Webinar Series:
"Health Professions Training Models Post COVID-19"
Take time to catch this panel discussion on “Health Professions Training Models Post-COVID-19”. Practices and providers around the US quickly ramped up their telehealth efforts when the PHE period started a year ago, and many haven’t looked back. As we look forward, what are the necessary methods and best practices of telehealth for health professionals to know? Learn from our experts as they discuss the world of telehealth training as we move forward!
Watch the Recording here!
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CCHP Webinar Telehealth Policy in 2021: Where are we headed?
Listen in as CCHP's Executive Director, Mei Kwong, provides an update on telehealth policy changes so far, and what to expect in 2021 on both the state and federal level.
Watch the Recording here!
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Featured Telehealth News
A larger news compilation can be found on the NETRC site here.
Telehealth, RPM programs can benefit greatly from a nurse’s perspective
mHealth Intelligence, February 26, 2021 Link
When the Illinois-based health provider Blessing Health System launched a remote patient monitoring program to extend care for COVID-19 patients to the home, they made sure nurses were involved in every step of the process.
USDA announces latest round of telemedicine, distance learning grants
mHealth Intelligence, February 25, 2021 Link
Some 46 telehealth projects across the country are getting funding from the latest round of Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants from the USDA. Grantees in the northeast region include: 1) the University of Maine Health System, which plans telehealth and learning platforms at 42 locations around the state; 2) the North County Hospital Health Center in Vermont, which will employ telemedicine carts and remote patient monitoring services in two rural counties.
The 117th Congress signals a focus on telehealth with a series of telehealth expansion bills
Center for Connected Health Policy, February 23, 2021 Link
This update from CCHP reviews a number of congressional bills which address telehealth policies beyond the pandemic. Telehealth elements within a draft of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are also outlined.
Health center customizes telehealth mobile device that's easy to use for the elderly
Healthcare IT News, February 23, 2021 Link
A model for vendor collaboration on usable telehealth solutions for a community health center is provided. During the pandemic Sano Health worked closely with St. Thomas Community Health Center to successfully develop a custom telehealth solution that struck the right balance between simplicity and functionality.
Digital health literacy as a social determinant of health
Healthcare IT News, February 23, 2021 Link
At the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange conference, a telehealth leader at Brigham and Women's Hospital General Internal Medicine Division outlined five main facets to address when considering digital health equity: tech access, tech literacy, implementation, payment and standard of care.
Helio Health uses telehealth to solve access issues for Medicaid population
Healthcare IT News, February 17, 2021 Link
A profile is given for how Helio Health, a behavioral health and substance abuse treatment provider in Syracuse, New York, leveraged an FCC Telehealth Grant to deliver remote monitoring and video consultations to treat their patients.
Connected Care Alliance unveils telehealth licensing portability plan
mHealth Intelligence, February 17, 2021 Link
The alliance is tackling telehealth licensure portability head-on with its proposed Medical Excellence Zone, a regional program that would allow states to recognize other states' medical licenses and promote telehealth adoption.
Questions arise over Medicare coverage for mental health services by telehealth
mHealth Intelligence, February 15, 2021 Link
A sentence tucked into last year's pandemic relief bill sets requirements for in-person care before Medicare will cover mental healthcare services via telehealth. The barrier this has caused prompted one expert to call it the “worst Medicare telehealth law of 2020.”
How NYU Langone Health used its FCC grant to expand Epic-linked telehealth
Healthcare IT News, February 15, 2021 Link
Working with Epic, Cisco and Apple as partners, NYU Langone created clinician-to-clinician video capabilities for physicians to discuss patient care and share treatment suggestions. They created mobile bedside video carts that allowed physicians to speak to patients virtually from a safe distance and document their symptoms in Epic's MyChart, a system that achieved 8,000 virtual visits a day.
New coalition, programs focus on establishing telehealth equity
mHealth Intelligence, February 12, 2021 Link
National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved, a public-private partnership launched in 2008, recently worked with other stakeholders to launch the Telehealth Equity Coalition, designed to “improve access to quality and affordable healthcare by increasing adoption of telehealth, especially among those who have been left out or left behind.”
Report shows 'vast improvement' in state telehealth reimbursement policies
Healthcare IT News, February 9, 2021 Link
A report released Tuesday by Foley & Lardner LLP found that the COVID-19 pandemic compelled state and federal policymakers to remove restrictions on and expand reimbursement for telehealth and virtual care at unprecedented rates.
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Recommended Telehealth Research/Resources
Check out the complete Telehealth Library Database on the NETRC site here.
RESOURCES
Alavi Z, Haque R, Felzer-Kim IT, et al. Community Ment. Health J. 57(1):57-63, 2021
Anthony Jnr B. Inform. Health Soc. Care 46(1):68-83, 2021
Bachireddy C, Chen C, Dar M. JAMA 323(20):2009-2010, 2020
Demeke HB, Merali S, Marks S, et al. MMWR Morb. Mortal Wkly Rep. 70(7):240-244, 2021
Elsner P. J. Dtsch. Dermatol. Ges. 18(8):841-845, 2020
Morris NP, Hirschtritt ME. Psychiatr. Serv. 71(12):1309-1312, 2020
Murphy AA, Karyczak S, Dolce JN, et al. Community Ment. Health J. 57(1):111-120, 2021
Nelson B, Kaminsky DB. Cancer Cytopathol. 128(12):879-880, 2020
Steeves-Reece AL, Elder NC, Graham TA, et al. J. Rural Health 37(1):227-230, 2021
Thronson LR, Jackson SL, Chew LD. JAMA Netw. Open 3(10):e2021767, 2020
Uscher-Pines L, Thompson J, Taylor P, et al. J. Med. Internet Res. 22(12):e22727, 2020
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The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center has been made possible by grant number G22RH30352 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth: HRSA / DHHS. |
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