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Dear Colleagues,
Schools are back in session across the region, and the Autumn season is not far behind. As we embark on the final quarter of 2026, the NETRC team is excited to announce the launch of several new webpages under the Navigating Telehealth menu on NETRC.org, designed to help healthcare organizations, providers, educators, and community partners successfully implement and expand telehealth services. The new content provided is one of the many expansions and improvements of netrc.org we've got planned for the rest of 2026 and 2027, and we hope these resources inspire new ideas and support your ongoing telehealth initiatives.
Four things to do this month:
- Visit NETRC's Navigating Telehealth
- Revisit your State's RHTP Page to prepare or apply for potential funding opportunities
- Explore open Federal Funding Opportunities
- 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. As always, 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 | | |
RHTP Funding:
A historic funding opportunity continues across the NETRC region and nationwide. We're following closely to help you stay informed and able to seize opportunities that align with your organization's goals. This RHTP section continues to serve as a reliable resource in the Northeast Connections newsletters for the foreseeable future.
National Resources
Regional Updates Via CMS Press Releases
Each state has its own webpage that provides information on the various components of its RHTP plan; these are listed below. Some states are collaborating with local organizations to implement different aspects of the work plan. While each state's timeline for these efforts will be unique, they are all moving forward quickly to kick off their projects. The NETRC team encourages you to visit these pages frequently to ensure you have the opportunity to engage and participate.
State RHTP Webpages
Upcoming State RHTP Events
Maine- RHTP: Technology and Innovation Initiatives Informational Sessions:
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Congratulations to CAPT Heather Dimeris, Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth at the Health Resources and Services Administration, on receiving the 2026 Health IT Innovation Champion Flywheel Award from GovCIO Media & Research at the 2026 Health IT Summit!
CAPT Dimeris has dedicated her career to strengthening health care delivery and expanding access to care through innovative solutions that help overcome barriers and improve the lives of others.
The award recognizes CAPT Dimeris’ leadership in advancing telehealth and emerging technologies, such as AI-enabled tools and remote patient monitoring to improve access to quality health care, particularly in rural communities.
| | 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 | | |
Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Closing 10/20/2026
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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
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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
SB 5 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 765 An Act to Amend the Laws Governing The Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program - Enacted
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.
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Massachusetts
H 1131MA An Act Expanding Access To Mental Health Services
The legislation amends several Massachusetts General Laws to expand access to mental health services by mandating coverage for a wide range of medically necessary services. It also mandates insurance coverage for mental health services provided via emergency departments, including telemedicine
To learn more, click here.
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New Hampshire
HB 1406 NH Relative to Health Carrier Recordkeeping Requirements in Utilization Review Including Specifications Regarding The Use of Artificial Intelligence
The legislation mandates that health carriers keep detailed written records of their use of artificial intelligence in the utilization review process, ensuring that human review is involved for decisions impacting provider coding.
To learn more, click here.
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New York
A 1017 NY Relates to Education and Outreach for Drug-Induced Movement Disorders by the Department of Health
Provides for education and outreach for drug-induced movement disorders by the Department of Health through the Health Care and Wellness Education and Outreach Program. Removes existing statutory references to telehealth.
To learn more, click here.
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Rhode Island
HB 7349 RI An Act Relating to 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. It prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions, interacting with clients for therapeutic communication, generating treatment plans, or detecting emotions.
To learn more, click here.
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Vermont
H 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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To direct the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an annual study on health care competition and consolidation at the State level
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Telehealth Awareness Week 2026
NETRC is proud to support #TelehealthAwarenessWeek, taking place September 20–26, and hosted by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).
Telehealth is transforming how care is delivered—improving access, enhancing patient experiences, and helping healthcare organizations meet the needs of their communities. Throughout the week, healthcare leaders, clinicians, policymakers, innovators, and patient advocates will come together during a series of virtual events to share ideas, showcase best practices, and advance the adoption of virtual care.
Join the conversation and help amplify the message: Telehealth. Is. Health.
Learn more and get involved: https://telehealthawareness.org/
| | Upcoming Event: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.
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📣 NCTRC Webinar: Leveraging Telehealth and Mobile Integrated Health for Access to Renal Transplantation in Rural West Texas
How can telehealth and mobile integrated health expand access to renal transplantation for rural communities? Join the TexLa Telehealth Resource Center (TexLa TRC) for an upcoming webinar exploring the barriers to renal transplantation in rural populations and innovative approaches to overcoming them.This webinar will highlight how telehealth and mobile integrated health programs can help enable safe transplant care for patients in rural West Texas
🎙️ Presented by: Lynsey Biondi, MD, FACS, Transplant Director & Surgical Director, Covenant Health Kidney Transplant
📅 September 29, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM PT
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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
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Don't Miss the 2026 New England Rural Health Association (NERHA) Conference
On November 17th and 18th at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, New Hampshire, NERHA will convene rural health leaders across New England to explore how innovation, collaboration, and community are shaping the future of rural health.
Learn More and Register today
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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.
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Top Telehealth News Just For You
Every month, we gather the latest and most relevant telehealth news stories to keep you informed. You can find these stories and more in our website's news library.
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Health Systems, Organizations Urge CMS to Delay Finalizing Remote Monitoring Actions
Coalition is asking CMS to hold off on remote physiologic monitoring and remote therapeutic monitoring policies in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.
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DEA Seeks To Finalize Framework for E-Prescribing of Controlled Substances
An unpublished draft final rule for a federal telemedicine-controlled-substance prescribing registry is under OMB review. The American Telemedicine Association says the welcome step initiates stalled policy conversations.
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CMS Makes Telehealth Enrollment Flexibilities Permanent: What Providers Need to Know
On Aug. 20, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Medicare Learning Network Connects Newsletter stating that certain telehealth enrollment flexibilities originally implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency are now permanent.
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Cross-State Licensure Expands, But Not All Compacts Are Ready for Clinicians
While telehealth can cross a state border instantaneously, professional licensure cannot. When Telehealth.org examined the interstate licensure landscape in January, clinicians across multiple professions were
navigating a patchwork of mature compacts, newly developing agreements, and proposals that had yet to become operational. Seven months later, some changes are notable.
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Is Your Telehealth Workflow Still Living in 2020?
Six years after the emergency that created it, is the telehealth workflow your organization runs today the one you designed — or the one you inherited?
Read More
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Your Telehealth Doctor Must Be Licensed in the State You're In, Not the State They're In, Promise Analysis Finds
3,633 physician licenses were issued in a single month through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact — American Medical Association, 2026.
Read More
| | Other Research + Resources | | |
Telehealth.HHS.gov
RHIhub
Coalition to Advance State AI Sandboxes
| | 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. | | | | |
