The ability of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to provide remote services via telehealth was of critical importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary waivers enacted by Congress and implemented by CMS enabled OTPs to provide essential therapy services despite closures and other service disruptions during the public health emergency (PHE) which ran through May 11, 2023. The benefits of telehealth have proven to be far greater than simply enabling people to maintain social distance during a pandemic, and telehealth waivers were extended by Congress through the end of 2024 as urged by AOTA and others.

The use of telehealth to provide a wide array of healthcare services including occupational therapy has grown exponentially since 2020. It has been especially beneficial for people in rural and other underserved areas and those for whom travel to receive services was already a barrier to access including people with disabilities. OTPs have reported that telehealth has reduced cancellations and postponements while making it easier to connect with beneficiary caregivers and enabling easier identification of home safety issues which improves care and outcomes. 

To make this policy permanent, Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Tina Smith (D-MN) have introduced the Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R. 3875/S. 2880)  which would permanently add occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants as Medicare telehealth providers along with physical therapists and speech-language-pathologists.  This is essential as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated that it does not have the authority to do so on its own.   
     
Please urge your Legislators to support the Expanded Telehealth Access Act in the House (H.R. 3875/S. 2880). AOTA will continue to work with Congressional champions to ensure that occupational therapy is included when Congress addresses this issue.