Renewal of Determination That A Public Health Emergency Exists
As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective April 16, 2022, the January 31, 2020, determination by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II, that he previously renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, and January 7, 2021, and that I renewed on April 15, 2021, July 19, 2021, October 15, 2021, and January 14, 2022, that a public health emergency exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.
View Health and Human Services Page
View Health and Human Services Page
The Secretary of Health and Human Services has extended for another 90 days the declaration of a Public health Emergency as a result of the continued consequences of COVID-19. This extension allows for the continued treatment of patients through telehealth. The federal government has taken steps to make providing and receiving care through telehealth easier. These are temporary measures under the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration and are subject to change.
For an overview of federal and state COVID-19 reimbursement rules, watch this video on telehealth reimbursement policy.
Learn more about billing and telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
HIPAA flexibility for telehealth technology
Providers have more flexibility to use everyday technology for virtual visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Medicare and Medicaid policies
Federal COVID-19 waivers and regulatory changes now make it easier for providers to deliver telehealth services to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Did you know?
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, any health care provider who is eligible to bill Medicare can bill for telehealth services regardless of where the patient or provider is located. For more information about what is covered, see:
Telehealth licensing requirements and interstate compacts
Providers can deliver telehealth services across state lines, depending on rules set by state and federal policies.
Prescribing controlled substances
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, authorized providers can prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, without the need for an in-person medical evaluation.
Consolidated Appropriations and American Rescue Plan Acts of 2021 telehealth updates
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 continued and expanded telehealth funding and reimbursement due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Providers have more flexibility to use everyday technology for virtual visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Medicare and Medicaid policies
Federal COVID-19 waivers and regulatory changes now make it easier for providers to deliver telehealth services to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Did you know?
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, any health care provider who is eligible to bill Medicare can bill for telehealth services regardless of where the patient or provider is located. For more information about what is covered, see:
- Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services (video) — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- List of Telehealth Services — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Current State Laws & Reimbursement Policies — from the National Policy Center - Center for Connected Health Policy
Telehealth licensing requirements and interstate compacts
Providers can deliver telehealth services across state lines, depending on rules set by state and federal policies.
Prescribing controlled substances
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, authorized providers can prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, without the need for an in-person medical evaluation.
Consolidated Appropriations and American Rescue Plan Acts of 2021 telehealth updates
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 continued and expanded telehealth funding and reimbursement due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.