ATA Commends HHS Secretary Azar For His Support to Extend Telehealth and Strengthen the Healthcare Workforce to Combat COVID-19
WASHINGTON, DC, MARCH 25, 2020 — The ATA, the premier organization working to accelerate the adoption of telehealth, today commended U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar II, for urging governors to extend the capacity of the health care workforce, and to address restrictions on telemedicine in their states, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth and virtual care solutions can improve access to care and facilitate the timely diagnosis and treatment of individuals while limiting the risk of person-to-person spread of the virus.
“We support Secretary Azar’s efforts to engage governors with a comprehensive strategy to rapidly expand access to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ATA is working closely with our members to support states that have recently taken action to address barriers that prevent providers from delivering virtual care across state lines,” said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO, the ATA. “We urge remaining states to work with HHS and other health care stakeholders to keep patients and providers safe and expand access to care during the COVID-19 outbreak.”
The ATA recently announced recommendations for governors and state licensing boards to help ensure timely triaging for COVID-19 and treatment of other illnesses, and facilitate the use of telehealth and safely expand virtual care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) are providing the public with regular updates on actions taken by states to temporarily waive provider licensure requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak.
HHS Secretary Azar Letter to Governors (March 24, 2020)
About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the ATA is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models. #gotelehealth #ATApolicy
The ATA Contact:
Gina Cella
gcella@cellapr.com
857-239-9198
