Burgess bill would extend telehealth services to federally qualified health facilities

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) on April 29 cosponsored legislation that would extend telehealth services for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. 

“Access to telehealth services is a critical need for Americans, especially in rural and underserved areas of Texas,” said Rep. Burgess, chairman of the Budget Committee Health Care Task Force. “Expanding telehealth in our community will allow patients to receive quality care in an efficient manner, no matter their location.”

H.R. 8154, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC), would permanently extend such telehealth services, which are set to expire on Dec. 31, following a previous extension Congress made under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

“With technological innovations improving by the day, telehealth is the next step in ensuring the wellbeing of all American patients are prioritized in our health care system,” Rep. Burgess said, adding he looks forward to working with his colleagues in “getting this legislation across the House of Representatives floor.”

H.R. 8154 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.