The Telehealth Scoop Weekly Podcast: Direct to Your Inbox:
About
Join us every week as we decode the complexities of healthcare regulations, share breaking news, and deliver actionable insights to keep you ahead of the curve. From Washington’s hottest debates to state-level trends and emerging tech, our expert hosts bring you concise, no-nonsense updates you can count on. Perfect for busy professionals who need to stay informed on the go. Tune in to navigate the ever-changing telehealth landscape with confidence!
💡 Stay informed. Stay ahead. Stay connected with CTeL.
Be Our Guest!
Interested in being a guest on The Telehealth Scoop? We love to chat all things telehealth, AI, digital health, and there aren’t bigger policy dorks out there than us.
Have a question you want us to dive deep into?
Are you a digital health startup looking for a platform to share your tech? business? and more?
Are you a fun person who likes to talk all things telehealth and digital health policy?
CTeL is available for interviews and podcast appearances for your show as well! We are available to talk on a variety of topics including:
✔ Telehealth Policy & Legislation
✔ Digital Health & AI in Medicine
✔ Healthcare Access & Equity
✔ Legal & Regulatory Compliance in Telemedicine
✔ Healthcare Innovation & Public Policy
EPISODE 20
The Scoop: Week of June 13th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of June 13th
Happy Friday the 13th! Don't be superstitious; the only thing you need to be aware of today is another wild week in digital health policy. From our own Summit buzz to AI getting certified, let's dive into the essential (and entertaining) news.
CTeL In Action: Summit Success & Future Optimism!
This week, CTeL was thrilled to host our bi-annual Digital Health Summit right here in Washington, D.C.! We brought together the brightest minds in the industry to tackle everything from AI and innovation to the nitty-gritty on telehealth costs and access barriers.
The highlight? A kickoff from Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH), who shared his optimism that telehealth expansion will find a "legislative vehicle" to pass before the September 30th deadline. You love to hear it!
Experiencing some serious FOMO (Fear of Missing Out, it's a real condition!)? The cure is simple: visit www.ctel.org/membership to make sure you don't miss out on next year's powerhouse event!
Industry News: AI, Get Your Certification Ready!
Getting Certified: AI's New Gatekeepers? The Joint Commission is teaming up with the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) to build a set of best practices for artificial intelligence in healthcare. The end game is a brand-new certification program. Soon, your friendly neighborhood algorithm might come with a shiny, evidence-based seal of approval!
Administration Action: EOs, Rollbacks, and AI Dreams
White House on AI Cybersec: 'Manage Vulnerabilities, Not Censor.' President Trump issued a new Executive Order amending previous cybersecurity rules. The White House says the goal is to refocus AI cybersecurity on finding and managing weak spots rather than "censorship." In a head-scratching side quest, the order also directs the government to revoke the use of digital identity documents... replacement TBD. What could go wrong?
Medicaid State-Directed Payments Get the Axe: The White House isn't playing around. A new memo directs CMS to roll back state-directed payments, a program giving states flexibility in funding their Medicaid programs. The memo's description of the program? "Waste, fraud, and abuse."
Friendly Reminder: The NIH Still Wants to Build 'Autonomous AI Beings'. In case you missed it, the NIH re-upped its Request for Information (RFI) on the agency’s grand AI strategy. They're still charting a path toward "fully autonomous, self-documenting biomedical AI beings." You have until July 15th to tell them what you think about our future robot doctors.
NIH Director Defends... $18 Billion in Cuts: Meanwhile, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya was on Capitol Hill defending his agency’s budget request, which, you'll recall, calls for a staggering $18 billion in funding reductions.
Congressional Corner: Paying for Bills and Prior Auth Pains
How to Pay for Tax Cuts? Senate Eyes Medicare Advantage 'Upcoding'. Senate Republicans are reportedly looking at reforms to Medicare Advantage coding practices as a way to pay for tax cuts in their "One Big Beautiful Bill." They're targeting "upcoding"—the practice of making patients seem sicker on paper to get higher payments. This has also renewed calls to revise that old 1991 telemarketing law, which managed care plans say keeps them from texting beneficiaries.
GAO to CMS: Keep a Closer Eye on Prior Auth for Mental Health. A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommends that Medicare should specifically target behavioral health services in its prior authorization audits. The goal is to ensure that these practices don't become a barrier to accessing critical mental health care.
E&C Looks to Bring Manufacturing Home: The House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing this week on strengthening the domestic health care supply chain, a topic that remains top-of-mind for preventing future shortages.
State Snapshot: Oregon Stands Up for Physicians
Oregon Tells Corporations: 'Hands Off Clinical Decisions!' Oregon just passed SB 951, a bill that tightens the state's "corporate practice of medicine" laws. It prohibits medical practices from giving up control of assets, business operations, and—most importantly—clinical practices or decisions. It's a major move to protect physician autonomy from corporate influence.
EPISODE 20
The Scoop: Week of June 6th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of June 6th
This week, the digital health policy world is on fire! We dive into the CBO's stunning new estimate that the House reconciliation bill could leave 11 million more Americans uninsured. Then, we pivot to the Administration's full-court press on AI, from the NIH's dream of "autonomous biomedical beings" to the FDA's launch of a new (and possibly buggy) generative AI bot named "Elsa." Plus, we celebrate a huge, under-the-radar win for telehealth providers from the CPT Editorial Panel. Don't miss this essential breakdown of the policies shaping our industry.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
CBO's Score: The shocking estimate of how many could lose health insurance under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
NIH's Ambitious AI Strategy: Are "autonomous biomedical AI beings" the future of medicine?
FDA's "Elsa": The launch of the agency's new generative AI tool and its rumored stumbles.
Telehealth Billing Win: A deep dive into the CPT Panel's crucial decision to secure key telemedicine service codes.
CMS's Tech Roadmap: Plans for a national provider directory, AI for personalized advice, and more.
Meet the New ONC Head: HHS appoints Dr. Thomas Keane as the new National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
EPISODE 19
The Scoop: Week of May 30th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of May 30th
Drowning in health policy jargon? We've got your lifeline! Join us as we dissect CMS's latest moves, explore the bizarre world of AI's legal woes, and uncover why remote monitoring is a game-changer (if only reimbursement would get its act together!). Plus, we'll navigate the Memorial Day congressional drama and peek into California's virtual therapy boom. All the vital info, zero snoozefests. Hit play!
EPISODE 18
The Scoop: Week of May 23rd
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of May 23rd
Welcome to the Telehealth Policy Scoop: Industry News! In this episode, we unpack the most impactful developments in healthcare. Discover insights from Trilliant Health's study on outpatient coding trends, learn about the exciting AI healthcare delivery platform partnership between Oracle Health, Cleveland Clinic, and G42, and get the lowdown on the White House's MAHA Report and its AI recommendations. We'll also break down CMS's expanded Medicare Advantage audits, the limited impact of site-neutral payment reform, and the recent blockage of public health funding cuts. On Capitol Hill, we analyze the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," HHS Secretary Kennedy's budget defense, and the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on AI-generated deepfakes. Plus, we bring you vital state-level news, including proposed Medi-Cal cuts in California and a major data breach affecting Catholic Health in New York.
EPISODE 17
The Scoop: Week of May 16th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of May 16th
Policy Got You Puzzled? CTeL's Got Your Back (May 16th)! From Medicaid markups sending shockwaves, to AI getting its own report card, and a Surgeon General choice that'll make your jaw drop – we break it all down with a smile. Plus, good news from CTeL members and a Medicare webinar you won't want to snooze through!
EPISODE 16
The Scoop: Week of May 9th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of May 9th
Welcome back to The Policy Scoop, your weekly dose of all things health policy! On this May 9th, 2025 edition, we're diving into the latest buzz from Capitol Hill to the states. CTeL is gearing up for their annual Hill Day and Digital Health Summit – a prime opportunity to make your voice heard on evidence-based health policy! Plus, catch up on their recent webinar on network adequacy. In industry news, Mercer's new tool is forecasting climate change's impact on healthcare costs, while AI is booming at UnitedHealth Group and making scheduling easier at Epic. The Trump Administration's FY26 budget proposal is making waves with significant HHS spending cuts, and CMS is eyeing prior authorization reforms. The FDA has a new AI guru and is ramping up AI in its reviews. Congress is debating Medicaid cuts (work requirements, anyone?), and the CBO is weighing in on state responses and the budget impact of weight-loss drugs. Finally, we'll check in on the states, from Maryland's telehealth updates to AGs suing HHS and the ongoing legal battles over mifepristone. Grab your headphones and let's get policy-ing!
EPISODE 15
The Scoop: Week of May 2nd
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of May 2nd
Get the inside scoop on the wild world of digital health policy! Join us as we explore Penn Medicine's massive NIH grant for mental health AI research, the American Medical Association's cautionary stance on AI governance, and ZEISS's new AI platform for ophthalmology. We break down Teladoc's strategic acquisition in virtual mental health and highlight studies showing the effectiveness and staying power of pediatric telehealth. On the policy front, we unpack potential changes to Medicaid provider taxes, track the House reconciliation rumble (and proposed Medicaid cuts!), discuss key Congressional hearings (including a head-scratching AI reference), and celebrate the bipartisan Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act. We even touch on Louisiana's interesting approach to using AI for Medicaid fraud. Stay informed and engaged with the CTeL Scoop Team!
🎧 Tune in for insights that matter, from Capitol Hill to community health clinics. Whether you're in policy, tech, or care delivery—this episode has something for you.
EPISODE 14
The Scoop: Week of April 25th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of April 25th
What's Cooking in Research & Industry?
Baby Monitoring Gets a Thumbs Up: Worried fetal monitoring devices might stress moms out? A new study in Nature says: probably not! Patients gave a non-invasive fetal ECG device rave reviews, challenging the idea that keeping tabs on baby automatically ramps up maternal anxiety. Good news for tech and peace of mind!
AI Chatbots as Therapists? Maybe! Could AI lend a digital ear for mental health? Research in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests fine-tuned Gen-AI chatbots could offer personalized mental health support on a massive scale. It looks promising, but researchers say, "Hold your horses!" – more clinical studies are needed to prove effectiveness.
🏛️ News from the Administration
FDA Embraces the Future (and Fewer Animals): The FDA is signaling a major shift! They're planning to phase out certain animal testing requirements, encouraging the use of cool alternatives like "AI-based computational models of toxicity." Their roadmap nudges developers towards using computer modeling and AI to predict how drugs will behave. Robots over rodents?
Your Free Checkups Might Be Safe! Remember the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? They're the folks who decide which preventive services (created under the ACA) you get cost-free. After a nail-biting Supreme Court hearing Monday, it looks like the Task Force is poised to survive legal challenges. Interestingly, the Trump Administration is continuing the government's defense position started under Biden! Phew for preventive care.
NIST Wants Your Brainpower (on Privacy): NIST just dropped a draft update to its popular Privacy Framework. They're tweaking it to tackle modern privacy risks, keep it buddy-buddy with the updated Cybersecurity Framework, and make it easier to use. Got opinions? They want 'em! Feedback is open until June 13.
Calling All Vets for Tele-PT! The VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center is on the hunt for 126 Veterans across the U.S. for a telehealth physical therapy study running until October 2026. They'll compare how folks do with telerehab versus an education-only group. Help shape the future of PT from your living room!
🏛️ Hill Heat: Congressional Corner
AI Brain Drain Worries: Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) is sounding the alarm! He's concerned that the Trump Administration's deportation policies could hamstring America's edge in the global AI race by potentially removing key talent. Politics meets tech supremacy!
🌎 State Side Stories
California Pumps the Brakes on AI Rules: The California Privacy Protection Agency board hit pause on finalizing regulations for automated decision-making technology (ADMT) this month. They're chewing over how to define a "significant decision" – the trigger for disclosing AI use. Stay tuned in May for the next round!
Montana's Mental Health Boost for Youth: Big news from Big Sky Country! Montana is rolling out a first-of-its-kind, no-cost statewide mental health tool for young people. It's a quick, single-session digital intervention (~10 minutes!) designed to give youth a concrete skill or plan to support their mental well-being. Way to go, Montana!
Whew! That's the scoop for this week. Stay tuned for more updates!
EPISODE 13
The Scoop: Week of April 18th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of April 18, 2025
In this episode, we're diving into the biggest digital health headlines and policy developments shaping care delivery in the U.S. healthcare landscape.
🗓️ Mark your calendars! The Spring Digital Health Summit is happening June 10–12. Join top minds in medicine and tech as we explore how emerging technologies are reshaping care delivery.
📰 This week in health policy and industry news:
A new Urban Institute study finds that 5 million adults could lose Medicaid coverage under proposed work requirements—California and New York would be hit hardest.
The Peterson Center on Healthcare spotlights a growing gap in remote monitoring—usage durations are now outpacing what’s clinically necessary.
Digital therapeutics reimbursement is hitting roadblocks: limited coverage, upfront device costs, and prescription hurdles are stalling implementation.
North Country Healthcare in rural Arizona is struggling to adopt AI, facing challenges like broadband gaps, outdated EHRs, and limited staffing.
Telehealth abortions made up 14% of all abortions in 2024, up from 10% in 2023, per a Guttmacher Institute report.
A Health Affairs Scholar study finds nearly two-thirds of patients were able to access care via telehealth that they otherwise couldn’t.
🏛️ In Washington:
Leaked HHS reorganization plans propose a $40 billion budget cut, merging multiple agencies into a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). Agencies on the chopping block include HRSA, ACL, SAMHSA, and AHRQ.
CMS released five proposed Medicare payment rules for FY 2026, covering inpatient care, psychiatric facilities, hospice, rehab, and skilled nursing. Proposals include rate changes and shifts in quality measures—some being removed, others like interoperability added.
CMS also pulled back federal funding for state health initiatives like broadband expansion, potentially impacting telehealth access in rural areas.
ASTP updated its EHR Safety Assurance Guides for the first time since 2016, aiming to boost EHR safety and resilience.
🏛️ Congress & AI Innovation:
Lawmakers are on recess following the passage of a budget resolution. Committee markups are expected the week of April 28.
Senators Rounds and Heinrich introduced the Health Tech Investment Act, creating a Medicare payment path for AI-enabled devices—with AdvaMed backing the effort.
🌐 At the state level:
Virginia passed SB 754, protecting sexual and reproductive health data from being shared without consent.
Montana became the 15th state to join the PA Licensure Compact, moving toward multistate licensure with an estimated rollout of 18–24 months.
🎧 Tune in for insights that matter, from Capitol Hill to community health clinics. Whether you're in policy, tech, or care delivery—this episode has something for you.
EPISODE 12
The Scoop: Week of April 4th
Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of April 4, 2025
This week’s episode dives into the biggest healthcare policy moves impacting patients, providers, and the industry at large. From mass layoffs at HHS to Congress pushing back on AI in prior authorization, we’re covering all the must-know updates, including:
AI in Healthcare: A Legal Nightmare?
Physicians are expected to trust AI to reduce medical errors—but who’s responsible when something goes wrong? A new JAMA Health Forum article warns of AI’s growing legal gray area and its impact on clinician burnout.
Massive Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare
Oracle Health & Oracle Cloud have reportedly been breached—despite the company denying it. Meanwhile, the federal government has extended its cybersecurity emergency declaration for another year due to ongoing threats.
Eli Lilly Expands Telehealth Services
Already linking patients to providers for diabetes and obesity, Eli Lilly is now offering telehealth support for Alzheimer’s care, fueling the debate over pharma-backed digital health networks.
Congress Fights Back Against HHS Layoffs & AI in Prior Authorization
🔹 40 Senators demand answers from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on the impact of 20,000 job cuts at the agency.
🔹 The Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 aims to restrict AI in prior authorization decisions—requiring board-certified specialists to call the shots instead.
State Battles Over AI, Healthcare Funding & Medicaid
🔹 Utah passes three new AI laws—shaping how generative AI is used in healthcare and beyond.
🔹 New York leads 23 states in suing the federal government over the loss of $11 billion in healthcare funding.
🔹 The Supreme Court hears Medina v. Planned Parenthood, a case that could decide whether Medicaid can exclude Planned Parenthood from funding.
Key Takeaways?
The intersection of AI, cybersecurity, telehealth, and healthcare policy is more complex than ever. Don’t miss this episode for a sharp breakdown of how these changes could affect providers, patients, and the future of healthcare delivery.
EPISODE 11
The Scoop: Week of March 28th
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of March 28, 2025
The top stories shaping the future of digital health from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL).
Telehealth changed the game during the pandemic—but will it last? CTeL is taking action, leading the charge to secure permanent Medicare telehealth expansion. In this episode, we break down the latest policy moves, from Congressional battles over virtual care to the AI revolution in healthcare, including major partnerships between Quest Diagnostics & Google Cloud and the rise of AI-powered medical scribes.
Plus, we cover:
✅ Major HHS shake-ups—20,000 jobs cut & new agency consolidations
✅ Trump’s health picks move forward—Makary, Bhattacharya, and Oz in key roles
✅ The Medicaid fight heats up—advocacy groups push back on potential cuts
✅ Telehealth for veterans advances—key legislation moves closer to law
✅ California’s AI policy report—shaping the future of digital health regulation
Don’t miss this fast-paced, insightful breakdown of the policies shaping healthcare’s future. Hit play and stay ahead of the curve! 🎧🔥 #Telehealth #AIinHealthcare #PolicyScoop
EPISODE 10
The Scoop: Week of March 21st
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of March 21, 2025
The top stories shaping the future of digital health from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL).
🚨 In This Episode:
In this episode of the Scoop, we dive into the latest developments shaping telehealth, AI, and healthcare policy. We’ll explore CTeL’s advocacy efforts to secure a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score for telehealth—a critical step toward permanent Medicare telehealth expansion.
We’ll also cover major industry updates, including proposed CPT code changes, the alarming telehealth "dead zones" highlighted in a new Kaiser Family Foundation report, and the high-profile merger of hospital-at-home giants DispatchHealth and Medically Home.
Plus, we’ll discuss the latest cybersecurity threats, including a newly discovered ChatGPT vulnerability targeting healthcare systems, and break down key federal and state legislative moves—from Mehmet Oz’s CMS confirmation hearing to new AI and telehealth-related bills across Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina.
🔊 Tune in now for all the details!
#Telehealth #DigitalHealth #HealthPolicy #AIinHealthcare #CTeL
EPISODE 9
The Scoop: Week of March 14th
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of March 14, 2025
The top stories shaping the future of digital health from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL).
🚨 In This Episode:
This week, CTeL took a major step in advancing health IT and AI innovation by joining the Friends of ASTP coalition—a powerful alliance advocating for stronger policies in digital health. We also recap the Digital Health Tech and AI Showcase, where congressional staff experienced firsthand the future of healthcare innovation.
In industry news, the WHO designated the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University as a global AI governance hub, and Teledoc, LifeMD, and Eli Lilly announced a new partnership on weight-loss drug distribution. Meanwhile, ECRI’s Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns highlight AI governance and medical misinformation as top risks.
On the regulatory front, CMS proposes major ACA Marketplace changes, ends four Innovation Center payment models, and moves key Medicare rules closer to publication. Plus, Scott Gottlieb urges FDA to rethink AI regulation, and the Senate scrambles to avoid a government shutdown while telehealth policies hang in the balance.
Finally, we cover the latest state innovations in telehealth, including how New Mexico is using remote ultrasound technology to revolutionize rural pregnancy care.
🔊 Tune in now for all the details!
#Telehealth #DigitalHealth #HealthPolicy #AIinHealthcare #CTeL
EPISODE 8
The Scoop: Week of March 7th
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of March 7th, 2025
The top stories shaping the future of digital health from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL).
🚨 In This Episode:
This week on The Digital Health Policy Scoop, we’re unpacking the top stories shaping digital health and telehealth. From potential Medicaid cuts impacting state budgets and healthcare jobs to HHS Secretary Kennedy’s controversial rulemaking shift, we cover the policy moves you need to know. Plus, we spotlight federal efforts to extend telehealth flexibilities, new proposals around corporate practice of medicine laws, and the latest on AI regulations in California. Don’t miss the inaugural Digital Health Tech & AI Showcase at the Capitol – register today at ctel.org/techshowcase-2025!
🔊 Tune in now for all the details!
#Telehealth #DigitalHealth #HealthPolicy #AIinHealthcare #CTeL
EPISODE 7
The Scoop: Week of February 28
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of February 28, 2025
The top stories shaping the future of digital health from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL).
🚨 In This Episode:
Big changes are brewing in digital health, and we’ve got the inside scoop you need! From new research on how telemedicine is reshaping Medicare spending to AI-powered tools revolutionizing patient care, this episode breaks down the key stories shaping telehealth, digital health, and healthcare policy.
Plus, we’re talking:
🚨 A major federal workforce shakeup that could cut nearly half of HHS staff
🏥 House and Senate hearings tackling everything from PBM reform to the future of the VA’s EHR rollout
💰 A $4.5 trillion budget resolution packed with tax cuts and spending changes
🧠 The latest executive orders aimed at chronic disease prevention and healthcare price transparency
📅 And don’t miss your invite to CTeL’s Digital Health Check & AI Showcase at the Capitol on March 12!
Whether you’re a telehealth leader, policy wonk, or just trying to keep up with the fast-changing world of digital health, this is the update you can’t afford to miss.
Tune in now — and stay ahead of the curve.
🔊 Tune in now for all the details!
#Telehealth #DigitalHealth #HealthPolicy #AIinHealthcare #CTeL
EPISODE 5
The Scoop: Week of February 14
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of February 14, 2025
The top stories shaping the future of digital health from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL).
🚨 In This Episode:
🔹 HHS, CDC, and FDA Ordered to Restore Website Functionalities – A federal court ruled in favor of Doctors for America, requiring the restoration of STI treatment guidelines and contraception prescribing information.
🔹 NIH Blocked from Medical Research Grant Cuts – A judge temporarily halted NIH spending cuts in 22 states, with a hearing set for Feb. 21.
🔹 VP JD Vance at AI Action Summit in Paris – Vance warned that regulation could stifle AI and reaffirmed U.S. dominance in AI innovation. The U.S. also declined to sign an AI ethics declaration.
🔹 RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary – The Senate approved Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination in a close 52-48 vote.
🔹 Congressional Hearings on Healthcare & Telehealth – The House and Senate held discussions on modernizing healthcare, AI in medicine, and telehealth expansion.
🔹 New Legal Risks for Cross-State Abortion Care – A Nixon Peabody article warns of limitations in state shield laws for providers.
🔹 State Telehealth Policy Updates – Legislative efforts in Mississippi and Missouri aim to expand and regulate telehealth services.
🎟️ Upcoming Event:
📢 Digital Health Tech & AI Showcase on Capitol Hill – March 12, 2025
➡️ Sponsored by Christian & Barton and Civic Telehealth.
➡️ Register now: ctel.org/tech-showcase-2025
🔊 Tune in now for all the details!
#Telehealth #DigitalHealth #HealthPolicy #AIinHealthcare #CTeL
EPISODE 4
The Scoop: Week of February 7
🎙Telehealth Policy Scoop: Week of February 7, 2025
This week in telehealth and digital health policy:
Google releases Gemini 2.0, opening new AI development opportunities.
The Health IT Advisory Committee (HITAC) suspends all meetings indefinitely.
Vice President JD Vance to attend the AI Action Summit in Paris.
The Department of Government Efficiency reviews HHS and CMS payment systems—but details remain unclear.
The National Science Foundation seeks public input on the AI Action Plan (comments due March 15).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for HHS Secretary advances to a full Senate vote.
Senate Republicans move forward on their two-part reconciliation package amid House GOP struggles.
A New York doctor faces charges in Louisiana for prescribing abortion pills across state lines, sparking legal and political reactions.
California proposes new AI chatbot regulations to protect children’s online interactions.
The South Central Telehealth Resource Center hosts abilling and reimbursement webinar on February 19.
Stay informed on telehealth policy updates—subscribe and tune in weekly!
EPISODE 3
The Scoop: Week of January 31
In this episode of The Telehealth Policy Scoop, brought to you by the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL), we break down the biggest digital health and AI policy updates shaping the future of healthcare.
🔹 Digital Health & AI Showcase Reminder – Register now for the March 12, 2025, Digital Health Tech and AI Showcase on Capitol Hill, where clinicians and vendors will highlight how AI and telehealth impact policymaking.
🔹 Major AI Policy Shifts – President Trump’s latest executive order on AI revokes Biden-era policies, aiming to accelerate American AI innovation while centralizing oversight under the White House. Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services, Canva, and Meta joined the new AI Competition Center, and the Peterson Health Technology Institute launched an AI task force to improve AI-driven healthcare administration.
🔹 RFK Jr. Confirmation Hearing – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for HHS Secretary, testified before the Senate, outlining plans to use AI and telehealth to improve Medicare and Medicaid care while reducing costs. He cited Cleveland Clinic’s AI-powered nurse technology as a breakthrough that could provide concierge care to remote communities.
🔹 Congressional & State Policy Updates – House and Senate Republicans are finalizing a reconciliation package that could impact healthcare funding. Meanwhile, New York and California issued new laws regulating health consumer data and AI in healthcare.
Stay ahead of the latest policy changes—listen now for a full breakdown of what’s next for AI, telehealth, and digital health innovation!
EPISODE 2
The Scoop: Week of January 24th
In this week's episode of Policy Scoop, we dive into key developments shaping the healthcare and telehealth landscape:
CTeL In Action: A recap of CTeL’s Budget Reconciliation webinar, including insights into the legislative process and its potential impacts on telehealth policies.
Breaking News: The ERISA Industry Committee files a lawsuit challenging the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act final rule, alleging overreach and constitutional violations.
New Administration Updates: President Trump’s inauguration ushers in a wave of executive actions, including the withdrawal from the WHO, regulatory freezes, and the rescission of major healthcare-focused Biden-era executive orders. Plus, learn about “Stargate,” a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative launched in partnership with industry leaders like OpenAI.
Congressional Focus: House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader John Thune strategize with the President on reconciliation bill priorities, spending cuts, and the looming debt ceiling.
State Spotlight: Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri’s lawsuit against the FDA over telehealth prescribing moves forward, while Texas lawmakers introduce a bill to regulate the use of AI in insurance claims.
Stay informed on the latest policies and actions that could reshape telehealth and healthcare. Catch the full episode now!
EPISODE 1
The Scoop: Week of January 17th
🎙️ CTeL Weekly Policy Scoop: January 17th Edition 🌟
This week, we're diving into game-changing innovations, critical recalls, and major healthcare policy updates:
✨ Special News Highlights:
Stanford Medicine's AI Innovation: A groundbreaking tool drafts lab test interpretations for physicians. After two successful pilots, could this redefine patient communication?
National Nurses United Takes Action: Nurses rallied nationwide to advocate for the ethical use of AI in healthcare.
Philips Recall Alert: A recall on Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry devices has the FDA on high alert—109 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
⚖️ Policy & Legal Developments:
SCOTUS and Preventative Care: The Supreme Court is set to review ACA requirements on preventative care, with significant implications for coverage.
DEA Telemedicine Rules: New rules impact veterans, telemedicine registrations, and opioid treatment.
HHS AI Strategic Plan: A bold roadmap for ethical AI development, equitable access, and workforce training.
📊 Research & Reports:
Telehealth Trends: ASPE reveals Medicaid and CHIP telehealth usage surged in 2020 but has since leveled off.
Hospital AI Bias Concerns: U. of Minnesota's study shows 65% of hospitals use AI but lack bias evaluation—what's at stake for patient care?
💡 Regulatory Insights:
FDA’s draft guidance on AI in drug development.
ASTP’s updated data standards for interoperable health info exchange—feedback wanted!
Tune in for all this and more as we unpack what these developments mean for telehealth, AI, and the future of healthcare. Stay informed and stay ahead with CTeL! 🩺💻
🎧 Catch the full scoop now!