TAFA Commends Efforts to Expand Behavioral and Mental Telehealth Access in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Urges Further Action

Campaign Thanks Lawmakers for Continued Commitment to Telehealth, Calls for Action on Permanent Safeguards for Access 

Washington, D.C – Telehealth Access for America issued the following statement in response to inclusion of provisions to expand telehealth access for mental and behavioral care in the bipartisan Safer Communities Act. 

“We commend lawmakers for their commitment to virtual care and for including expanded access to telehealth for mental and behavioral care in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” said TAFA spokesperson Julia Mirich. “Access to virtual care will play an indispensable role in addressing America’s mental health challenges, especially at a time when 87 percent of mental health-related appointments occur online.”

“While these provisions are welcome, we encourage lawmakers to maintain their dedication to passing permanent reforms to safeguard access to telehealth for the millions of people who have come to rely on virtual care,” Mirich added. “Congress must maintain the momentum for solutions that protect the full potential of telehealth for consumers.”

ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA

Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services.

Learn more at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.