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TDI Extends Telemedicine Emergency Rule to September

Legislative Update: TDI Extends Telemedicine Emergency Rule Into September

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is extending a requirement that insurers cover telemedicine services, including mental health visits, at the same rate as in-person visits. An emergency rule in place since March helps doctors across Texas treat their patients and limit the spread of COVID-19.

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TSBEMFT Staff Reduced and Telephone Contact Suspended

TSBEMFT REPORTS REDUCED STAFFING, SUSPENDS TELEPHONE ACCESS

TAMFT has received the following update from TSBEMFT to share with our members:

"Due to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak we are operating with significantly reduced staff. As a result we have been forced to suspend telephone access. This is being done so the remaining staff can devote their time strictly to processing license applications. Given the rapidly changing circumstances we cannot provide an estimate for the resumption of access to staff by telephone."

TSBEMFT can still be reached via email at the following addresses:



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HIPAA and Teletherapy Updates

HIPAA & TELETHERAPY UPDATES

HHS Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for enforcing certain regulations issued under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, to protect the privacy and security of protected health information, namely the HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules (the HIPAA Rules). 

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Licensure Test Dates Rescheduled and Teletherapy Updates

A Letter From TAMFT: Licensure Test Dates Rescheduled & Teletherapy Updates

Dear TAMFT members and Friends,

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Emergency Rule for Telemedicine Announced by Governor Abbott

Emergency Rule for Telemedicine Announced by Governor Abbott

Governor Abbott announced on March 17 adoption of an emergency rule governing telemedicine and telehealth services provided by health professionals—specifically including mental health professionals—to reduce barriers to accessing services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Abbott directed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to issue an emergency rule to help improve access to care, while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

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Taking Care of Families During the Coronavirus

TAKING CARE OF FAMILIES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS: A LETTER FROM TAMFT'S PRESIDENT

Dear Texas Marriage and Family Therapists,

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TAMFT and TSBEMFT Ask Governor Abbott for Help With Coronavirus

TAMFT and TSBEMFT Ask Governor Abbott for Help With Coronavirus

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists requires MFTs to have 15 hours of training to perform teletherapy. TSBEMFT has informed TAMFT that it has petitioned the Governor's Office for a suspension of the rules related to training requirements and waits for Governor Abbott's approval.

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