H.R. 7444In CommitteeHEALTH
Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act
Key facts
Introduced: Feb 9, 2026
Chamber: House
Cosponsors: 1
Congress: 119th
Latest action · Feb 9, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary
Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act
This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare.
Specifically, the bill permanently (1) removes geographic restrictions on originating sites (i.e., the location of the beneficiary), (2) allows the home of the beneficiary to serve as the originating site for all services, (3) allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner), and (4) expands coverage to include audio-only services for evaluation and management and behavioral health services.
Summary by Congressional Research Service.
Timeline
- Feb 9, 2026Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Feb 9, 2026Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Feb 9, 2026Introduced in House
- Feb 9, 2026Introduced in House
Cosponsors
In the News
- New Bill: Representative Chris Pappas introduces H.R. 7444: Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: Congressman Chris Pappas and Co-Chairs of Congressional Postal Service Caucus Hold Roundtable with Postal Union Leaders - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: NH Congressional Delegation Urges DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to Rule Out Future ICE Facilities in New Hampshire - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: Pappas and Congress Members Urge Secretary Rubio to Assist Stranded Americans in Middle East Amid Iran Conflict | Stock News - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: Pappas and Whitehouse Reintroduce DISCLOSE Act to Increase Transparency in American Elections - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: Congressman Chris Pappas Leads Effort Against DHS Luxury Jet Purchase - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: Congressman Chris Pappas Joins Colleagues in Demanding Rescission of Controversial VA Disability Ratings Rule - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: Pappas Asks Congressional Leaders to Uphold Local Control in DHS Funding Discussions - Quiver Quantitative
- Press Release: NH Congressional Delegation Seeks Engagement from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Merrimack ICE Facility Proposal - Quiver Quantitative
View official record on Congress.gov →