HHS clarifies its guidance on audio-only telehealth after the PHE
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services clarified its guidance for audio-only telemedicine under HIPAA. Covered health care providers can provide audio-only telehealth services when the communication is consistent with HIPAA requirements. The new guidance will apply after the expiration of the public health emergency. During the PHE, HHS’s Office of Civil Rights has not been imposing penalties on covered health care providers for noncompliance with HIPAA rules when conducting telehealth visits.