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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI6), both members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, re-introduced the TREAT Act, which would temporarily waive state reciprocity laws to allow mental telehealth services to be provided across state lines during the event of a public health emergency.  

Currently, health care professionals must maintain licenses in each state in which they render services. The Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act would provide temporary licensing reciprocity for providers assisting in telehealth services for those suffering from mental health related issues.

“Even before the COVID pandemic, people across the country were struggling with mental health related challenges,” Latta said. “And during this time, we recognized the substantial role telehealth plays in providing countless Americans with health services. In the event of a future public health emergency, medical providers should be able to provide services to patients no matter where they live and without being forced to jump through unnecessary regulatory hoops. That’s why I’ve worked with my friend, Congresswoman Dingell, to re-introduce the TREAT Act to remove bureaucratic hurdles so that patients can receive the care they need.”  

“The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of expanding access to care, including mental health care, through telehealth in order to reach patients where they are when they need it the most,” Dingell said. “We cannot let bureaucratic red tape get in the way of Americans’ mental health, especially during challenging public health emergencies. The TREAT Act will expand access to mental health care during future emergencies to ensure patients don’t have to forego this critical care.”