Helping Every American Link To Healthcare Act of 2021 or the HEALTH Act of 2021
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue allowing providers to use certain communication products when furnishing telehealth services after the COVID-19 emergency ends.
Generally, providers must use communication products that comply with applicable federal privacy and security standards; however, HHS issued a notification stating that it would not enforce penalties against providers who, in good faith, use noncompliant communication products during the COVID-19 emergency.
The bill requires HHS to revise applicable privacy and security regulations to allow providers to use noncompliant products for seven years after the COVID-19 emergency ends. HHS may elect to extend this period following a review of telehealth services furnished over those seven years.