As Cross-State Telemedicine Waivers Expire, Virtual Care Advocates Focus on Long-Term Policy Changes

Telehealth advocates are looking to capitalize on virtual care’s positive momentum after two years of COVID-19, hoping to shape a friendlier physician licensing landscape as states increasingly reformulate policies mediating cross-state care.

But there’s a complication: No one solution to the U.S.’ patchy physician licensing infrastructure has universal buy-in from the telehealth industry.

Some groups push for greater state adoption of compacts like the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which makes it easier for doctors to obtain licenses in bulk from the 38 participating states. Others lobby for reciprocal licensure arrangements between the states.

Telehealth stakeholders are also split on the role that the federal government should take.