Last updated 09/11/2023
Live Video
POLICY
Services rendered via telehealth, including those delivered using audio-only telecommunication technology, must use technology that is two-way, real-time, and interactive between beneficiary and provider.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-23-08 (Aug. 2, 2023), p. 3. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Behavioral Health
Services delivered in the MA FFS delivery system through telehealth will be paid the same rate as if the services were delivered in-person.
MA providers in the MA FFS delivery system that provide services via telehealth should bill for services with a Place of Service (POS) 02 for telehealth provided in a location other than the home of the individual being served and (POS) 10 for telehealth provided in the home of the individual being served, unless instructed otherwise for specific services. Please consult the MA Fee Schedule for procedure codes that have the POS 02 or 10. For services delivered through audio-only, informational modifier code FQ should be used. Providers in the MA HC program must follow the billing instructions of the BH-MCO.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, p. 8, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept 2023).
ELIGIBLE SERVICES/SPECIALTIES
MA services in the FFS delivery system rendered via telehealth will be paid the same rate as if the services were rendered in person. MA managed care organizations (MCO) may, but are not required to, allow for the use of telehealth. MA MCOs may negotiate payment for services rendered via telehealth. The MA Program will continue to pay for MA covered services rendered to beneficiaries via telehealth when clinically appropriate. Services rendered via telehealth must be provided according to the same standard of care as if delivered in-person.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-23-08 (Aug. 2, 2023), p. 3. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
For FQHCs & RHCs
Telepsychiatry Services – Only applicable to Behavioral Health Managed Care delivery system claims and not fee-for-service delivery. Mental health services are provided through the use of approved electronic communication and information technologies to provide or support clinical psychiatric care at a distance. Qualifying telepsych services utilize real-time, two-way interactive audio-video transmission, and do not include a telephone conversation, electronic mail message, or facsimile transmission between a health care practitioner and a service recipient, or a consultation between two healthcare practitioners, although these activities may support the delivery of telepsych services. Telepsych services require service providers to have a service description approved by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and deliverable through the managed care option.
SOURCE: PA PROMISe, 837 Professional/CMS-1500 Claim Form, Provider Handbook, Appendix E – FQHC/RHC. p. 10 (Apr. 22, 2014). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Limited English Proficiency
All recipients of federal funding, including the MA Program, must offer and make available interpretation services to beneficiaries with limited English proficiency, visual limitations, and/or auditory limitations. Providers who elect to render services through telehealth (telemedicine) must have policies in place to make language assistance services, such as oral interpretation, including sign language interpretation, and written translation, available to beneficiaries being served via telemedicine.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-23-08 (Aug. 2, 2023), p. 3-4. & PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, p. 6, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Some behavioral health services may be appropriate to be provided primarily through telehealth, while other services will require ongoing in-person delivery for a significant portion of or all of the services. Providers and practitioners should carefully consider the clinical appropriateness of telehealth delivery for such services, including, but not limited to: Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), Family Based Mental Health, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), or for beneficiaries in a residential facility or inpatient setting.
Providers in the MA HC program must follow the billing instructions of the BH-MCO.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, p. 5, & 8, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Teledentistry may be used by dentists, FQHCs, and RHCs to provide dental services to MA beneficiaries. The provider must be licensed in Pennsylvania and enrolled in the MA Program.
FQHCs and RHCs are to continue billing procedure code T1015 with the U9 modifier to indicate dental visits/encounters rendered via teledentistry to patients. FQHCs and RHCs should no longer use the GT modifier, as previously directed in Provider Quick Tip # 237, “Teledentistry Guidelines Related to COVID-19 for Dentists, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics” (https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Quick Tips/Documents/PROMISeQuickTip237.pdf), and must begin using POS 02 as of May 2, 2022.
Teledentistry visits must be provided according to the same standard of care as if delivered in-person.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Teledentistry Guidelines and Dental Fee Schedule Updates (May 2, 2022), p. 2-3. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Additionally, vaccine counseling only visits may be provided via telemedicine with the use of Place of Service 02. For further information on MA Program guidelines for telemedicine see MA Bulletin 99-21-06, titled, “Guidelines for the Delivery of Physical Health Services via Telemedicine”
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Vaccine Counseling Only Visits for Beneficiaries Under 21 (May 30, 2023). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
I am a licensed Medical Assistance enrolled provider – will I continue to be reimbursed for physical health and behavioral health services delivered via telemedicine after October 31, 2022, when the suspended regulations expire?
The MA program will continue to reimburse both physical health and behavioral services delivered via telemedicine after October 31, 2022
Act 98 of 2022 permanently abrogated the two DHS regulations that prohibited payment specifically for audio-only telehealth service delivery—outpatient psychiatric clinics (which includes Mobile Mental Health Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Outpatient Services) under 55 Pa. Code § 1153.14(1), and Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Clinic Services under 55 Pa. Code § 1223.14(2).
Will there be a change in MA reimbursements for physical health or behavioral health services provided via telemedicine after May 11, 2023, or will I continue to be reimbursed at the same level for services provided regardless of how they are delivered?
DHS will continue to reimburse services delivered via telemedicine at the same rates as in-person delivered services for the MA Fee-for-Service (FFS) Program.
MA MCOs may negotiate payment for services rendered via telemedicine in the MA HealthChoices managed care program. To date, all MCOs are reimbursing for services delivered via telemedicine. DHS cannot require the MCOs to have payment parity for services delivered via telemedicine without a CMS approved directed payment, as MCOs are allowed to negotiate rates.
SOURCE: PA Dept. of State, Professional Licensing, Telemedicine FAQs. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
School-Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook Mid-Year Update
Delivery Method: While DHS has historically expressed its intent for MA services to be rendered to MA beneficiaries in person, some services may be delivered using telemedicine. Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technologies to deliver services when the provider and the student are not in the same place at the same time. As outlined within this section by provider type, services rendered via telemedicine must be provided according to the same standard of care as if delivered in person. MA coverage and payment for services provided via telemedicine is separate and apart from authorization to engage in telemedicine from a licensing standpoint. All providers using telemedicine are advised to remain informed on all federal and state statutes, regulations and guidance regarding telemedicine.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, School-Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook Mid-Year Update, May 2, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS
Does the Department of Human Services allow Medical Assistance enrolled providers to bill for services delivered suing telemedicine?
Yes. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has allowed services to be provided via telemedicine since 2007 and has allowed MA-enrolled providers to bill MA for these services. MA-enrolled providers should consult the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) telemedicine bulletins for more information on service delivery and billing (see question 7 below). DHS will continue allowing physical health and behavioral health services to be provided via telemedicine delivery and will continue to reimburse at the same rate as services delivered in person in the fee-for-service program. Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) may, but are not required to, allow for the use of telemedicine. MA MCOs may negotiate payment for services rendered via telemedicine.
SOURCE: PA Dept. of State, Professional Licensing, Telemedicine FAQs. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Licensed Practitioners
Licensed practitioners may provide behavioral health services through telehealth that are within their scope of practice. Practitioners should exercise sound clinical judgement and should not provide services through telehealth when it is clinically not appropriate to do so. Services delivered using telehealth must comply with all service specific and payment requirements for the service.
Provider Agencies
Provider agencies using behavioral health staff who are unlicensed, including, but not limited to, unlicensed master’s level therapists, mental health targeted case managers, mental health certified peer support specialists, certified recovery specialists, and drug and alcohol counselors (as defined in 28 Pa. Code §704.7(b)), and licensed practitioners may provide services using telehealth. Provider agencies should establish and enforce policies for assessing when it is clinically appropriate to deliver services through telehealth. Services delivered using telehealth must comply with all service specific and payment requirements for the service.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, p. 3, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
The Department is opening Provider Type (PT)/Specialty (Spec) combination 08 (Clinic)/110 (Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic) in Place of Service (POS) 02 (Telemedicine), 10 (Telehealth provided in the home of the individual being served) and 49 (Independent Clinic) and PT/Spec combination 08/184 (Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Clinic) in POS 02, 10, 12 (Home) and 57 (Non-Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility) for the following outpatient and other office evaluation and management procedure codes as a result of clinical review.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Addition of Behavioral Health Providers to Certain Procedure Codes and other Procedure Code Changes (Aug. 2, 2022). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Telepsych services delivered in FQHCs and RHCs require providers to have a service description approved by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the service must be deliverable through the managed care option. Telepsych services are limited to psychologists and psychiatrists.
SOURCE: PA PROMISe, 837 Professional/CMS-1500 Claim Form, Provider Handbook, Appendix E – FQHC/RHC. p. 10 (Apr. 22, 2014). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Teledentistry may be used by dentists, FQHCs, and RHCs to provide dental services to MA beneficiaries. The provider must be licensed in Pennsylvania and enrolled in the MA Program.
FQHCs and RHCs are to continue billing procedure code T1015 with the U9 modifier to indicate dental visits/encounters rendered via teledentistry to patients. FQHCs and RHCs should no longer use the GT modifier, as previously directed in Provider Quick Tip # 237, “Teledentistry Guidelines Related to COVID-19 for Dentists, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics” (https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Quick Tips/Documents/PROMISeQuickTip237.pdf), and must begin using POS 02 as of May 2, 2022.
Teledentistry visits must be provided according to the same standard of care as if delivered in-person.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Teledentistry Guidelines and Dental Fee Schedule Updates (May 2, 2022). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
School-Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook Mid-Year Update
The provider services log must indicate whether the service type is Direct: Telemedicine or Direct: In Person when documenting the service and how it was provided. The “Description of Service” section of the provider service paper log should be used to record details about the service provided, including verification consent was obtained prior to the start of any telemedicine session, whether any service disruptions or connectivity issues occurred during the service delivery and whether the service was delivered using telephone-only.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, School-Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook Mid-Year Update, May 2, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
ELIGIBLE SITES
The originating site is where the beneficiary is located at the time the MA covered service is rendered to them via telehealth. The originating site can be, but is not limited to, the beneficiary’s home, a provider’s office, clinic, nursing facility, or other medical facility site. When the originating site is a provider’s office, clinic, nursing facility or other medical facility, staff at the originating site should be trained to assist beneficiaries with the use of the telehealth equipment and available to provide in-person clinical intervention, if needed. Providers should obtain the location of the beneficiary at the time each service is rendered via telehealth should there be a need for emergency medical services.
Providers are to use POS 02 when billing for services provided via telehealth technology to beneficiaries located in a location other than their home. Providers are to use POS 10 to identify when services via telehealth technology are provided in the home of the individual being served.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-23-08 (Aug. 2, 2023), p. 4-5. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
The originating site is the setting at which an individual receives behavioral health services using telehealth delivery. When telehealth is being used to deliver services to an individual who is at a clinic, residential treatment setting, or facility setting, the originating site must have staff trained in telehealth equipment and protocols to provide operating support. In addition, the clinic or facility must have staff trained and available to provide clinical intervention in-person, if a need arises.
Services delivered through telehealth may also be provided outside of a clinic, residential treatment setting or facility setting. With the consent of the individual served and when clinically appropriate, licensed practitioners and provider agencies may deliver services through telehealth to individuals in community settings, such as to an individual located in their home. The licensed practitioner or provider agency must have policies in place to address emergency situations, such as a risk of harm to self or others.
Prior to delivering services through telehealth, providers or practitioners should provide information to the individual receiving services that supports the delivery of quality services. At a minimum, information should address the importance of the individual being in a private location, preventing interruptions and distractions such as from children or other family members, visitors in the household and from other communication or bandwidth reducing devices. When services are being provided to a child, youth or young adult, consideration should also be given to how much caregiver involvement will be needed during the appointment.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, p. 4, & 7, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
The Department is opening Provider Type (PT)/Specialty (Spec) combination 08 (Clinic)/110 (Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic) in Place of Service (POS) 02 (Telemedicine), 10 (Telehealth provided in the home of the individual being served) and 49 (Independent Clinic) and PT/Spec combination 08/184 (Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Clinic) in POS 02, 10, 12 (Home) and 57 (Non-Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility) for the following outpatient and other office evaluation and management procedure codes as a result of clinical review.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Addition of Behavioral Health Providers to Certain Procedure Codes and other Procedure Code Changes (Aug. 2, 2022). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Additionally, vaccine counseling only visits may be provided via telemedicine with the use of Place of Service 02. For further information on MA Program guidelines for telemedicine see MA Bulletin 99-21-06, titled, “Guidelines for the Delivery of Physical Health Services via Telemedicine”
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Vaccine Counseling Only Visits for Beneficiaries Under 21 (May 30, 2023). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Teledentistry may be used by dentists, FQHCs, and RHCs to provide dental services to MA beneficiaries. The provider must be licensed in Pennsylvania and enrolled in the MA Program.
FQHCs and RHCs are to continue billing procedure code T1015 with the U9 modifier to indicate dental visits/encounters rendered via teledentistry to patients. FQHCs and RHCs should no longer use the GT modifier, as previously directed in Provider Quick Tip # 237, “Teledentistry Guidelines Related to COVID-19 for Dentists, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics” (https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Quick Tips/Documents/PROMISeQuickTip237.pdf), and must begin using POS 02 as of May 2, 2022.
Teledentistry visits must be provided according to the same standard of care as if delivered in-person.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin, Teledentistry Guidelines and Dental Fee Schedule Updates (May 2, 2022). (Accessed Sept. 2023).
POS Code 02 (Telemedicine) and 10 (telehealth at home) is listed as reimbursable for specific CPT/HCPCS codes in several bulletins, including a bulletin for behavioral health providers,
School-Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook Mid-Year Update
POS 02 is to be used when services are rendered via telemedicine for certain services (see bulletin).
Nursing Services/Personal Care Services: Services delivered through telemedicine are NOT compensable.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, School-Based ACCESS Program Provider Handbook Mid-Year Update, May 2, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS
Services may be provided using telehealth to Pennsylvania residents who are temporarily out of the state as long as the individual continues to meet eligibility for the Pennsylvania MA Program, and the provider or licensed practitioner has received authorization to practice in the state or territory where the individual will be temporarily located.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-23-08 (Aug. 2, 2023), p. 5. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Access to Services Delivered In-Person
In the managed care delivery system, the HealthChoices Primary Contractor must ensure that provider agencies and licensed practitioners who deliver services through telehealth within their service area can arrange for services to be delivered in-person as clinically appropriate or requested by the individual served. HealthChoices Primary Contractors must ensure that each contracted provider agency and licensed practitioner meets one of the two following criteria:
- The provider agency or licensed practitioner maintains a physical location in Pennsylvania within 60 minutes or 45 miles (whichever is greater) of the area served with appropriate licensure for all services provided through telehealth; or
- The provider agency or licensed practitioner maintains a physical location in a state bordering Pennsylvania, located within 60 minutes or 45 miles (whichever is greater) of the area served in Pennsylvania, maintains licensure in the state where they are physically located for all services provided through telehealth and is enrolled with the Pennsylvania MA program.
The HealthChoices Primary Contractor may apply for an exception to allow licensed practitioners and/or provider agencies beyond the 60 minute/45 mile restriction to deliver services through telehealth in their service area when supporting additional access to services or in circumstances when the licensed practitioner and/or provider agency is needed to meet the cultural, racial/ethnic, sexual/affectional or linguistic needs of individual(s) served or in instances when the licensed practitioner serves less than 5 individuals. An exception request can be submitted to the OMHSAS Telehealth Resource Account using the form in Attachment B.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
FACILITY/TRANSMISSION FEE
When the beneficiary accesses services at an enrolled originating site, the provider serving as the originating site may bill for the technology service using the telehealth originating site procedure code Q3014 only. The MA fee for Q3014 is $15.72. MA Providers may not bill procedure code Q3014 if another MA covered service is provided at the originating site. Providers may access the online version of the MA Program Fee Schedule at the Department’s website at: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Health%20Care%20for%20Providers/MAFee-Schedule.aspx.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Last updated 09/11/2023
Miscellaneous
Technology Requirements:
Technology used for telehealth, whether fixed or mobile, should be capable of presenting sound and image in real-time and without delay. Telehealth equipment should clearly display the practitioners’ and participants’ faces to facilitate clinical interactions. The telehealth equipment must meet all state and federal requirements for the transmission or security of health information and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Delivery of Services:
The medical record for the individual served must indicate each time a service is provided using telehealth including the receipt of informed consent prior to the start of the session, start time of service and end time of service. Additionally, if the individual served or their legal guardian, as applicable, consents to the recording of a telehealth service, documentation of consent must be included in the medical record.
Provider Policies:
- Providers using telehealth must maintain written policies for the operation and use of telehealth equipment. Policies must include the provision of periodic staff training to ensure telehealth is provided in accordance with the guidance in this bulletin as well as the provider’s established patient care standards.
- Providers must maintain a written policy detailing a contingency plan for transmission failure or other technical difficulties that render the behavioral health service undeliverable. Contingency plans should describe how the plan will be communicated to individuals receiving services.
- Prior to delivering services through telehealth, providers or practitioners should provide information to the individual receiving services that supports the delivery of quality services. At a minimum, information should address the importance of the individual being in a private location, preventing interruptions and distractions such as from children or other family members, visitors in the household and from other communication or bandwidth reducing devices. When services are being provided to a child, youth or young adult, consideration should also be given to how much caregiver involvement will be needed during the appointment.
Determining Appropriateness for Telehealth Delivery of Services
Licensed practitioners and provider agencies delivering services through telehealth must have policies that ensure that services are delivered using telehealth only when it is clinically appropriate to do so and that licensed practitioners are complying with standards of practice set by their licensing board for telehealth where applicable.
Factors to consider include, but are not limited to:
- The preference of the individual served and/or the preference of parents/guardians
- Whether there is an established relationship with the service provider and the length of time the individual has been in treatment
- Level of acuity needed for care
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Age of a minor child
- Ability of the individual served to communicate, either independently or with accommodation such as an interpreter or electronic communication device
- Any barriers to in-person service delivery for the individual
- Access to technology of the individual served
- Whether privacy for the individual served could be maintained if services are delivered using telehealth
- Whether the service relies on social cueing and fluency
The preference of the individual served and their legal guardian(s), as applicable, should be given high priority when making determinations of the appropriateness of the telehealth delivery. However, no service should be provided through telehealth when, in the best clinical judgement of the licensed practitioner, it is not clinically appropriate. When the use of telehealth is not clinically appropriate, the licensed practitioner or provider agency must offer the services in-person. If the individual disagrees with the clinical determination, the licensed practitioner or provider agency may refer the individual to other in-network providers or the managed care organization.
Guidance specific to delivering children’s services through telehealth is included in Attachment A.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, pgs. 4-5 & 7-8, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Pennsylvania Residents Temporarily Out-of-State
Behavioral Health Services may be provided using telehealth to meet the behavioral healthcare needs of Pennsylvania residents who are temporarily out of the state as long as the delivery of services out-of-state is consistent with the authorization for services and treatment plan, the individual continues to meet eligibility for the Pennsylvania MA Program, and the Pennsylvania provider agency or licensed practitioner has received authorization to practice in the state or territory where the individual will be temporarily located.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Bulletin OMHSAS-22-02, July 1, 2022, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Technology Requirements
Providers should fully document the services rendered and the telecommunication technology used to render the service in the MA beneficiary’s medical record. If the service was rendered using audio-only technology, providers are to document that the services were rendered using audio-only technology and the reason audio/video technology could not be used.
Technology used for telehealth, whether fixed or mobile, should be capable of presenting sound and image in real-time and without delay. The telehealth equipment should clearly display the rendering practitioner’s and participant’s face to facilitate clinical interactions and must meet all state and federal requirements for the transmission and security of health information, including HIPAA.
Audio-only telecommunications technology may be used when the beneficiary does not have video capability or for an urgent medical situation, if consistent with state and federal law. Providers must assure the privacy of the beneficiary receiving services and comply with HIPAA and all other federal and state laws governing confidentiality, privacy, and consent. Public facing video communication applications should not be used to render services via telehealth.
Telehealth does not include asynchronous or “store and forward” technology such as facsimile machines, electronic mail systems, or remote patient monitoring devices. While asynchronous applications are not considered telemedicine in the MA Program, they may be utilized as part of a MA covered service, such as a laboratory service, x-ray service or physician service. Telehealth also does not include text messages, although text messages and telephone may continue to be utilized for non-service activities, such as scheduling appointments.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-23-08, Aug. 2, 2023, p. 3-4, (Accessed Sept. 2023).
Guidelines for Telehealth Service Delivery for Children and Youth
The following guidelines are recommended best practices. When delivering services through telehealth, licensed practitioners and provider agencies should ensure that, regardless of age, each child or youth has sufficient caregiver support to engage effectively in services.
- When services are being delivered through telehealth to children 3 to 5 years old, each child should have a caregiver participate during the provision of services.
- When services are being delivered through telehealth to children 6 to 9 years old, a caregiver should observe each child during provision of services.
- When services are being delivered through telehealth to children ages 10 to 13 years old, any child that may need a caregiver during the provision of services should have a caregiver available.
- When services are being delivered through telehealth to youth 14 years old to 18 years old, any youth that may need a caregiver during the provision of services should have a caregiver available.
- All children or youth that participate in services through telehealth delivery should have the ability to communicate, either independently or with accommodation such as an interpreter or electronic communication device.
SOURCE: PA Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Bulletin, OMHSAS 22-02, Attachment A Guidelines for Telehealth Service Delivery for Children and Youth. (Accessed Sept. 2023).
