Rep. Harshbarger Introduces Bill To Expand Mental Telehealth Services For Rural Patients

US Representative Diana Harshbarger has introduced legislation targeting mental health for those in rural areas. The Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with the Department of Agriculture to award grants to entities to establish health and substance use telehealth services for rural Americans, especially for those working in farming, fishing, and forestry. This bill would also authorize up to $10 million annually through 2027 for those grants, without additional federal spending.

Harshbarger, who is a former pharmacist says “seeking access to mental health and substance abuse services often entails a long and arduous journey for rural patients, especially those working in Tennessee’s farming, fishing, and forestry industries. Our common-sense bill will allow patients to receive the critical care they need from the comfort of their own home”.

Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association commended Harshbarger and co-sponsor Andrea Salinas of Oregon for introducing what he says is important legislation for rural Americans.

The legislation has been endorsed by the National Rural Health Association, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, and East Tennessee State University’s Director for the Institute for Integrated Behavioral Health.