ATLANTA – State Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), chairman of the House Health & Human Services Committee, will participate in the American Telemedicine Association’s (ATA) first annual Telehealth Awareness Week during the week of September 19 – 25.
“Telehealth has been an important element in our health care system for decades, but the COVID-19 public health emergency has put a spotlight on the critical role that these services play in improving access to quality health care for all patients, including our rural and underserved communities,” said Chairman Cooper. “Telehealth Awareness Week is a special opportunity to bring attention to the many ways virtual care supports our nation’s health care. I look forward to continuing our work to improve education about the benefits of virtual care and address barriers that could limit access to telehealth for many patients following the public health emergency.”
Chairman Cooper was also recognized by the ATA for advancing efforts to support broader access to health care services via telehealth. During the 2021 legislative session, Chairman Cooper championed House Bill 307, which authorizes health care providers to continue to provide telehealth services from home and patients to receive telehealth services from their home, workplace or school after the pandemic is over. This legislation also extends insurance coverage for patients who utilize telehealth services. Throughout the pandemic, health care providers across the country have utilized telehealth services to continue to treat patients while COVID-19 has limited in-person options, especially for mental and behavioral health treatment, and HB 307 ensures that Georgians can continue to receive this type of care following the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The ATA’s observance of Telehealth Awareness Week will include a schedule of events underscoring the growing acceptance and value of virtual care in U.S. health care, as well as a series of new informational resources to support broader access to telehealth services for patients, caregivers and health care providers. Updates on activities planned for Telehealth Awareness Week and opportunities to participate will be available on the official Telehealth Awareness Week website here.
The ATA is the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading health care delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, that work to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, as well as advocate for government and market normalization. The ATA also provides education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.
According to the ATA, telehealth is now calibrating to account for 15 to 20 percent of care delivery, creating a two-channel health care system that balances in-person and virtual care.
*Editor’s Note: A proclamation from Governor Brian Kemp and a resolution from Chairman Cooper recognizing Telehealth Awareness Week are attached:
https://house-press.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TAW-Proclamation.pdf
https://house-press.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TAW-Resolution.pdf
Representative Sharon Cooper represents the citizens of District 43, which includes portions of Cobb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee and Vice Chairman of the Special Committee On Access to Quality Health Care. She also serves on the Judiciary Non-Civil, Regulated Industries and Rules committees.
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