Discussion of telehealth options under Veterans Community Care Program

Section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (q) as subsection (r); and (2) by inserting after subsection (p) the following new subsection (q): (q) Discussion of options for telehealth (1) When discussing options for care or services for a covered veteran under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the veteran is informed of the ability of the veteran to seek care or services via telehealth, either through a medical facility of the Department or through a non-Department provider, if— (A) telehealth is— (i) available to the veteran; (ii) appropriate for the type of care or services the veteran is seeking, as determined by the Secretary; and (iii) is acceptable to the veteran; or (B) the care or services the veteran is seeking is only or primarily available through telehealth. (2) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit a health care provider specified in subsection (c) from furnishing hospital care, medical services, or extended care services under this section via telehealth..