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Department of Defense to Expand Use of Telemedicine

Press Release

Date: Feb. 9, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel Health and Health Care

Congressman Glenn "GT' Thompson (PA-05) today announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has changed its policy on telemedicine, expanding access so that service men and women can receive care in their own homes, rather than exclusively at a military treatment facility. The announcement represents further implementation of the Servicemembers Telemedicine and E-Health Portability, or STEP, Act, which was authored by Thompson and signed into law in 2011.

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"Under the current system, members of our military are forced to travel long distances for medical treatment and health care," Thompson said. "The announcement from the Department of Defense will make good on the intent of the law and ensure that our service members can receive the care they require in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This expansion will be a great encouragement for those seeking behavioral and mental health services."

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