Except from Morning Times
July 15, 2022

Mental health services are now more easily accessible for Pennsylvania residents under a bill sponsored by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) that has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. Act 76 of 2022, formerly House Bill (HB) 2419, allows for the expanded use of telehealth technology in the treatment of mental health patients. The new law removes the statutory requirement of 50% of onsite psychiatric time, giving the Department of Human Services more flexibility in issuing waivers to accommodate individual clinics in providing mental health services virtually.

RCPA thanks our General Assembly members for their partnership and support in ensuring these critical services remain in place for those in need of care. If you have questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.