R-DOCS Reauthorization Act of 2020

To reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rural Delivery of Online Care Services Reauthorization Act of 2020 R–DOCS Reauthorization Act of 2020 2. Telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs Section 330I of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254c–14 (1) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking projects to demonstrate how telehealth technologies can be used through telehealth networks evidence-based projects that utilize telehealth technologies through telehealth networks (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by striking the quality of access to, and the quality of, (II) by inserting and (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); (iv) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); and (v) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, by striking and patients and their families, for decisionmaking , patients, and their families (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking demonstrate how telehealth technologies can be used support initiatives that utilize telehealth technologies (ii) by striking , to establish telehealth resource centers (2) in subsection (e), by striking 4 years 5 years (3) in subsection (f)— (A) by striking paragraph (2); (B) in paragraph (1)(B)— (i) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; (ii) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated by clause (i), by redesignating subclauses (I) through (XII) as subparagraphs (A) through (L), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; and (iii) by striking (1) Telehealth network grants (B) Telehealth networks (C) in paragraph (3)(I), as so redesignated, by inserting and substance use disorder mental health (4) in subsection (g)(2), by striking or improve and improve (5) by striking subsection (h); (6) by redesignating subsections (i) through (p) as subsection (h) through (o), respectively; (7) in subsection (h), as so redesignated— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking mental health, public health, long-term care, home care, preventive mental health care, public health services, long-term care, home care, preventive care (ii) in subparagraph (E), by inserting and regional local (iii) by striking subparagraph (F); and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking medically underserved areas or rural areas, medically underserved areas, or (8) in paragraph (2) of subsection (i), as so redesignated, by striking ensure that— ensure that not less than 50 percent of the funds awarded shall be awarded for projects in rural areas. (9) in subsection (j), as so redesignated— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking computer hardware and software, audio and video equipment, computer network equipment, interactive equipment, data terminal equipment, and other (B) in paragraph (2)(F), by striking health care providers and (10) in subsection (k), as so redesignated— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking 40 percent 20 percent (B) in paragraph (3), by striking (such as laying cable or telephone lines, or purchasing or installing microwave towers, satellite dishes, amplifiers, or digital switching equipment) (11) by striking subsections (q) and (r) and inserting the following: (p) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Rural Delivery of Online Care Services Reauthorization Act of 2020 ; (12) by redesignating subsection (s) as subsection (q); and (13) in subsection (q), as so redesignated, by striking this section— this section $29,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

Summary: Rural Delivery of Online Care Services Reauthorization Act of 2020 or the R-DOCS Reauthorization Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and otherwise modifies grants for telehealth networks and telehealth resource centers that serve medically underserved populations. Among other changes, the bill (1) provides statutory authority for including substance-use disorder providers in the list of entities that may participate in telehealth networks, and (2) specifies a preference for applicants with a record of success in expanding telehealth in rural areas for telehealth resource services grants.