This bill would allow mental health professionals to provide telehealth services across state lines during a declared national emergency. This would make it easier for people to access mental health care remotely, even if their provider is located in a different state.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill would allow mental health professionals to provide telehealth services across state lines during a declared national emergency. This would make it easier for people to access mental health care remotely, even if their provider is located in a different state.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment Act or the TREAT Act</b></p> <p>This bill temporarily authorizes the interstate provision of mental health telehealth services during a declared national emergency.</p> <p>Specifically, subject to scope of practice and other requirements, a health care professional may provide mental health services via telehealth in any U.S. jurisdiction based on that individual's authorization to practice in any one state or territory.</p> <p>The bill also provides certain related powers to health care professional regulatory bodies, such as medical boards. Specifically, a regulatory body may investigate and take disciplinary actions against a professional who provides services pursuant to this bill to a patient in that body's jurisdiction.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Temporarily allows mental health providers to treat patients in any U.S. state or territory, as long as they are licensed in at least one state
Gives regulatory bodies the power to investigate and discipline providers who deliver services under this bill
Intended to improve access to mental health care during national emergencies when in-person treatment may be difficult
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would primarily benefit people who need mental health care but may have trouble accessing it, such as those living in rural areas or affected by a national emergency. It could make it easier for them to receive remote treatment from providers located elsewhere. However, the temporary nature of the bill means the impact would be limited to national emergency situations.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Administrative remedies
Health care coverage and access
Health personnel
Health technology, devices, supplies
Intergovernmental relations
Licensing and registrations
Mental health
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5541, 119th Congress (2025). "Every Kid Outdoors Reauthorization Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5541
