New AI in Virtual Care Policy Initiative: Shaping the Future of Responsible AI Governance
ATA and ATA Action are launching a member-driven policy initiative to help shape the rules that will govern AI-enabled care. Leading up to the ATA EDGE Policy Conference this December, members will join dedicated working groups to develop real-world policy recommendations supporting innovation, strengthening patient trust, and advancing responsible AI adoption across virtual care and digital health.
Make your voice heard:
- Influence the policies shaping AI-enabled care
- Collaborate with healthcare leaders, clinicians, innovators, and policymakers
- Help develop recommendations ATA Action can advance at federal and state levels
- Contribute to work products unveiled at ATA EDGE
Three working groups, three ways to engage:
- State AI Policy: A practical roadmap for state lawmakers and regulators
Contact: Hunter Young, Head of State Government Relations (hyoung@ataaction.org)
- Federal Legislative Approaches to AI and Virtual Care: Shaping the federal policy agenda
Contact: Joe Nye, VP, Head of Federal Government Relations (jnye@ataaction.org)
- Federal Agency and Public Policy Framework for AI-Enabled Virtual Care: Influencing how federal agencies approach AI in healthcare
Contact: Lani Reilly, VP, Industry Affairs (lreilly@ataaction.org)
ATA Action Cross-State Care Coalition
ATA Action is also launching the Cross-State Care Coalition to bring together health systems, provider organizations, innovators, and digital health leaders to advance pragmatic, bipartisan federal solutions that enable patient access and continuity of care.
Grounded in the ATA's Policy Principles on Breaking Down Interstate Barriers to Care and the Licensure Innovation for Telehealth Transformation (LIFTT) initiative, the Coalition is committed to modernizing licensure through targeted federal action in high-impact contexts, including virtual specialty care, follow-on care, and technology-enabled services, where state-by-state licensure creates unnecessary friction for patients and providers.
Our Shared Goals:
- Protect continuity of care
- Enable timely access to expertise, including second opinions and rare or complex subspecialty care
- Support innovation and research through narrowly tailored federal pathways for virtual specialty care and federally regulated clinical trials
- Preserve patient safety and accountability by maintaining state oversight while removing duplicative requirements
- Advance nationwide coordination by aligning targeted federal action with state authority
Join the movement to advance targeted federal solutions that modernize licensure, so patients don’t lose vital access to care because of a state line. Contact Joe Nye (jnye@ataaction.org) for more information about the coalition.
Federal Regulatory Agenda Published Last Week
Last week, the Trump Administration published their updated Unified Regulatory Agenda and Regulatory Plans, which contains the list of rulemakings that each agency plans to pursue over the next 12 months. Importantly, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) update includes an anticipated publication of a final rule for special registration for prescribing of controlled substances in November 2026. While date projections can slip, it is noteworthy that the administration plans to publish a final rule this year. We will keep everyone updated as this continues to develop.
Telehealth Founder Sentenced to Six Years for Adderall Fraud Scheme
On July 7, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Ruthia He, founder and former CEO of Done Global Inc., a digital mental health company, had been sentenced to six years in prison and fined $1 million for her role in a scheme involving unlawful Adderall distribution, healthcare fraud, and obstruction of justice. The company's former clinical president, David Brody, was sentenced to two years in prison and fined $1 million.
According to the DOJ, Done Global used its telehealth platform, compensation structure, and clinical protocols to:
- Unlawfully distribute more than 37 million Adderall pills
- Defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers of more than $12.3 million
- Obstruct the ensuing federal investigation
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
New Jersey Legislation on Schedule II Telehealth Prescribing Signed Into Law
Last week, New Jersey AB 4852 was signed into law, removing in-person examination requirements for most Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substances. Schedule II stimulants remain subject to some in-person requirements: an initial exam may be conducted via telehealth, but if so, an in-person visit is required within 30 days, followed by an in-person visit or telehealth contact every three months and an in-person visit at least annually for as long as the patient is prescribed the medication. While these continued in-person requirements are not ideal, the law is an improvement over the prior standard, which required an in-person visit every three months for Schedule II stimulants.
Comprehensive AI in Healthcare Legislation Amended in Pennsylvania, Remains on House Floor
ATA Action continues to closely monitor Pennsylvania HB 1925 following significant engagement earlier this year. ATA Action's advocacy helped secure meaningful amendments to improve the bill before it cleared the House Communications and Technology Committee.
The bill was scheduled for House Floor consideration during the last week of June but remains pending there, with the House not set to reconvene until September 28. In the meantime, proposed floor amendments are on the table that would address several of ATA Action's remaining concerns, including:
- Clarifying the disclosure section
- Adding an "as necessary" qualifier for AI model and system review
- Removing unnecessary language regarding use of de-identified patient data
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