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The 24-state health system's integrated care model has achieved a 43% reduction in first-year RN voluntary turnover, a 21% decrease in emergency department hold hours and many other wins. Its virtual nursing transformation chief offers details.

"It's a positive moment," says Kyle Zebley, ATA's CEO and executive director of ATA Action, in a conversation about health tech policy advances and the organization's strategies for 2026.

ATA says the proposed FY2026 funding package released by the House Appropriations Committee ensures continued access to patient services through critical telehealth provisions.

The guidance allows for different levels of transparency depending on whether artificial intelligence is used in direct patient interactions or in background administrative functions.

It's been a "game-changer" in making remote patient monitoring available for all patients, says one of the health system's telehealth leaders. A hybrid approach enables providers to serve many more patients: 500% growth over a centralized system.

As the third pandemic-era waiver allowing virtual prescribing of controlled substances sunsets, more than 180 telemedicine providers and advocates are asking OMB and DEA to act immediately to protect patients.

The rural Illinois health system says more than 80% of the mothers it reaches out to with an option for remote patient monitoring decide to enroll – and 75% stay actively engaged to be monitored for the first six weeks of postpartum care.

The two-month reprieve extends through January 2026. While some providers are restarting telehealth services, it remains unclear whether eligible virtual care reimbursements, accrued during the 43-day shutdown, will be approved for retroactive payment.

With the retirement of Ann Mond Johnson, the ATA's board has promoted Senior VP for Public Policy Kyle Zebley to lead the telehealth organization. He will stay on as executive director of lobbying arm ATA Action.

Virtual care proponents are concerned about the end of pandemic-era flexibilities in 2026, but the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule gives new indications of more permanent support for telehealth.