February 2nd, 2026
Information Letter No. 2026-01 Published: Telehealth Guidance CLASS/DBMD/HCS/TxHmL
HHSC has published IL No. 2026-01 on January 14, 2026. This letter provides guidance to CLASS, DBMD, HCS, and TxHmL providers regarding certain services that can be delivered using videoconferencing or synchronous audio-visual technology to ensure the rights, health, safety, and welfare of a person receiving services are maintained.
In addition to current requirements, a program provider must ensure staff members or service providers who deliver services using synchronous audio-visual technology or videoconferencing comply with requirements to protect the rights, health, safety, and welfare of a person receiving services through videoconferencing or synchronous audio-visual modality.
New Requirements: In addition to current requirements, a program provider must ensure staff members or service providers who deliver services using synchronous audio-visual technology or videoconferencing comply with the following requirements to protect the rights, health, safety, and welfare of a person receiving services through videoconferencing or synchronous audio-visual modality.
Required Notifications Before Service Delivery Before initiating any session where services are delivered through synchronous audio-visual technology or videoconferencing: The staff member or service provider must inform the person or their legally authorized representative that the person has the right to disable or seek assistance in disabling any real-time synchronous audio-visual or videoconferencing technology, and at any point during the session, the person may choose to terminate the use of such technology or request assistance from a third party to do so.
Emergency Response Protocol: If the staff member or service provider observes or becomes aware of an emergency during the delivery of service using synchronous audio-visual technology or videoconferencing, the staff member or service provider will immediately contact appropriate emergency services (911 or local emergency dispatch).