Summary of SRES 417 - Telehealth Awareness Week Resolution

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: SRES 417
• Title: A resolution supporting the designation of the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Telehealth Awareness Week".
• Status: Passed/agreed to in Senate
• Introduced: September 19, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SRES 417 is to officially designate the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Telehealth Awareness Week." This resolution aims to acknowledge and promote the significance of telehealth services in enhancing healthcare delivery across the United States.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several important provisions:

1. Designation of Telehealth Awareness Week:

   • The week of September 14-20, 2025, is recognized as Telehealth Awareness Week.

2. Recognition of Telehealth's Impact:

   • The resolution highlights the critical role of telehealth in providing healthcare services to patients nationwide.

3. Call to Action:

   • The Senate urges the following actions to support telehealth:
     • Raise Awareness: Increase public knowledge about the benefits of telehealth.
     • Highlight Resources: Provide information for healthcare providers and patients regarding telehealth services.
     • Data Collection: Encourage the collection and analysis of data related to the impacts of telehealth.
     • Promote Access: Advocate for continuous access to telehealth services for all communities and across various healthcare settings.

Affected Parties

The resolution impacts a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Patients: Individuals seeking healthcare services who may benefit from telehealth options.
- Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals who utilize telehealth to deliver care.
- Communities: Various communities, particularly those with limited access to traditional healthcare facilities, will be encouraged to utilize telehealth services.

Legislative Actions

• On September 19, 2025, the resolution was submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. The consideration was documented in the Congressional Record (CR S6798; text: CR S6795).

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by:
- Brian Schatz (Primary Sponsor)
- Mark R. Warner (Cosponsor)
- Cindy Hyde-Smith (Cosponsor)
- John Barrasso (Cosponsor)
- Peter Welch (Cosponsor)
- Roger F. Wicker (Cosponsor)

Conclusion

SRES 417 serves as a formal recognition of the importance of telehealth in modern healthcare. By designating a specific week for awareness, the resolution aims to enhance understanding and accessibility of telehealth services, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.