MyndVR announced that AT&T joined the company’s lobbying efforts to support legislation recognizing VR as a prescription therapeutic device.

MyndVR, a provider of therapeutic VR experiences designed for the aging population, announced AT&T’s support of the DigitalTherapyNow.org initiative.

The alliance of academic and industry partners seeks to educate lawmakers about the bipartisan Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act of 2023.

AT&T joins other industry stakeholders supporting the bill, including the XR Association (XRA), HTC, Select Rehabilitation, International VR Healthcare Association (IVRHA), and the National Association of State Veteran Homes (NASVH).

“As 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, we know that digital therapeutics will play a critical role in reducing healthcare costs while creating a new frontier in human health. This immersive technology will have a profound impact on the aging population, helping them to live healthier, happier, virtually connected lives,” said Chris Brickler, co-founder and chief executive officer of MyndVR. “We’re thrilled that our Congress is catching up with the innovation taking place in our industry.”

The bipartisan legislation was proposed by Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) and Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

It aims to officially define prescription digital therapeutics (PDTx) at the federal level and establish new payor benefits to treat various age-related health conditions. The bill was reintroduced on March 7, 2023.

The proposed bill aims “to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of prescription digital therapeutics under such titles, and for other purposes.”

It defines prescription digital therapeutics as a device, internet application, or other technology that has been cleared for the prevention, management, or treatment of a medical disease, condition, or disorder.

“As digital therapeutics become an increasingly important part of health care, they will require the fast, reliable, and low-latency connections that 5G networks provide,” said Joe Drygas, AT&T vice president of healthcare solutions. “We look forward to being a key part of these modern treatments, and we’re proud to be a part of the Digital Therapy Now initiative to help expand access to this type of care.”

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