#204 - Telehealth, Strikes, and International Nurse Visa Progress

Healthcare HR leaders finally get a moment to exhale, but the work is far from over. In this week’s Monday News Drop, Bo Brabo, Luke Carignan, and ASHHRA President & CEO Jeremy Sadlier break down three critical developments shaping workforce strategy, compliance, and recruiting right now. 

Segment 1: The 11th-Hour Telehealth Save
Congress narrowly avoided the telehealth cliff. The Healthcare Access and Modernization Act of 2026 has been signed, extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027. Patients can continue receiving care from home, but new guardrails are in place. Starting in Q2, CMS will conduct quarterly audits of providers billing more than 50% of visits via telehealth.
HR takeaway: Release February 1 claims, but immediately flag high-volume telehealth providers and refresh documentation protocols to prepare for increased scrutiny. 

Segment 2: Kaiser Strike Enters Week Two
The Kaiser Permanente labor dispute continues to escalate. With more than 2,000 travel nurses deployed to maintain operations, unions have filed unfair labor practice charges, arguing replacement workers are being paid double what staff nurses requested. Tensions are rising, and public perception is becoming a key pressure point.
HR reality check: The hardest work comes after the strike ends. Rebuilding trust, preventing “us vs. them” culture, and aligning leadership, HR, and labor relations will define long-term outcomes. 

Segment 3: The Visa Surprise
The State Department’s February 2026 Visa Bulletin delivered unexpected good news. EB-3 priority dates for nurses from the Philippines and India advanced nearly nine months, opening a rare window to accelerate international hiring.
Strategic guidance: Speed matters, but ethics matter more. Vet international recruitment partners carefully, ensure compliance with ethical standards, and invest in structured onboarding and community integration to support long-term retention. 

This Week’s Priorities:
• Green-light telehealth billing while preparing for CMS audits
• Monitor labor activity and cultural risk inside union environments
• Accelerate international nurse pipelines with integrity and structure 

Healthcare HR is no longer reacting to disruption. It is shaping what comes next.