CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The temporary expansion of telehealth services during the coronavirus pandemic would become permanent under a bill being considered by New Hampshire lawmakers

. A Senate committee heard testimony Thursday on a bill originally aimed at expanding telehealth for substance abuse disorder treatment. It has since been amended to make permanent Gov. Chris Sununu’s emergency order allowing all health care providers to offer services via phone and video and required insurers to cover them.

Officials representing hospitals, community health centers, dentists and mental health providers all told the committee that telehealth has been a valuable tool during the pandemic and should continue.