The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced an extension of provider-patient relationships for veterans receiving telemedicine services from Veterans Affairs (VA) practitioners. This new rule eliminates the need for VA telehealth prescribers to participate in a Special Registration for controlled substances prescribed during virtual appointments. This decision was jointly released with the Department of Justice, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The VA, being a nationally integrated healthcare system, has robust internal policies and controls in place to ensure patient safety, continuity of care, and proper monitoring of prescriptions. The new rule, titled “Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients,” mandates that VA telehealth prescribers review and update the patient’s electronic health record and check the prescription drug-monitoring program data for the state where the patient is located before prescribing controlled substances. In cases where either the VA EHR or state PDMP data is unavailable, the prescriber must limit the prescription to a seven-day supply until access to both records is possible.
The DEA explained that the differentiated requirements for VA and non-VA practitioners enhance safety without imposing unnecessary restrictions on the veterans’ healthcare delivery model. VA practitioners operate within a highly regulated and cohesive system tailored to veterans’ needs, with access to shared information systems and internal prescription databases for effective monitoring and management of controlled substance prescriptions.
Effective February 18, the VA exemption from the special registration requirement for telehealth prescribers does not apply to community care network providers or those conducting disability compensation evaluations. This move aligns with the DEA’s goal of balancing access to virtual care in the long term, as temporary exemptions to the Ryan Haight Act are set to expire this year.
In addition to the new telehealth rules, the DEA also published the “Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter,” allowing providers to prescribe a six-month initial supply to treat opioid use disorder through audio-only telemedicine interactions without a prior in-person evaluation. This expansion aims to improve access to buprenorphine treatment while mitigating the risk of misuse and diversion.
Overall, these regulatory changes reflect the evolving landscape of healthcare needs, advancements in telemedicine, and the DEA’s commitment to implementing safeguards that protect against potential misuse. The VA’s improved tools and data systems enable more effective oversight of telemedicine practices, ensuring the safety and well-being of veterans receiving care through virtual channels.
Andrea Fox, senior editor of Healthcare IT News, highlighted the significance of these developments in meeting the evolving healthcare needs of VA patients and advancing telemedicine practices. Healthcare IT News, a HIMSS Media publication, continues to cover the latest updates and trends in the healthcare IT industry.
