Telemedicine Advocates Call for Clarifications on DEA’s Proposed Controlled Substance Rule
The American Telemedicine Association and ATA Action have raised concerns over the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s proposed rule to establish special registrations for providers and telemedicine platforms to prescribe certain schedules of controlled substances without requiring an in-person doctor’s visit. According to ATA, the proposed rule requires “meaningful” clarification and adjustments to ensure expanded patient access while safeguarding against prescription misuse.
Key Concerns
ATA Action emphasized the need for the DEA to balance expanded patient access via virtual care with necessary safeguards against prescription misuse. In a letter to the acting DEA administrator, the organization outlined nine areas of concern, including clinical, operational, and technical issues with eligibility requirements. One major concern is the proposed requirement that mandates special registrant prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances to average less than 50% of the special registrant’s prescriptions per month, which could limit access to care for specialized providers such as psychiatrists and pain management specialists.
Call for Clarifications
ATA Action has called on the DEA to clarify the methodology and data used to determine restrictive measures on prescribing controlled substances and to streamline the verification process for providers. The organization also requested better explanations on patient identity photo verification requirements and the corresponding responsibilities of pharmacists in verifying DEA numbers on prescriptions.
Positive Feedback on Buprenorphine Treatment Expansion
In a separate letter, ATA Action commended the DEA for expanding buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine, allowing for an initial prescription supply limitation of up to six months in audio-only telemedicine encounters. This expansion addresses concerns about access to substance abuse disorder treatment via telehealth.
Implications for Telehealth Community
Following the release of the DEA’s plan to create a special telehealth registration for prescribers, ATA highlighted significant operational challenges for providers. The organization emphasized the need for clarity and adjustments to ensure that the proposed rule does not restrict access to care or interfere with ongoing treatment for patients.
Final Thoughts
“The proposed rule introduces several restrictive measures on prescribing controlled substances that, while well-intended, may restrict access to care or interfere with ongoing treatment of many individuals,” said ATA in their comments to the DEA. As the telehealth community awaits further clarifications and adjustments to the proposed rule, the balance between expanded patient access and prescription safeguards remains a key focus for stakeholders.
Original article by Andrea Fox, Senior Editor of Healthcare IT News.
