The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced the extension of flexibilities for providers prescribing controlled substances via telehealth for another year. This move, which comes in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, marks the third time regulators have prolonged the pandemic-era flexibilities.
The temporary extension allows providers to prescribe certain controlled medications, such as Adderall for ADHD or drugs to treat opioid use disorder, without requiring an in-person evaluation. Telehealth groups have welcomed this decision, as there were concerns that regulators might miss the deadline to extend the flexibilities or propose stricter prescribing rules.
During the pandemic, regulators granted exceptions to the law that typically required clinicians to conduct in-person appointments before prescribing controlled substances. These flexibilities were initially set to expire along with the pandemic public health emergency in May of last year. However, they were extended until November 2023 and then again through the end of 2024.
The latest extension will now keep the flexibilities in place until the end of 2025, ensuring that patients do not lose access to medications prescribed virtually. This is especially important for medications like buprenorphine, which treat opioid use disorder. While a permanent regulation has not been proposed yet, the extension aims to give clinicians time to adjust to future regulations.
Regulators have also expressed concerns about potential misuse of telehealth services for prescribing controlled substances. Instances of providers illegally distributing prescription drugs have been reported, prompting the need for greater oversight. However, proponents of telehealth argue that there are significant benefits to prescribing controlled substances via telehealth, particularly for patients in remote areas or those with transportation barriers.
Easy access to drugs like buprenorphine is crucial in combating opioid overdose deaths, advocates and lawmakers emphasize. The Alliance for Connected Care has expressed its support for the DEA’s actions to ensure continuity of patient care and looks forward to collaborating with the administration on permanent rulemaking to expand access to comprehensive medical care through telemedicine.
In conclusion, the extension of flexibilities for controlled substance prescribing via telehealth reflects the evolving healthcare landscape amidst the pandemic. As telehealth continues to play a vital role in providing access to care, ensuring appropriate prescribing practices and patient safety remains a top priority for regulators and stakeholders alike.
