Over 150 Organizations Urge US Attorney General to Review Telemedicine Policy
More than 150 organizations have reached out to Pam Bondi, the attorney general of the United States, to address telemedicine policy within the Department of Justice’s jurisdiction.
The letter, coordinated by the Alliance for Connected Care and endorsed by major healthcare systems like Intermountain Health and Ascension, as well as various clinical and technology associations, urges Bondi to reconsider the recently proposed Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) framework for telemedicine prescribing.
Why It’s Important
The signatories of the letter highlighted Bondi’s previous involvement in the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, emphasizing the need for action before the temporary virtual prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances expire at the end of the year.
They urged Bondi to collaborate with Congress and stakeholders to establish a safe and permanent pathway for patients and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to controlled substances through telemedicine in line with the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act.
The letter was signed by a range of organizations, including the American Healthcare Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and academic institutions like John Hopkins University.
The Current Landscape
The DEA’s proposed special telehealth registration for prescribers has raised concerns among stakeholders for its restrictive measures on prescribing controlled substances, which could limit patient access to care.
The American Telemedicine Association also expressed reservations about the draft DEA framework, highlighting operational challenges that could impede access to care for individuals in need of controlled substances.
Final Thoughts
In their letter to Bondi, the signatories emphasized the importance of striking a balance between preventing diversion of controlled substances and ensuring access to remote medical care without unnecessary restrictions on telemedicine.
Andrea Fox is a senior editor at Healthcare IT News. For inquiries, contact afox@himss.org.
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.
