Telehealth Advocates Urge DEA to Address Controlled Substance Prescriptions Before Deadline
More than 200 telehealth and provider organizations are calling on the Trump administration to establish regulations for telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances before the temporary flexibilities expire at the end of the year.
In a letter addressed to Terry Cole, the newly appointed administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the groups emphasized the importance of having a plan in place by fall to ensure that patients can continue to receive remote prescriptions of controlled substances.
While the Biden administration proposed a framework for telehealth prescriptions earlier this year, some industry groups have criticized the proposed rule for being too burdensome for providers.
In their letter, the telehealth advocates urged the DEA to collaborate with experts and stakeholders to develop policies on virtual prescribing. They emphasized the need for direct engagement to avoid unintended consequences and regulatory burdens on the healthcare system.
The issue of remote controlled substance prescribing has been a longstanding concern, with the temporary flexibilities put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain access to care. These flexibilities, originally set to expire in 2023, have been extended multiple times and most recently prolonged through 2025.
Telehealth advocates argue that remote prescribing is crucial for enhancing access to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas or underserved communities with limited access to mental health professionals.
However, the DEA has expressed the need to balance access to care with preventing improper dispensing of drugs. Some telehealth companies have faced legal repercussions for inappropriate prescribing practices.
While regulators have made strides towards establishing permanent policies on telehealth prescribing, challenges remain. The DEA proposed a regulation earlier this year that would allow providers to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, with certain requirements and limitations to prevent misuse.
Additionally, a rule was finalized to allow DEA-registered clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder via telehealth without an in-person visit. However, enforcement of this regulation has been delayed until the end of the year.
As the deadline for the temporary flexibilities approaches, telehealth advocates are urging the DEA to expedite the process of addressing controlled substance prescriptions to ensure continuity of care for patients. Collaboration between regulators, experts, and stakeholders is crucial to develop effective and sustainable policies for telehealth prescribing.
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