Our Thoughts on the DEA’s Proposed New Telemedicine Rules to Expand Patient Access to Critical Therapies
Mina Boazak, MD
In a previous blog post, we expressed concern about the lack of movement by the DEA on the topic of expanding patient access to critical therapies through telemedicine visits. We are now pleased to share the recent proposed rules from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that show progress in this area.
As a leader of a behavioral health practice that focuses on hybrid telehealth and in-person care, we have seen firsthand the impact that telemedicine can have on patient access to care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed rules from the DEA would allow patients to access critical therapies through telehealth visits, even after the pandemic is over.
The proposed rules would allow patients to see providers for telehealth visits and get prescriptions for scheduled substances if they have a referral from a provider who saw them in person. Alternatively, they can still be prescribed scheduled substances if the prescribing provider sees them in person. Furthermore, the proposed telemedicine rules would allow medical practitioners to prescribe an initial 30-day supply of Schedule III-V non-narcotic controlled medications or a 30-day supply of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder without an in-person evaluation or referral from a medical practitioner that has conducted an in-person evaluation, as long as the prescription is otherwise consistent with any applicable Federal and State laws.
While these proposed rules are a significant improvement on the old rules and will certainly have positive public health implications for many patients in need of care, we acknowledge that more allowances could have been proposed. Our practice sees many patients with ADHD, and we are aware of how difficult it can be for these patients to receive care. We would like to see stimulant medications (which are schedule 2 substances) being added to the 30-day policy to limit delays in treatment introduction or continuation. We recommend that our readers participate in the public comment to request this addition from the DEA.
Our practice sees many patients with ADHD, and we are aware of how difficult it can be for these patients to receive care. We would like to see stimulant medications (which are schedule 2 substances) being added to the 30-day policy to limit delays in treatment introduction or continuation. We recommend that our readers participate in the public comment to request this addition from the DEA.
Overall, we are excited about the progress being made in expanding patient access to critical therapies through telemedicine visits. We encourage all interested parties to review the proposed rules and submit their comments to the DEA before the deadline. By working together, we can help ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need, regardless of the circumstances.
Animo Sano Psychiatry is open for patients in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
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