What You Should Know:
– Over 330 stakeholder organizations have joined forces to call on Congress and the White House to intervene and ensure ongoing access to remote prescribing of controlled substances.
– Led by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action, these organizations are concerned about the potential for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to significantly limit virtual prescribing, either through new regulations or by allowing existing flexibilities to expire at the end of the year.
The Importance of Remote Prescribing
Remote prescribing has played a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. By enabling patients to receive prescriptions from the comfort of their homes, virtual prescribing has improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
The Threat of Restrictions
Stakeholders fear that the DEA may impose new regulations or allow existing flexibilities to expire, which could severely limit access to remote prescribing for controlled substances. This would have negative consequences for patients, particularly those in rural or underserved areas who rely on virtual care for their healthcare needs.
Recommendations for Action
To address this issue, stakeholders are urging Congress and the White House to take the following steps:
- Extend Pandemic-Era Flexibilities: Congress should include a two-year extension of remote prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances in an end-of-year legislative package.
- Leverage Existing Authorities: The Biden Administration should work with the DEA and other relevant agencies to use existing authorities to extend these flexibilities for two years.
A Call for Continued Access
The ability to access remote prescribing for controlled substances is essential for ensuring that patients receive the care they need. By taking action to maintain these flexibilities, Congress and the White House can help improve healthcare access and outcomes for millions of Americans.
“This is a predictable and preventable crisis that is looming come January 1 and we are quickly running out of time to save countless patients from being abandoned, left without lifesaving clinically appropriate care,” said Kyle Zebley, the ATA’s senior vice president, public policy, and executive director, ATA Action. “With each day, we are losing precious time the DEA needs to properly develop a rule that appropriately permits and regulates the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth without jeopardizing the health and safety of Americans, especially those in underserved communities.”
