DEA to Reimpose ‘Guardrails’ on Telehealth Opioids
/By Pat Anson, PNN Editor
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration plans to reimpose rules that require doctors to meet face-to-face with patients before they are prescribed opioids and other controlled substances.
The rules were suspended in 2020 in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic so that doctors and patients could connect remotely via telehealth – also known as telemedicine -- to get medications prescribed without an in-person meeting.
But when the federal government ends the Covid public health emergency on May 11, the DEA plans to restore “appropriate safeguards” on medications it considers addictive. Patients will still be able to get prescriptions for antibiotics, statins, insulin and other common medications through telehealth, without a physical examination or meeting with a doctor.
“DEA is committed to ensuring that all Americans can access needed medications,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement. “The permanent expansion of telemedicine flexibilities would continue greater access to care for patients across the country, while ensuring the safety of patients. DEA is committed to the expansion of telemedicine with guardrails that prevent the online overprescribing of controlled medications that can cause harm.”
Under the DEA’s proposed rules, Schedule II controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone cannot be prescribed without first having an in-person meeting. Refills would then be allowed via telehealth.
Other drugs that are classified as Schedule III, IV or V substances – such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Suboxone (buprenorphine) could still be prescribed for 30 days via telehealth, but any refills will require an in-person meeting.
The DEA rules were developed in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Public comments on the rules can be submitted through the Federal Register by clicking here.
“Improved access to mental health and substance use disorder services through expanded telemedicine flexibilities will save lives,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We still have millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural communities, who face difficulties accessing a doctor or health care provider in-person.”
Drug overdoses rose sharply during the pandemic, with nearly 107,500 drug deaths reported in the 12-month period ending in August, 2022. About 70% of the fatal overdoses involved illicit fentanyl and other street drugs, not prescribed medications.
