APA Responds to DEA ’s Proposed Rules Regarding Telehealth, Buprenorphine

Today APA filed two letters with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in response to two proposed rules that if finalized would affect how health professionals implement telehealth services and prescribe certain controlled medications. The proposed rules, which were developed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs andannounced on February 24, would extend certain flexibilities in these areas after the COVID-19 public health emergency expires on May 11. Yet in several ways the proposed rules are more restrictive than what the public health emergency has allowed.Thefirst proposed rule (Docket No. DEA –407) would prohibit health professionals who offer telehealth services from prescribing Schedule II controlled substances such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall, etc.), and opioid pain relievers (Vicodin, Oxycontin, etc.) and Schedule III-V narcotics other than bupre norphine without examining patients in person first. However, health professionals would be able to prescribe a 30-day supply for buprenorphine and non-narcotic Schedule III-V drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, etc.) and prescription sleep aids (Ambien, etc.) without an in-person visit if the telemedicine appointment is for a legitimate medical purpose. Prescriptions for more than a 30-day supply would require an in-person visit.In itsresponse, APA recommended that the DEA balance ...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: APA barriers to care buprenorphine controlled substances costs DEA opioid use disorder proposed rule public health emergency telehealth Source Type: research