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MEDTECH Uncover the sweeping developments in telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances and how they impact your pharmacy.
The DEA and SAMHSA recently extended the ability for clinicians to prescribe controlled medications through telemedicine until November 11, 2023. Initially, this extension was set to expire on May 11, 2023, as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended. Previously, in-person visits were necessary for these prescriptions.
The new rule offers continuity of care for patients, according to Christopher M. Jones, the Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The rule might be extended or shortened depending on when the DEA and SAMHSA’s final regulation is effective.
In March, these agencies had proposed reverting to the initial in-person prescribing requirement for controlled medications. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 instated this requirement to mitigate the risk of dependence on these medications. However, the agencies received almost 40,000 comments when they proposed to reinstate in-person visits, many emphasizing the benefits of telemedicine.
Telemedicine enables more individuals to access treatments they otherwise couldn’t. This feedback has influenced the decision to maintain the telemedicine option for at least another six months. This extension gives the agencies time to consider the implications of our future with telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances.
Dr. Jones and his colleagues have researched the effects of telemedicine prescribing of the OUD drug buprenorphine during the pandemic. Their research found a strong association between greater availability of buprenorphine through telemedicine and a lower risk for fatal drug overdose.
Lastly, the recent DEA/SAMHSA action means buprenorphine and other controlled medicines remain available under the same terms as the COVID-19 PHE for now. This move signifies a significant development in the telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances, impacting pharmacies nationwide.
