The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is delaying draft rules that proposed stricter telehealth limits on providers prescribing controlled substances, like buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) or Adderall for ADHD. The DEA will temporarily extend COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities as they “work to find a way forward to give Americans access with appropriate safeguards.” It is unclear how long the extension will last.
The delay follows thousands of complaints filed with the DEA on the proposal to require in-person evaluations to continue controlled substance medications and tighter standards aimed at ensuring patients are adequately screened to prevent improper prescriptions. The MHA submitted a federal comment letter regarding this issue.
Members with questions should contact Renée Smiddy at the MHA.