New Telemedicine Rules

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is announcing three new rules to make permanent some temporary telemedicine flexibilities established during the COVID-19 public health emergency while also establishing new patient protections.

In developing these rules, DEA has focused on the patient to e3nsure telemedicine is accessible for medical care. Importantly, these rules do not apply to telemedicine visits in which a patient has already been seen in=person by a medical provider. Once a patient has had an in-person visit with a medical provider, the medical provider may prescribe any medications through telemedicine indefinitely. Also, if a telemedicine visit does not involve a patient being prescribed medications, then the telemedicine rules do not apply. Patients can always have telemedicine visits with medical providers. These rules only apply if a patient has never been seen in=person by the medical provider and the patient is being prescribed controlled medication.

Special Registrations for Telemedicine and Limited State Telemedicine Registrations

This proposed rule would establish special registrations that will permit a patient to receive prescribed medications through telemedicine visits without ever having an in-person medical evaluation from a medical provider. The special registration is available to medical providers who treat patients for whom they will prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances. An Advanced Telemedicine Prescribing Registration is available for Schedule II medications wen the medical practitioner is board certified in one of the following specialties: psychiatrists; hospice care physicians; physicians rendering treatment at long term care facilities; and pediatricians for the prescribing of medications identified as the most addictive and prove to diversion to the illegal drug market. This regulation allows specialized medical providers to issue telemedicine prescriptions for Schedule II-IV medications.

For additional information: Federal Register :: Special Registrations for Telemedicine and Limited State Telemedicine Registrations