During the pandemic, a waiver was issued that allowed telehealth companies to prescribe controlled substances such as buprenorphine to patients without seeing them for an in-person consultation.
But, the Biden administration is now proposing a rule that will discontinue the ability for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances where the patient has never had an in-person consultation.
Specifically, under the new rule, patients could receive a 30-day supply of buprenorphine without an in-person exam, but would then need an in-person consultation to continue to receive prescriptions via telehealth.
The DEA is expected to release a draft of the new rule following its comment period.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.