The DEA’s potential introduction of a telehealth-controlled substance registry is lauded by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). The DEA’s upcoming listening sessions aim to explore the feasibility of remote prescribing of essential controlled substances via telehealth, garnering input from diverse stakeholders. The ATA commends the DEA’s responsiveness to public concerns and emphasizes the significance of valid prescriptions, regardless of their telemedicine origin. The sessions are scheduled for September 12 and 13, offering the opportunity for broader engagement on this matter.
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) has expressed its support for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in light of the agency’s recent notice about upcoming listening sessions scheduled for September. This notice appears to suggest that the DEA is actively exploring the possibility of introducing a special registration process that would enable healthcare providers to prescribe medically essential substances through telehealth methods.
The ATA stated on Friday that it commends the DEA for its decision to hold these listening sessions. This move is seen as a significant step towards potentially allowing remote prescribing of medically necessary controlled substances without requiring an in-person consultation.
The DEA’s intent behind these public listening sessions is twofold. Firstly, the agency aims to gather input from various stakeholders, including medical practitioners, patients, pharmacy professionals, industry members, law enforcement, and other interested parties. This input will revolve around the feasibility of permitting telemedicine-based prescription of specific controlled substances without the need for any physical, in-person medical evaluations. Secondly, the DEA is keen on understanding the kinds of data that could be valuable in detecting any diversion of these controlled substances and identifying effective measures to prevent and detect such diversion.
Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the ATA and Executive Director of ATA Action, expressed deep appreciation for the DEA’s responsiveness to the concerns of the public. The DEA had received over 38,000 public comments expressing concerns over proposed regulations that could severely restrict the remote prescribing of medically necessary controlled substances. Zebley praised the DEA’s willingness to engage with these concerns and adapt its approach accordingly.
The listening sessions are scheduled for September 12 and 13 and will take place at the DEA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The sessions will be open for attendance by various parties interested in the topic. To manage attendance, the DEA will use a lottery system based on attendance forms submitted through its Diversion Control Division website by August 21. Additionally, requests for in-person or video teleconference oral presentations are also being accepted.
The larger context surrounding this development involves the ATA Action’s earlier efforts to communicate their reservations about the DEA’s proposed rule on post-PHE (Public Health Emergency) online prescriptions. The proposed rule aimed to eliminate the remote prescribing of controlled substances, a move that the ATA Action believed would hinder patient access to necessary treatments. The ATA Action emphasized that a valid prescription remains valid regardless of whether it is issued through telemedicine.
Moreover, the ATA Action highlighted the lack of a controlled substance registry for telehealth providers as a missed opportunity within the telehealth industry. This shortcoming was noted as a potential area for improvement.
In May, the DEA extended its flexibility regarding telehealth prescribing to accommodate the influx of comments received. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized the agency’s dedication to thoroughly reviewing and considering the feedback provided.
In response to the recent developments, Zebley stated that the ATA is pleased with the DEA’s open consideration of a special registration process for telemedicine-based controlled substance prescriptions. The ATA looks forward to collaborating with the Administration and the DEA to ensure that such a process guarantees access to essential treatments while also incorporating appropriate safeguards and accountability mechanisms.