CTeL Featured in Inside Telehealth: Advocating for Telemedicine's Future

We’re proud to see Christa Natoli, Executive Director of the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL), featured prominently in Inside Telehealth's coverage of the DEA’s extension of telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through 2025. This highlights CTeL’s leadership in advocating for patient-centered telehealth policies and sustainable solutions for prescribing controlled substances.

Key Takeaways from Christa Natoli’s Perspective
Christa emphasized the significant challenges posed by the one-year extension:

“The problem with one year is ... the timetable doesn’t work with permanency,” she explained, noting that finalizing a permanent solution will require time to staff relevant agencies, draft comprehensive policies, and address public safety concerns.

She also pointed to the complexity of balancing regulatory requirements with ensuring access to care, especially as new leadership transitions into key roles at the DEA and HHS.

CTeL’s Role in Shaping the Conversation
This article reinforces CTeL’s pivotal role in advocating for a thoughtful approach to telemedicine prescribing policies. As part of our ongoing efforts:

• In January 2025, we will release critical data examining telehealth’s impact on drug diversion, directly addressing concerns raised by policymakers and the DEA.

• CTeL continues to work alongside industry leaders to champion a permanent solution that preserves patient access while safeguarding against misuse.

Why This Matters
The DEA’s extension is a necessary step to avoid disruption of care, but it’s only a temporary fix. Christa’s comments highlight the urgency of creating a long-term framework that ensures:

• Uninterrupted care for patients managing chronic pain, mental health, and addiction.

• Equity in access for underserved and rural populations.

• Public safety through robust oversight and evidence-based policies.

As Inside Telehealth notes, the broader telehealth community—including CTeL—has been instrumental in driving progress through advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and evidence-driven solutions.

Looking Ahead
CTeL remains steadfast in its mission to shape a regulatory environment where telehealth can thrive. This feature underscores the critical role we play in bridging the gap between innovation and regulation, ensuring telemedicine continues to transform healthcare delivery responsibly and equitably.

Stay tuned for our upcoming data release in January 2025 as we further contribute to this important national dialogue.