MATSUI, CARTER AND COLLEAGUES URGE DEA TO EXTEND TELEMEDICINE PRESCRIBING FLEXIBILITIES FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
In a continued effort to safeguard patient access to essential telemedicine services, a bipartisan group of congressional leaders, led by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA), has sent a letter urging the DEA to extend telemedicine prescribing flexibilities beyond the December 31, 2024 deadline. These flexibilities were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling healthcare providers to prescribe controlled substances remotely, significantly improving access to care for patients who face barriers to in-person visits.
Congressional Signatories:
In addition to Matsui and Carter, the letter was co-signed by several members of Congress, demonstrating widespread bipartisan support for extending telemedicine benefits. The full list of co-signers includes:
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA)
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA)
Mike Thomas
Seth Moulton (D-MA-6)
Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24)
Mike Ezell (R-MS-4)
Troy Balderson (R-OH-12)
August Pfluger (R-TX-11)
Angie Craig (D-MN-2)
Marcus J. Molinaro (R-NY-19)
David J. Trone (D-MD-6)
Robert E. Latta (R-OH-5)
Lori Trahan (D-MA-3)
Diana DeGette (D-CO-1)
Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-8)
Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44)
Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-7)
Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-8)
Key Points from the Letter:
Call for Extension: The letter urges the DEA to extend telemedicine prescribing flexibilities, which are set to expire on December 31, 2024. These flexibilities allow healthcare providers to prescribe controlled substances remotely, a practice that has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Permanent Framework: The signatories request the DEA finalize the "Special Registration for Telemedicine" rule. This would establish a permanent, regulatory framework for telemedicine prescribing, enabling patients to continue receiving care without disruptions.
Maintaining Access to Care: The letter emphasizes how these temporary rules have expanded access to care, especially for patients in rural and underserved areas. Without an extension or a permanent solution, patients and healthcare providers face uncertainty and potential gaps in care.
Bipartisan Support: The letter highlights that there is broad, bipartisan support for continuing telemedicine prescribing, with the signatories expressing confidence that telehealth can balance access to care with necessary DEA enforcement.
Legislative Action:
The lawmakers are urging the DEA to act swiftly to implement this framework. However, if no action is taken, Matsui, Carter, and other members of Congress are prepared to introduce legislation that would codify the telemedicine prescribing flexibilities into law, ensuring long-term continuity for patients who rely on these services. This potential legislative route underscores the urgency with which they view the issue, as healthcare providers and patients alike need clarity before the current protections expire at the end of the year
The lawmakers believe that without decisive action, the expiration of the current telehealth rules could disrupt care for millions of patients, particularly those managing chronic conditions or requiring controlled substances for treatment. Their advocacy focuses on preserving the benefits of telemedicine while ensuring the DEA fulfills its enforcement duties.