ATA-Led Coalition Urges Swift Extension of Telehealth Prescribing Flexibilities
Healthcare IT News
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
A coalition of telehealth stakeholders, led by ATA Action, is pressing the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to extend pandemic-era telemedicine flexibilities that enable virtual prescriptions for controlled substances. These measures have been pivotal in ensuring uninterrupted patient care, especially for those with mental and behavioral health needs, but they are set to expire soon. Without the extension, patients and providers risk facing significant disruptions in care continuity. The ongoing debate highlights the necessity of balancing patient access with safeguards against misuse as healthcare technology evolves.