ATA ACTION PROVIDES INITIAL REACTION TO DEA PROPOSED RULE ON SPECIAL REGISTRATIONS FOR TELEMEDICINE AND LIMITED STATE TELEMEDICINE REGISTRATIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C., JANUARY 15, 2025 – ATA Action provides initial response to the Special Registration for Telemedicine framework published this morning by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authorizing certain DEA-registered practitioners to engage in the practice of telemedicine under the Ryan Haight Act.
“While we are still digesting the DEA’s Special Registration framework, and will have a comprehensive analysis shortly, it is clear that these updates carry significant implications for the telehealth community. Early indications suggest the proposed rule includes elements that represent significant operational challenges,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA and executive director, ATA Action. “All stakeholders need time to carefully review this important proposal, which appears to incorporate valuable elements and other potentially unworkable restrictions that focus on maintaining compliance with patient verification, electronic recordkeeping, and ongoing monitoring.”
ATA Action is also reviewing DEA’s final rule on the Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter. “Upon initial review, we are hopeful that this will allow for the continued delivery of care for those vulnerable Americans receiving buprenorphine treatment via telehealth. Like the special registration proposed rule, more analysis will be forthcoming,” Zebley noted.
“ATA Action remains an open resource for all policymakers and will continue to work side-by-side with the diligent men and women at DEA, the incoming Trump Administration, and members of Congress to tackle legitimate concerns around diversion of controlled substances while supporting appropriate and necessary areas of care,” added Zebley. “Our ultimate goal is to help ensure that any special registration and telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances framework developed under the Trump Administration facilitates the continued delivery of high-quality care to patients.”
About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.
About ATA Action
ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).
