ATA AND ATA ACTION RESPOND TO DEA’S EXTENSION OF COVID-19 TELEMEDICINE FLEXIBILITIES FOR REMOTE PRESCRIBING OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
WASHINGTON, DC, MAY 4, 2023 – The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action issued the following statement in response to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) extension of COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities for the remote prescription of controlled substances. In March, ATA Action submitted comprehensive suggestions for ways to improve the DEA’s proposed rules for the remote prescribing of these medications, which prior to the extension, were to take effect when the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends May 11.
“The ATA and ATA Action welcome the possibility of an extension that would continue to allow remote prescribing of clinically appropriate controlled substances. We believe such an extension would be evidence of the fact that the present draft rules were unnecessarily restrictive,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA, and executive director, ATA Action. “Our hope is that the DEA will use the time of an extension to be responsive to the concerns of telehealth advocates, patients, and the American people to create rules that ensure access to clinical care that is not inappropriately restricted.”
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 company and an affiliated trade organization of the ATA.
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.
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CONTACT: Gina Cella
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