150+ Organizations Urge US Attorney General to Review Telemedicine Policy
TL/DR –
Over 150 organizations have urged US Attorney General Pam Bondi to revise telemedicine policy, specifically the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) framework on telemedicine prescribing. The letter argues that the DEA’s proposed special telehealth registration for prescribers goes against the intent of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, imposing arbitrary and burdensome restrictions on access to telemedicine. The signers request that Bondi withdraw this telemedicine regulation and collaborate with Congress and stakeholders to create a safe and permanent pathway for patients and practitioners.
US Organizations Appeal for Attention to Telemedicine Policy
Over 150 organizations are urging US Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the telemedicine policy under the Department of Justice’s purview. The plea, coordinated by the Alliance for Connected Care and supported by various health systems and associations, requests Bondi to reevaluate the recent Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) framework for prescribing through telemedicine.
Why This Matters
Given Bondi’s past work on the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, these organizations are urging her to act before temporary online prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances conclude in this year. The signatories insist on Bondi’s leadership to guide the DEA in setting a secure, permanent pathway for patients and practitioners for telemedicine.
Supporters include major associations, universities, and councils such as the American Healthcare Association, John Hopkins University, and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The collective insists the DEA’s proposal for telehealth registration does not align with the SUPPORT Act’s objective as it imposes unnecessary restrictions on telemedicine access.
The Bigger Trend
The DEA proposed, in January, a special telehealth registration offering three types of special registration for telehealth providers to permit necessary controlled substances without an in-person visit. The Alliance for Connected Care expressed concern over these mandates before approaching the federal Attorney General.
The American Telemedicine Association also had issues with the operational challenges in DEA’s framework and provided comprehensive feedback to the acting DEA administrator. They stressed that the proposed framework might limit access to care or disrupt ongoing treatment.
Official Statement
“While acknowledging the necessity for safeguards against diversion, the balance must be struck without forcing in-person care”, the signatories expressed in their appeal to Bondi.
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