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Changing Telehealth Prescribing Rules Will Kill People
DEA regulations to punish US telehealth businesses will restrict access for those most likely to benefit from stimulants and other controlled medications
For more than a decade the US government tried to promote greater use of telemedicine as a way to provide services in remote areas with shortages of medical professionals. But year after year fewer than 1% of interactions occurred via telehealth.
That changed dramatically during the COVID pandemic. The increase was due in part to a relaxation in government regulations. Alteration in people’s perceptions and preferences regarding the risks and benefits of meeting during a pandemic with their medical team by video, phone, texts and email also played a role.
Since the end of the COVID public health emergency, in May 2023, many of the exemptions to older rules about prescribing medications via telehealth have remained in place. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has made conflicting announcements, some indicating that they intended to restore many of the old regulations, but also suggesting that they might implement additional restrictions. They have deferred decisions repeatedly, but now appear poised to act by the end of 2025.
