DEA Extends Provider-Patient Relationships for Telemedicine Services

Key Updates

* The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is extending the provider-patient relationships for telemedicine services to all VA practitioners engaging in telemedicine with patients.
* The new rule requires VA telehealth prescribers to review and update patient electronic health records and review prescription drug-monitoring program data for the state where the patient is located.
* The rule does not require VA practitioners to register for a special registration for controlled substances prescribed in virtual care.

Why it Matters

* The VA has a nationally integrated, closed healthcare system with rigorous internal policies and controls that ensure patient safety, continuity of care, and thorough monitoring of prescriptions.
* The new rule is designed to balance access to virtual care for veterans while ensuring patient safety.

Implementation Details

* VA telehealth prescribers must review and update the patient’s VA electronic health record and review the prescription drug-monitoring program data for the state where the patient is located.
* If either the VA EHR or the state PDMP data is not available, the practitioner must limit the prescription to a seven-day supply until able to access both records.
* The practitioner must also review the patient’s VA electronic health record and review the prescription drug-monitoring program data for the state in which the patient is located.

Exemptions

* The VA exemption from the special registration for telehealth prescribers does not apply to community care network providers or those conducting disability compensation evaluations.

The Larger Trend

* The DEA’s intention is to balance access to virtual care for the long term, as temporary exemptions to the Ryan Haight Act end this year.
* The general rule applies the necessary safeguards against the diversion or misuse of controlled substances across the larger healthcare sector.

Conclusion

The DEA’s new rule aims to strike a balance between access to virtual care and patient safety. By extending provider-patient relationships for telemedicine services, the agency is promoting continuity of care and ensuring that patients receive the treatment they need.

FAQs

Q: What are the new requirements for VA telehealth prescribers?

A: VA telehealth prescribers must review and update the patient’s VA electronic health record and review the prescription drug-monitoring program data for the state where the patient is located.

Q: How long does the exemption from special registration last?

A: The exemption from special registration for telehealth prescribers does not apply to community care network providers or those conducting disability compensation evaluations.

Q: What is the purpose of the new rule?

A: The purpose of the new rule is to balance access to virtual care for veterans while ensuring patient safety.

Q: What is the impact of the new rule on healthcare providers?

A: The new rule may present operational challenges for providers, particularly those who are not part of the VA system.