Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lisa Murkowski, and Mark Warner have taken a bipartisan initiative urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to extend telehealth flexibilities that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulatory changes have been instrumental in providing access to telehealth services for patients, particularly those in rural areas and those dealing with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and chronic illnesses.

The Senators emphasized the effectiveness of telemedicine in "reducing barriers to care" and supporting individuals with significant healthcare needs. They expressed concern over potential restrictions that might disrupt access to essential treatments for substance use disorder. The letter urges the DEA to work with stakeholders to prioritize public health benefits by maintaining these flexibilities beyond the December 31, 2024 deadline.

The letter also underscores the role of telemedicine in expanding access to critical treatments for opioid use disorder and other chronic conditions. Despite evidence supporting medication as an effective treatment for opioid addiction, many Americans still lack access to necessary medication-assisted treatment.

In November 2023, Senators Blackburn, Whitehouse, Murkowski, and Warner reintroduced the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act. This legislation aims to make permanent the waiver of certain regulatory restrictions that facilitated increased access to care during the pandemic. The TREATS Act seeks to allow providers more flexibility by removing in-person visit requirements for prescribing medications via telehealth.

The call for action has gained additional support from Senators Ron Wyden, Martin Heinrich, Mark Kelly, Angus King, Ben Ray Luján, Jeff Merkley, and Peter Welch. In parallel efforts within the House of Representatives are led by Doris Matsui and Buddy Carter.