DEA role must be clearly defined in controlled substance Rx via telemedicine, expert cautions

If the DEA's role is not properly limited, there could be an overreach where the agency influences or even dictates how healthcare practitioners make decisions, which could impact patient care, says Dan Cohen, president of RTM company Adhere+.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has proposed draft guidance to establish a framework for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine.

The proposal introduces three types of special registrations. Telemedicine prescribing registration allows qualified practitioners to prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances via telemedicine. Advanced telemedicine prescribing registration permits specialized practitioners, such as psychiatrists and hospice care physicians, to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine. And telemedicine platform registration enables online telemedicine platforms to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances through registered practitioners.

The guidance proposes allowing patients to receive a six-month supply of buprenorphine, used to treat opioid use disorder, through a telephone consultation with a provider. Subsequent prescriptions would require an in-person visit.

Practitioners would be required to conduct Prescription Drug Monitoring Program checks for the states where both the patient and the practitioner are located, as well as any other relevant states with PDMP reciprocity.

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