Advocacy Alert: Make Telehealth a Permanent Option

March 28, 2024

via Partnership to End Addiction

Despite strong evidence of its effectiveness, few people with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive medication treatment.

Prior to COVID, federal law required health care providers to see patients in person before prescribing buprenorphine, an FDA-approved medication to treat OUD. In response to the COVID Public Health Emergency, however, federal agencies temporarily removed the in-person exam requirement for prescribing medication via telemedicine for people with opioid use disorder.

Telehealth flexibilities helped more patients access care and has promoted retention. The flexibilities were extended past the end of the COVID Public Health Emergency, but they are now set to expire at the end of 2024.

The Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act (H.R. 5163/S. 3193) would make these flexibilities permanent. It would allow patients with OUD to receive a prescription for buprenorphine by video or audio-only appointments without first being evaluated in person.

Ask your members of Congress to cosponsor and support the TREATS Act to expand access to OUD care.

Read the full article and send a letter strong>here.

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