Opioid Addiction Treatment: Telehealth Prescribing for Controlled Substances.
The TREATS Act aims to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment by allowing practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances (Schedules III, IV, or V) approved by the FDA after only one telehealth evaluation. This change removes the mandatory initial in-person visit for these specific medications, making it easier for patients, especially those in remote areas, to start treatment quickly. The goal is to leverage telemedicine to combat the opioid crisis.
Key points
Allows prescribing of FDA-approved controlled substances (Schedules III, IV, or V, excluding methadone) for opioid use disorder treatment following a single telehealth evaluation.
Removes the requirement for an initial in-person medical evaluation for prescribing these specific addiction treatment medications.
Defines 'telehealth evaluation' as a real-time, two-way interactive communication (audio-only or audio and video) conducted remotely by a practitioner.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_5163
Sponsor: Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6]
Process start date: 2023-08-04