The DEA has recently proposed a new rule for Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances.
Referral Form and Letter to your PCP
UPDATE: on October 10th, 2023, the DEA again extended the telemedicine flexibilities while they continue to consider the record 38,000+ comments from the public, largely from people with ADHD who view this new rule as a burden and barrier to care.
“In light of the need to further evaluate the best course of action given the comments received in response to the NPRMs and the presentations at the Telemedicine Listening Sessions, DEA, jointly with HHS, is issuing this second temporary rule (“Second Temporary Rule”) extending the full set of telemedicine flexibilities regarding the prescription of controlled medications as were in place during the COVID–19 PHE, through December 31, 2024. This extension authorizes all DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe schedule II–V controlled medications via telemedicine through December 31, 2024, whether or not the patient and practitioner established a telemedicine relationship on or before November 11, 2023. In other words, the grace period provided in the First Temporary Rule is effectively subsumed by this Second Temporary Rule, which continues the extension of the current flexibilities for all practitioner-patient relationships—not just those established on or before November 11, 2023—until the end of 2024.”
<aside> 📍 ACTION ITEM for Current Patients: Before December 31st, 2024, all patients will need to have an in-person visit with their Primary Care Provider (PCP) for them to sign the ‘Referral Form.’
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<aside> 📍 Potential Consequence: If we do not receive your signed ‘Telemedicine Referral Form’ by December 31st, 2024, we may no longer be able to prescribe your controlled substances, including stimulant medications, for ADHD.
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