As RCPA previously communicated, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), jointly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has extended the temporary COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2025. These flexibilities enable prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine. As such, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ (DDAP) suspension of 28 Pa. Code § 715.9(a)(4), which allows an initial evaluation for a person who will be treated by an opioid treatment program (OTP) with buprenorphine to be completed via telehealth, is also extended.
DDAP’s complete Information Bulletin 03-2024 is available here.