OCR Provides 90-Day Transition Period for HIPAA Telehealth Compliance
Telehealth
Federal Telehealth Updates Announced
Study: Telehealth May Help Reduce Fatal Overdoses
RCPA Submits Comments to DEA on Tele-Prescribing
OMHSAS Consent Requirements Extended; ACT 98 Now Permanent
How the FBI’s Rules Are Making It Harder for PA Doctors to Have Virtual Visits With Patients in Other States
OMHSAS Confirms Permanent Audio-Only Telehealth
DEA Accepting Public Comment on Proposal Limiting Tele-Prescribing of Buprenorphine Without In-Person Visit
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is proposing to roll back flexibilities implemented during the public health emergency (PHE) in tele-prescribing buprenorphine. The proposed new regulation would mandate an initial in-person visit with a prescriber in order for a patient to receive more than a 30-day buprenorphine prescription. Since 2020, those with opioid use disorder have been able to receive prescriptions for buprenorphine, including the initial prescription, following a tele-appointment.
Patients who began buprenorphine treatment during the PHE under the expanded flexibilities would have a 180-day grace period but would then need to see a prescriber in person before continuing treatment under the DEA’s proposed rule.
The proposed rule and instructions for providing comments are available online. The public comment period closes March 31, 2023.
Feds Seek to Limit Telehealth Prescriptions for Some Drugs
RIC Releases Brief on People With I/DD and Telehealth
Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) recently released a brief on telehealth and its impact on dually eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As noted by RIC, people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as people with I/DD, are diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions at higher rates than the general population and often face barriers with access to healthcare.
Telehealth services have been increasing in popularity and usage and have the potential to positively impact people with I/DD. Health plans can utilize this information to further their understanding of how telehealth modalities can improve access to person-centered care for people with I/DD.
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