In an article for Law360, Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Amy Sanders Morgan discussed temporary extensions of COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities and a new final rule that establishes a long-term telemedicine framework for remote prescriptions of buprenorphine, a drug used in treatment of opioid use disorder. The COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities expanded access to care by permitting prescription of medications without an in-person appointment, particularly helpful for patients in rural areas or without transportation, but the flexibilities are set to expire at the end of 2025. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s final rule on telemedicine prescription of buprenorphine allows practitioners to prescribe an initial six-month supply of buprenorphine via telemedicine. The agency also published a proposed rule that would, if finalized, establish a “special registration” framework for telemedicine practitioners.

Amy told Law360 that the finalized buprenorphine rule, standing alone, does not fully remove the requirement for an in-person medical evaluation after the initial six-month period. “However, implemented together with the proposed special registration rule — if that rule is finalized in its proposed form — it’s possible that a patient could obtain [buprenorphine] treatment long-term without an in-person medical evaluation,” she said.

The full article, “Remote Access To Anti-Addiction Meds Unclear Under Trump,” was published by Law360 and is available online (subscription required).