CHA News

CHA Signs Letter to Expand Telehealth for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

For behavioral health directors

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CHA has joined a letter signed by more than 80 organizations urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to finalize regulations – as required by the SUPPORT Act of 2018 – specifying the circumstances in which a special registration for telemedicine may be issued, as well as the procedure for obtaining the registration. 

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the DEA has expanded access to remote care and, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), exercised its regulatory authority to permit remote prescribing of controlled substances using telemedicine without a prior in-person exam, regardless of the patient’s location.  

A final rule on the telemedicine special registration process would permanently enable SAMHSA-waivered clinicians, community mental health centers, and addiction treatment facilities to prescribe medication assisted treatment to patients with opioid use disorder using telemedicine technology.