🩺New VA Regulations on Telemedicine Prescriptions for Controlled Substances
Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
Summary
This final rule authorizes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) practitioners acting within the scope of their VA employment to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine to a VA patient with whom they have not conducted an in-person medical evaluation. VA practitioners are permitted to prescribe controlled substances to VA patients if another VA practitioner has, at any time, previously conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the VA patient, subject to certain conditions.
Agencies
- Health and Human Services Department
- Justice Department
- Drug Enforcement Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The regulation permits VA practitioners to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine without in-person evaluations, impacting compliance and operational practices for healthcare providers. This change enhances access to care while adhering to regulatory requirements, directly influencing business practices in the healthcare industry.