On Jan. 17, the Drug Enforcement Administration printed a remaining rule, “Continuity of Care by way of Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Sufferers.” The ultimate rule contains a number of key provisions.
Telemedicine Prescribing of Managed Substances
VA practitioners can prescribe Schedule II–V managed substances by way of telemedicine with out an in-person medical analysis, so long as one other VA practitioner has beforehand carried out an in-person analysis.
One other DEA remaining rule, “Growth of Buprenorphine Remedy by way of Telemedicine Encounter,” permits indefinite prescribing by way of telemedicine inside the VA system with out requiring further in-person evaluations.
Prescription Drug Monitoring & Safeguards
VA practitioners should test each state Prescription Drug Monitoring Applications (PDMPs) and the VA’s inside prescription database earlier than issuing prescriptions.
If PDMP information is unavailable, a 7-day provide restrict applies till the information might be reviewed.
Pharmacy verification of affected person identification is required.
Exemption from Basic Telemedicine Restrictions
Not like non-VA practitioners, VA suppliers don’t want a “qualifying telemedicine referral” or an in-person examination to prescribe sure managed substances.
This exemption is because of the VA’s built-in well being care system, which permits complete affected person information entry.
Stricter prescription monitoring and compliance necessities could result in nearer scrutiny of prescriptions for sleep drugs and should have an effect on continuity of care if PDMP information entry points come up. Nonetheless, veterans with sleep problems will profit from expanded telemedicine entry, particularly these in rural areas and/or with mobility points.
This remaining rule went into impact Feb. 18. Members could ship questions in regards to the rule to coding@aasm.org.
