We are back exploring a new key concern/ opportunity in the healthtech realm!

^{Key Highlights from the Article}

• Rethinking Telehealth Prescriptions: The DEA is poised to initiate significant revisions to telehealth prescribing regulations for controlled substances.

• Engagement Ahead: Two pivotal "listening sessions" beckon, set for next month, as the DEA delves into the prospect of allowing telehealth prescriptions without the need for in-person medical assessments.

• Legacy of the Pandemic: Stemming from the exigencies of the Covid-19 outbreak, existing emergency telehealth rules have enabled patients to secure controlled medications devoid of traditional physical consultations.

• Navigating Controlled Terrain: The discourse encompasses a gamut of controlled substances, spanning opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and more – fueling impassioned discussions about the viability of telehealth channels.

• Pause and Reflect: A previous endeavor by the DEA to recalibrate the rules encountered substantial resistance and bewilderment, prompting a deferment until November for further consideration.

• An Innovative Paradigm: Emerging as a prospect is the concept of specialized registration that could authorize telehealth prescribing for select substances, bypassing the conventional requisites of in-person evaluations.

• Redefining Opioid Realities: A noteworthy revelation surfaces – opioid diversion, often perceived as a prime concern, might possess a more nuanced dimension, with a significant percentage traceable to counterfeit sources.

• Crucial Confluence: The calendar highlights September 12 and 13 for an imperative rendezvous. Virtuoso medical practitioners, law enforcement stalwarts, and diverse stakeholders converge to articulate their perspectives. The proceedings will be simulcast for global engagement.

What do you think will happen and how will this change the telehealth landscape?

How will this affect monitoring for patient safety and abuse?