TREATS Act Expands Telehealth for Addiction Treatment: Remote Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Now Allowed

The "Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act," or TREATS Act, changes the rules for how doctors can prescribe certain medications used to treat substance use disorders. Specifically, it amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow healthcare providers to conduct patient evaluations via telehealth—instead of requiring an in-person visit—before prescribing Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances approved by the FDA for addiction treatment.

Remote Access, Real Consequences

The core change here is that doctors can now use telehealth—including real-time video calls and even audio-only communication—to assess patients before prescribing these controlled substances. The bill defines a "telehealth evaluation" as a medical evaluation done remotely, using audio-visual or audio-only tech, as long as it sticks to federal and state laws (Section 2). This could mean someone struggling with opioid addiction in a rural area can get a prescription for buprenorphine, a medication that helps manage withdrawal and cravings, without having to travel hours to the nearest clinic. Or, a busy professional could have a telehealth appointment during their lunch break, making it easier to fit treatment into a packed schedule.

The Fine Print & Potential Challenges

While the TREATS Act aims to make treatment more accessible, there are some practical details to consider. For example, the reliance on "audio-only" communication raises questions. Can a doctor truly assess a patient's condition and needs without seeing them visually? This might be particularly tricky in the early stages of treatment, where a thorough evaluation is crucial. The bill doesn't specify extra safeguards for audio-only evaluations, which could be a point of concern.

It's also important to note that this bill deals with controlled substances. While these medications are FDA-approved and essential for many treatment plans, they do carry risks of misuse. The shift to telehealth evaluations could potentially make it easier for some individuals to obtain these drugs inappropriately, though the bill doesn't offer specific solutions to mitigate this. The TREATS Act represents a significant shift in how addiction treatment can be delivered. It's a move towards greater flexibility and accessibility, but it also puts a spotlight on the need for careful monitoring and responsible implementation to ensure patient safety and prevent potential misuse.