CTeL Urges New DEA Head to Finalize Telehealth Rules

WASHINGTON - Rezul -- The Center for Telehealth & eHealth Law (CTeL), a nonprofit research institute, announced it sent a formal letter to the new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator, Terrance Cole, urging the agency to finalize its rules on telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances before the current waivers expire on December 31, 2025.

CTeL extended its congratulations to Administrator Cole and shared pre-publication results of a new study that shows a significant reduction in nonfatal overdose rates in states with telemental health parity laws. The research, which has been provisionally accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of General Medicine, underscores the critical need for permanent, evidence-based policies.

"For over three decades, CTeL has been at the forefront of digital health policy, providing the evidence-based research to create a safe and effective regulatory landscape," said Christa Natoli, Executive Director of CTeL. "Our latest findings offer compelling evidence that expanding access to telehealth services is a critical tool in our nation's fight against the overdose crisis. We are eager to work with Administrator Cole to ensure that federal policy reflects this reality, protecting access to care for the millions of Americans who rely on these services, especially in rural and underserved communities."

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CTeL has a long-standing collaborative relationship with the DEA, having been invited on multiple occasions to share research and insights on the role of telehealth in prescribing controlled substances. The new study was undertaken at the specific request of the DEA for additional data on the connection between telehealth prescribing and diversion.

Key findings from CTeL's multi-state analysis include:

• In Kansas, the implementation of telehealth payment parity in 2019 was associated with a 1.28 per 100,000 reduction in overdose rates compared to Missouri.
• In Illinois, the adoption of a similar telehealth parity law in 2021 resulted in a 2.16 per 100,000 reduction in overdose rates when compared to Indiana.

These results affirm that telehealth is a vital component in improving treatment adherence and reducing overdose risk.

With the temporary telehealth flexibilities set to expire and hospitals needing advance notice to adjust care plans, CTeL's letter emphasizes the urgent need for the DEA to act on its final rule.

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CTeL has positioned itself as a trusted, evidence-based resource for the DEA and looks forward to continued engagement with Administrator Cole's team to support the development of sound, long-term telehealth policy that prioritizes patient safety and access to care.

About CTeL: The Center for Telehealth & eHealth Law (CTeL) is a 30-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit digital health research institute. CTeL's mission is to provide evidence-based insights that inform policy and shape the complex legal and regulatory landscape of digital health, with a focus on telehealth, remote monitoring, and artificial intelligence.

For more information visit www.ctel.org.