S. 3048: Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act

This bill, known as the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act (or TREATS Act), aims to amend the Controlled Substances Act to facilitate the use of telehealth in the treatment of substance use disorders. The key aspects of the bill are as follows:

Changes to Medical Evaluation Requirements

The bill modifies the conditions under which practitioners can prescribe controlled substances for substance use disorder treatment. Specifically:

• The requirement for "at least 1 in-person medical evaluation" is retained, but now allows for the possibility of a "telehealth evaluation" as a part of the prescribing process.

For specific categories of controlled substances (those listed in schedules III, IV, or V), a telehealth evaluation can be sufficient for a practitioner to initiate a prescription, provided it meets certain criteria. This change aims to make the process more accessible for patients who may find it difficult to attend in-person evaluations.

Definition of Telehealth Evaluation

The bill defines a "telehealth evaluation" as a medical assessment conducted by a qualified practitioner using a telecommunications system that ensures real-time interaction. This can be achieved through audio-only or video communication tools. The definition emphasizes compliance with applicable Federal and State laws, ensuring that the evaluations maintain necessary medical standards.

Impact on Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The overarching goal of the TREATS Act is to enhance the availability and efficiency of treatment options for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. By allowing telehealth evaluations, the bill aims to increase access to care, especially in underserved or remote areas where access to healthcare providers may be limited.

Implementation

This change will impact how substance use disorder treatments are delivered across the U.S., potentially leading to an increase in the use of telehealth services in this field.

Relevant Companies

• AMGN (Amgen Inc.): A biotechnology company that may engage in telehealth solutions or partnerships to aid in delivering addiction therapy.
• MEDP (Medpace Holdings, Inc.): A global contract research organization which might adapt its services to support telehealth initiatives in substance treatment programs.
• ANTH (Anthor Medical, Inc.): A company potentially involved in digital health solutions that could capitalize on the changes introduced by this bill.