The Drug Enforcement Agency will hold "public listening sessions" over its proposed rule to restrict online prescription of controlled substances after backlash from telemedicine companies.
In May, DEA delayed implementation of its rule, which would roll back coronavirus-era telehealth prescription flexibility and make it more difficult for doctors to prescribe medications such as Adderall and opioids over the internet.
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The impetus for the rule was a concern that companies allowed to prescribe online are both overprescribing and unable to conduct a full assessment of the patient who has never been to the doctor in person to obtain the drugs.
The agency received a record 38,000 comments on the proposed rule, prompting the delay, and is now inviting some of the commenters, such as telemedicine companies, advocates, patients, and others, to an in-person forum at their Arlington, Virginia, headquarters.
"Mindbloom is thrilled that the DEA is seeking input from patients, providers, and other stakeholders on the path to establishing a permanent framework for telemedicine prescribing," Michael Petegorsky, general counsel for psychedelics telemedicine company Mindbloom, which has been able to provide ketamine online for mental health therapy, said. "Telemedicine has become a lifeline for Americans – especially people struggling with their mental health, many of whom can’t access in-person care due to lack of providers, cost, time, and stigma. If we’re going to end the mental health crisis, it’s vital that we preserve this pathway to care."
Mindbloom was one of the companies that provided comment on the DEA rule.
Last week, DEA announced it is "open to considering" a "special registration" for online prescriptions of some controlled substances, which Petegorsky said "many believe would strike the appropriate balance between ensuring that patients have access to clinically-appropriate care while also minimizing risks of diversion and misuse."
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) has been vocal about his support of the "special registration" process and the proliferation of telehealth generally.
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In response to DEA's announcement, Warner said, "Telehealth was a lifesaver for patients during the peak of the pandemic and has since opened the door to uncomplicated and reliable access to a doctor for patients who need it," adding that it has allowed people with opioid addictions to access drugs like buprenorphine, which is prescribed to combat the disorder.
The sessions are set for Sept. 12 and 13.