AMA statement on DEA extending telehealth prescription flexibilities

The following statement is attributable to:
Bobby Mukkamala, MD
Chair, AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force

“The American Medical Association (AMA) applauds the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) decision to extend flexibilities in the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth patient visits beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency. These medications, including those used to treat opioid use disorder, are a vital form of care for millions of Americans who have come to rely on safe and effective telemedicine appointments.

“Patients being treated with these medications often have challenges securing and traveling to in-person appointments. We are grateful the DEA is approaching this issue with the gravity it deserves, and we look forward to reviewing the details of the policy when they become available.”

The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care.  The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.