0
TREATS Act
3/18/2025, 2:55 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1627
The bill allows healthcare providers to use telehealth technology to deliver substance use disorder treatment services to patients, including assessments, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. This means that individuals in rural or underserved areas will have greater access to the care they need without having to travel long distances to see a provider in person.
In addition to expanding access to treatment, the bill also includes provisions to ensure the privacy and security of patient information transmitted through telehealth services. This is crucial in maintaining the trust and confidentiality of individuals seeking help for substance use disorders. Overall, the Telehealth Substance Use Disorder Treatment Act is a step towards improving access to care for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addressing the gaps in the current healthcare system. By leveraging telehealth technology, this bill has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by substance use disorders.
Congressional Summary of HR 1627
Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act or the TREATS Act
This bill permanently allows health care practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances for treating substance use disorders via telehealth without evaluating the patient in person.
Generally, a health care practitioner may not prescribe a controlled substance via telehealth unless they first conduct an in-person medical evaluation. Federal regulations currently provide a temporary exception to this requirement, allowing practitioners to prescribe schedule II-V controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes (such as treating substance use disorders) via telehealth without an in-person evaluation. However, this temporary regulatory flexibility expires on December 31, 2025.
The bill permanently allows practitioners to prescribe schedule III-V controlled substances for the treatment of a substance use disorder via telehealth without conducting an in-person evaluation. In such instances, a practitioner may conduct a telehealth evaluation using audio-only or audio and video equipment.
