DEAFinal Rule
Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
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Summary
This rule allows Veterans Affairs doctors to prescribe controlled medications (like painkillers and anxiety drugs) to veterans through telemedicine appointments instead of requiring in-person visits. This makes it easier for veterans, especially those in rural areas or with mobility issues, to continue their medications without traveling to a VA facility.
Key Points
- 1VA doctors can now legally prescribe controlled substances via video or phone appointments, not just in-person visits
- 2Veterans in remote areas or with transportation difficulties can access ongoing medication management from home
- 3The rule applies to follow-up prescriptions for patients already established with a VA provider, with safeguards to prevent abuse
- 4This affects millions of veterans who rely on VA healthcare for pain management, mental health medications, and other treatments
- 5The DEA made this change to expand access during public health emergencies and to modernize healthcare delivery
Key Dates
Published
January 17, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
The Digest Network
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