HHSFinal Rule

Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients

HealthcareLabor & Workplace

Summary

This rule allows Veterans Affairs doctors to prescribe buprenorphine (a medication that treats opioid addiction) to veterans through telemedicine visits instead of requiring in-person appointments. It makes addiction treatment more accessible to veterans by letting them receive prescriptions and ongoing care from home.

Key Points

  • 1Veterans can now get buprenorphine prescriptions from VA doctors through video or phone visits instead of traveling to a clinic
  • 2Patients can continue their ongoing addiction treatment through telemedicine, making it easier to stick with their recovery plan
  • 3This expands access to addiction treatment for veterans who live far from VA facilities or have difficulty traveling
  • 4The rule uses existing federal authority to allow telemedicine for this specific medication, removing previous restrictions on remote prescribing
  • 5Veterans receiving this care must still follow VA monitoring and safety requirements to ensure proper treatment

Key Dates

Published

March 24, 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.

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