ONDCP Director Dr. Rahul Gupta Statement on DEA’s Move to Ensure Patients Can Continue to Begin Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder via Telehealth
Flexibilities adopted during the COVID-19 public health emergency have improved access to treatment for opioid use disorder
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), issued a statement regarding the Drug Enforcement Administration’s proposed permanent rules for the prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine:
“One of the biggest challenges in defeating the overdose epidemic is that treatment has been far too difficult to access for the American people,” said Dr. Gupta. “Buprenorphine is a proven treatment for patients with opioid use disorder, and by making the COVID-19 flexibilities permanent, patients will be able to begin this treatment as soon as possible. This proposed rule builds on President Biden’s historic move to eliminate the X-waiver that prevented many prescribers from treating patients with buprenorphine. Thanks to these changes, millions of Americans will be able to access the lifesaving care they need.”
Read about the rules HERE.
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