End of COVID-19 emergency leaves questions for future of telehealth

The COVID-19 public health emergency ending has left Ohioans who are prescribed controlled substances in limbo (Source: “With telehealth in limbo, Ohio patients worry about access to some controlled medications,” Ohio Capital Journal, May 16).

The COVID-19 public health emergency loosened regulations around telehealth. This allowed practitioners to prescribe controlled substances using telemedicine. With the ending of the emergency last week, providers are concerned that patient care may get much more difficult.

Ohio law states that telehealth for controlled substances is only allowed because of federal regulations. The State Medical Board put forward new regulations at the end of February. The Telehealth Rules Document highlights the changes that have been implemented.

The Drug Enforcement Administration just put a temporary hold on telehealth changes until November, while they read testimony about the rules they are proposing to put in place of it. There is more flexibility for already-established relationships, as well. If a doctor’s relationship is established with the patient before Nov. 11, 2023, the full set of COVID telemedicine flexibilities will be extended for one year, or through Nov. 11, 2024.