TheCOVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) brought significant changes tohealthcare regulations, including temporary rules for prescribing controlledsubstances. These changes, designed to expand access to necessary medications,are set to be revised as the PHE ends. This article will provide an overview ofthese temporary rules, what they mean for healthcare providers, and how toprepare for upcoming changes.

Patients highly value telemedicine for its convenience. Many reported appreciating the ability to attend appointments without traveling, waiting in physical waiting rooms, or taking time off work. Convenience is particularly important for individuals managing chronic conditions that require frequent consultations.

Preparing for Post-PHE Changes

As thePHE concludes, healthcare providers must adapt to the reinstatement ofpre-pandemic regulations. Here are some best practices to ensure compliance:

1.Understand Federal and State Regulations

Regulations for prescribing controlled substancesvary by state. Providers should:

• Review the DEA’s requirements for in-person evaluations.
• Understandstate-specific laws regarding telehealth and controlled substances.
• Checkfor any state-level extensions of temporary rules.

2.Know the Temporary Rules for Controlled Substances Prescriptions

Under the temporary rules, healthcare providers were allowed to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth without the need for an in-person visit. However, these rules were only effective during the PHE and are about to change. Providers will now need to be more mindful of the specific regulations that govern the prescribing of controlled substances in telehealth.

3.Confirm Patient Identity

One of the most critical steps when prescribing controlled substances via telehealth is confirming the patient's identity. With these medications being highly regulated, you must take extra care to verify that the person you are speaking with is the correct patient. Here are a few steps to ensure identity verification:

• Use two-factor authentication for online patient portals.
• Ask the patient to show their ID during the consultation.
• tilize telehealth platforms with built-in identity verification features.

4.LeverageTechnology for Compliance

Use telehealth platforms designed to supportcompliance with controlled substance regulations:

• Chooseplatforms that integrate e-prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS).
• Ensuresecure documentation and audit trails for all prescriptions.

The Future of Controlled Substance Prescribing

As the PHE ends and the temporary rules for prescribing controlled substances expire, telehealth providers need to make informed adjustments to their practices. By focusing on identity verification, documentation, and compliance with evolving regulations, telehealth providers can ensure they continue to meet the legal requirements for prescribing controlled substances in a secure and responsible manner.