YOUR GOVERNMENT AT WORK –
March 14, 2023 – I worked on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country for years, before a seemingly benign OxyContin prescription for pain sent me into a decade-long tailspin that nearly ended my life. If I had not been able to access medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment with buprenorphine, I would not be here today. Since the beginning of my recovery in 2015, I’ve made it my purpose to increase access to treatment for every single American who needs it—without shame, judgement or unnecessary barriers.
On Feb. 24, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced new federal telemedicine guidelines that will roll back access to buprenorphine over telehealth and will contribute to more opioid overdoses and deaths. The DEA has proposed a rule that would limit telemedicine prescriptions for buprenorphine to a single 30-day supply. Under the DEA’s guidelines, any new opioid use disorder patient who starts their treatment via telemedicine must find and see an in-person provider in order to renew their prescription beyond the initial 30 days.
