Hospice community responds to proposed DEA telehealth prescribing rule

Hospice community responds to proposed DEA telehealth prescribing rule 
Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/20/25 
A proposed rule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could impede timely access to medications for hospice and palliative care patients, according to members of the hospice community. ... If finalized, this proposed rule would require prescribers to register with the DEA before they are allowed to prescribe schedule II-V controlled substances, along with some monitoring and other requirements.  ... Implementation of the proposed rule would have adverse consequences for hospice and palliative care patients, according to the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... The Alliance made several recommendations to the DEA regarding the proposal: 

• Clarify that hospice physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) (collectively, hospice practitioners) are not subject to in-person medical evaluation requirements under the Ryan Haight Act when prescribing controlled substances to hospice patients.
• To avoid any ambiguity, the DEA should exempt hospice practitioners from in-person medical evaluation requirements under the Ryan Haight Act.
• [Click here for eight more recommendations.]

Editor's note: Additionally, pair this with the other side of the coin--opioid drug diversion--for which home hospice care is especially susceptible. Both access and restrictions have purposes for safe, compassionate outcomes. Both access and restrictions have high risks for tragic outcomes. Examine The Alliance's recommendations. Related, click here for my Editor's note about hospice drug disposal and/or diversion: Policies and Procedures, staff education and accountability, and more.