WASHINGTON, D.C., JANUARY 16, 2025 – ATA Action is urging President Trump to immediately withdraw the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) draft Special Registration for Telemedicine and Limited State Telemedicine Registrations published this morning, making this a top priority upon taking office on January 20.
“Upon careful review of the DEA’s draft Special Registration for remote prescribing of controlled substances, we have serious concerns about the feasibility of this proposal. As written, the draft framework creates unworkable restrictions and could not be operationalized, which would be a major setback, should this become the final rule,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA and executive director, ATA Action. “As such, we implore President Trump to make it his urgent priority to withdraw this proposal immediately following his inauguration on January 20.
“If allowed to become final, this would undo the important work President Trump put in place in 2020 with the waiver of the in-person requirement allowing for the remote prescribing of controlled substances,” Zebley added. “We stand ready to work with President Trump and his incoming administration to make essential refinements, taking the time necessary and in consultation with key stakeholders, to create an appropriate and effective Special Registration that will protect the American people while allowing patients the care they so urgently need.”
ATA Action also urged other stakeholder organizations, patients and healthcare providers to share their concerns with President Trump and leaders of his incoming administration. “This is often a life-or-death issue and has understandably been a lightning rod for public comment due to the extraordinary stakes involved,” said Zebley. “The DEA must implement a permanent framework for remote prescribing of controlled substances that strikes the right balance, ensuring necessary access while safeguarding against diversion.”
About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.
About ATA Action
ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).