Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act; TREATS Act
Summary
The TREATS Act aims to amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow telehealth for substance use disorder treatment. It permits a telehealth evaluation in lieu of an in-person medical evaluation for prescribing certain controlled substances (schedule III, IV, or V) approved by the FDA for substance use disorder treatment. The bill defines 'telehealth evaluation' and specifies the technology required for such evaluations.
Expected Effects
This act will likely expand access to substance use disorder treatment, particularly in rural or underserved areas where in-person evaluations are difficult to obtain. It may also lead to increased use of telehealth services and potentially reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment for addiction.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to treatment, especially in rural areas.
- Potential reduction in the stigma associated with seeking addiction treatment.
- Greater flexibility for patients and providers.
- Modernization of healthcare delivery for substance use disorders.
- Possible cost savings for patients and the healthcare system.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for fraud and abuse in prescribing controlled substances via telehealth.
- Challenges in ensuring patient privacy and data security.
- Risk of misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment due to the limitations of telehealth evaluations.
- Possible disparities in access to telehealth services based on socioeconomic status or geographic location.
- Dependence on technology and internet access, which may be limited for some populations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to health and well-being. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).