H.R.1627 - Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act; TREATS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1627, also known as the TREATS Act, proposes amendments to the Controlled Substances Act to expand the use of telehealth for substance use disorder treatment. Specifically, it allows for a telehealth evaluation in place of an in-person medical evaluation for prescribing certain controlled substances (schedule III, IV, or V) approved for treating substance use disorders. The bill defines 'telehealth evaluation' and references existing telecommunications systems as defined in the Social Security Act.
Expected Effects
The TREATS Act aims to increase access to addiction treatment by reducing the requirement for in-person medical evaluations through the use of telehealth. This could lead to more individuals receiving timely treatment, especially in rural or underserved areas where access to healthcare providers is limited. The bill could also impact the workload of healthcare providers and the overall cost of addiction treatment.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to substance use disorder treatment, especially in rural areas.
- Reduced barriers to care by allowing telehealth evaluations.
- Potential for earlier intervention and treatment initiation.
- Modernization of healthcare delivery for addiction treatment.
- Possible cost savings for patients and the healthcare system.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or diversion of controlled substances.
- Challenges in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of telehealth evaluations.
- Risk of fraud and abuse in telehealth billing.
- Concerns about patient privacy and data security.
- Possible limitations in addressing complex cases that require in-person assessment.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health by increasing access to substance use disorder treatment. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, and this bill could be seen as regulating healthcare services that cross state lines via telehealth. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).