New Federal Rule Expands Access to Opioid Treatment via Telehealth

A major win for rural health: providers can now prescribe buprenorphine—commonly known by the brand name Suboxone—via telehealth, giving patients faster, easier access to life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder.

Thanks to a new federal rule now in effect, DEA-registered providers can initiate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using telehealth technology—no in-person visit required. As reported by Healthcare IT News, the rule took effect February 18, 2025, and permanently allows providers to start treatment with buprenorphine through video or even audio-only consultations.

Under the rule, providers may prescribe up to a six-month supply of buprenorphine following a remote visit. After that, an in-person evaluation is required unless a federal exception applies. To ensure safety, providers must check the patient’s state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, confirm the patient’s location and identity during the visit, and ensure the pharmacy verifies identity before dispensing the medication.

This policy change eliminates a major barrier to care, allowing patients—especially those in rural areas without easy access to transportation or providers—to begin recovery without delay. Studies show that individuals who start treatment through telehealth are more likely to stay engaged and less likely to experience a fatal overdose. By making it easier to start and stick with treatment, this rule is a critical step toward saving lives and expanding access where it’s needed most.

Source:
Healthcare IT News – “What the new rule on medication-assisted treatment via telehealth means for providers”
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/what-new-rule-medication-assisted-treatment-telehealth-means-providers