Rep. Norcross and Rep. Fitzpatrick Introduce TREATS Act to Expand Telehealth for Addiction Treatment
The TREATS Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee for review. No further actions are scheduled at this time.
This bill has support from both parties and addresses the ongoing opioid crisis, but it must still pass through several committees before it can be voted on by the full House.
While substance use disorders affect a smaller share of Medicare beneficiaries, older adults with addiction would benefit from being able to get treatment medications prescribed via telehealth. This is especially helpful for seniors with mobility limitations or those in rural areas far from treatment providers.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
The Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act was proposed in the Senate in November 2023, but it has yet to see any legislative progress. Both Congress and the DEA feel the other should oversee the policy change.
Industry leaders hope the TREATS Act will gain momentum in 2025 to make critical telehealth modalities for addiction medicine permanent. The DEA's extension of telehealth prescribing for controlled medications without in-person visits remains a temporary solution.
Senators reintroduced the TREATS Act to address regulatory hurdles by making permanent the resources available during the Covid-19 pandemic. The bill aims to ensure patients in rural communities can receive essential care without unnecessary obstacles.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
TREATS Act
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