In a national advocacy update published March 10, the AMA notified ISMA and other medical societies about proposed and confirmed changes affecting services once the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends on May 11.

Telehealth prescribing of controlled substances
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued two proposed rules outlining policies that would replace the waivers that have allowed controlled substances to be prescribed based on telehealth visits once the PHE ends. One rule addresses buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid use disorder and the other outlines policies for all other controlled substances in Schedules III-V.  The deadline for submitting comments on both proposals is March 31.

Medicare services, including audio-only 
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidance intended to help physician practices prepare and plan for the end of the PHE. The guidance deals with the following topics: Extension or cessation of various telehealth flexibilities;  Medicare physician supervision requirements; reimbursement for administration of COVID-19 tests and vaccines; coverage determinations for certain drugs, devices and equipment; expedited enrollment applications and temporary Medicare billing privileges; and Stark law waivers.

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