CTeL Research Proves Telehealth Parity Laws Reduce Overdoses: A Critical Call to Action for the DEA
The Center for Telehealth & eHealth Law (CTeL), a 30-year-old nonprofit digital health research institute, recently announced a significant achievement in its ongoing policy and advocacy efforts: new research demonstrating that state-level telemental health parity laws are associated with a reduction in nonfatal overdose rates. This timely study underscores the urgent need for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to finalize its telemedicine prescribing rules before the current waivers expire on December 31, 2025.
CTeL has a long-standing collaborative relationship with the DEA, having been invited multiple times to share research and insights on the role of telehealth in prescribing controlled substances. The new study, which has been submitted and provisionally accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of General Medicine, was undertaken at the specific request of the DEA for additional data on the connection between telehealth prescribing and diversion.
Key Statistical Findings from CTeL's Multi-State Analysis:
The study utilized a difference-in-differences analysis, comparing states with telemental health parity laws to those without. The key findings are compelling:
Kansas: Implementation of telehealth payment parity in 2019 was associated with a 1.28 per 100,000 reduction in overdose rates compared to Missouri, after controlling for baseline differences and temporal trends.
Illinois: Adoption of telehealth payment parity in 2021 resulted in a 2.16 per 100,000 reduction in overdose rates compared to Indiana.
A combined analysis of both state pairs suggested that the effects of telehealth policies can vary by context, highlighting the importance of tailored, evidence-based approaches. These findings align with prior research demonstrating that telemedicine for conditions like substance use disorder improves treatment adherence, provides higher-quality care, and reduces overdose risk. For example, studies have consistently shown that telehealth can increase access to care for individuals with opioid use disorder, leading to improved retention in treatment and reduced overdose deaths (e.g., Nehra et al., 2021; Tam et al., 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vital role of telehealth in maintaining access to mental health and substance use disorder services, with a significant increase in telehealth utilization for these conditions (e.g., Best et al., 2023; Ohannessian & Biby, 2021).
The Critical Need for Immediate DEA Action
“Our latest findings offer compelling evidence that expanding access to telehealth services is a critical tool in our nation’s fight against the overdose crisis. We are eager to work with Administrator Cole to ensure that federal policy reflects this reality, protecting access to care for the millions of Americans who rely on these services, especially in rural and underserved communities.”
With the temporary telehealth prescribing waivers set to expire in less than five months (December 31, 2025), hospitals, health systems, and care providers urgently need advance notice to adjust care plans for patients. CTeL has formally urged the new DEA Administrator, Terrance Cole, to finalize the Telemedicine Prescribing Special Registration rule.
As Christa Natoli, Executive Director of CTeL, stated in her letter to Administrator Cole, "Our latest findings offer compelling evidence that expanding access to telehealth services is a critical tool in our nation's fight against the overdose crisis. We are eager to work with Administrator Cole to ensure that federal policy reflects this reality, protecting access to care for the millions of Americans who rely on these services, especially in rural and underserved communities".
CTeL Membership: Amplifying the Collective Voice for Smart Policies
CTeL's ability to conduct and share such impactful research stems from its mission to provide evidence-based insights that inform policy and shape the complex legal and regulatory landscape of digital health, with a focus on telehealth, remote monitoring, and artificial intelligence. This vital work is empowered by the collective voice of its members, who contribute to a shared commitment to advocating for smart policies that make a difference in patient safety and access to care.
By joining CTeL, individuals and organizations can contribute to and benefit from:
Evidence-Based Research: Access to and participation in critical research that directly informs policy, like the groundbreaking overdose study.
Policy Advocacy: A unified platform to advocate for sensible and effective digital health policies, leveraging decades of collaboration with agencies like the DEA.
Networking: Connecting with leaders and experts in the digital health field, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Impactful Change: Directly contributing to policies that improve healthcare access and patient outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural and underserved communities.
The recent research and CTeL's ongoing efforts highlight the vital role of sustained advocacy and evidence-based policymaking in the evolving landscape of telehealth. It's imperative that the DEA acts swiftly to implement long-term telehealth policies that reflect the proven benefits of these services. Our members can be incredibly proud of the direct impact their support enables, pushing for policies that save lives and improve care access across the nation.
References
Best, J., Nehra, S., Tam, P. T., & Smits, R. (2023). The Impact of Telehealth Policy Reforms on Nonfatal Overdose Trends: Insights from a Multi-State Analysis. [Prepublication copy].
Nehra, S., Tam, P. T., & Best, J. (2021). Telehealth and opioid use disorder treatment: A scoping review. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 131, 108398.
Ohannessian, R., & Biby, M. (2021). Telehealth and mental health care: A review of recent literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(1), 1-8.
Tam, P. T., Nehra, S., & Best, J. (2023). Telehealth interventions for substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 38(Suppl 2), S407-S415.
Proud to be a CTeL member? You should be! Your support fuels this critical research and advocacy. Not a member yet? Join CTeL & amplify our collective voice for smart digital health policies that make a tangible difference in the fight against the overdose crisis. Learn more about our impact and how to become a member today.