WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI), David B. McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.), Ted Budd (R-NC), and David Trone (D-MD) have introduced the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act to support the expansion of telehealth services for substance use disorder treatment.

The TREATS Act would extend telehealth flexibilities by making permanent key waivers, including the ability to prescribe Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) and other necessary drugs without needing a prior in-person visit and the ability to bill Medicare for audio-only telehealth services.  By taking these steps, the TREATS Act will increase overall access to MAT and support telehealth needs in rural communities where broadband may be needed.

“Telehealth services are critical for folks struggling through the cycle of addiction right now,” said Rep. Cicilline. “Opioid abuse is still a leading cause of death for Rhode Islanders. This bill will help ensure that folks who need help can get it.”

“Overdoses are on the rise across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress should be making it easier to access treatment and the TREATS Act does just that,” said Rep. McKinley. “This bill would make it easier for those in both rural and urban areas to access vital addiction treatments. As we know substance abuse disorders do not discriminate based on location and patients should not have to choose between getting treatment and risking their health and safety to do so.”

“We should make it as easy as possible for those who struggle with substance abuse to get the help they need. Data has shown that overdoses have spiked nationally in March, April, and May during pandemic-related lockdowns. Especially during COVID-19, cutting out regulatory barriers to treatment should be a national priority, and I’m proud to support a bill like the TREATS Act that does just that,” said Rep. Budd.

“People with substance use disorder have been put at particular risk during this pandemic,” said Rep. David Trone. “The telehealth waivers implemented for COVID-19 are innovations long-needed by people seeking treatment or in recovery. The TREATS Act will allow us to make these life-saving addiction policies permanent. I want to thank my colleagues for working in a bipartisan way on this bill that will help save lives across the country.”