WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) 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 allow physicians to prescribe Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and other necessary drugs during telehealth visits without needing a prior in-person visit, as well as 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 is often needed to access healthcare. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we temporarily expanded the use of telemedicine in prescribing controlled substances, making vital substance use disorder treatment more accessible to those seeking recovery,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-1). “The TREATS Act will make this life-saving pandemic-area policy permanent and, I’m proud to partner with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to ensure this essential health care is easily accessible to Americans in need.”  

“The TREATS Act represents a significant advancement in tackling the ongoing addiction crisis by permanently expanding access to telehealth services for individuals requiring life-saving treatment,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “Our bipartisan legislation aims to ensure that people, especially those in rural communities, can receive essential care without unnecessary obstacles. This initiative promotes a more effective and accessible approach to addiction recovery—one that addresses the urgent needs of today's crisis and makes recovery attainable for those who need it most.”  

“The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) applauds the bipartisan introduction of the TREATS Act in the United States House,” said Brian Hurley, MD, MBA, FAPA, DFASAM, President of ASAM. “ASAM is deeply committed to ensuring every person with a substance use disorder has access to high-quality, full-spectrum addiction care and to closing the addiction treatment gap. This commitment includes supporting policies, like the TREATS Act, which optimize telehealth access and advance health equity in addiction medicine.” 

“The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action fully support the bipartisan, bicameral TREATS Act which would permanently waive the arbitrary in-person requirement for the remote prescribing of controlled substances, specifically for substance use and opioid use disorders,” said Kyle Zebley, Executive Director, ATA Action & Senior Vice President of Public Policy, ATA. “Ratifying the TREATS Act would be a significant step forward, and we also encourage Congress and the Drug Enforcement Administration to work together to establish a permanent pathway for vulnerable and underserved populations to access controlled substances via telemedicine for other vital clinical conditions. This effort is crucial to ensuring holistic care for all patients so that no one is left behind. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Rep. Donald Norcross and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick for co-leading the TREATS Act in the 119th Congress, continuing the important work of Rep. David Trone and our telehealth policy champions.” 

To read bill text, click here. 

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