H.R. 1627

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · February 26, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Norcross

Table of contents

• H.R. 1627
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Telehealth for substance use disorder treatment

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the or the .

SEC. 2. Telehealth for substance use disorder treatment

• Section 309(e)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act () is amended— 21 U.S.C. 829(e)(2)
  • in subparagraph (A)(i)—
    • by striking and inserting the following:
      • at least—
      • 1 in-person medical evaluation
      • for purposes of prescribing a controlled substance in schedule III, IV, or V that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a substance use disorder, 1 telehealth evaluation of the patient; or
    • by adding at the end the following:
      • The term telehealth evaluation means a medical evaluation that is conducted in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws by a practitioner (other than a pharmacist) who is at a location remote from the patient and is communicating with the patient, or a practitioner who is treating the patient, using a telecommunications system referred to in section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act () that includes audio-only or audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication between the distant site practitioner and the patient, or the practitioner who is treating the patient. 42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)
  • by adding at the end the following: