Amending the Ryan Haight Act: Elevating Telemedicine Law to New Heights

Authors

Dillon Vaughn, Texas A&M University School of Law (Student)Follow

Document Type

Comment

Abstract

The Ryan Haight Act has established excessive restrictions on controlled substance prescribing through telemedicine by first requiring an in-person exam. If the Act is not amended, many individuals in need of medication will go without proper medical care. While other agencies and states have made moves to expand telehealth, the DEA has dragged its feet on making any significant changes. This Comment argues that the federal government should amend the Ryan Haight Act, allowing telemedicine providers to prescribe controlled substances without an in-person exam. This amendment would focus on the standard of care while requiring stringent documentation by physicians who perform telemedicine services. If this change occurs, patients who have barriers to accessing medical treatment will have the opportunity to get the proper care they need.

DOI

10.37419/LR.V7.I2.6

First Page

475

Last Page

496

Recommended Citation

Dillon Vaughn, Amending the Ryan Haight Act: Elevating Telemedicine Law to New Heights, 7 Tex. A&M L. Rev. 475 (2020).
Available at: https://doi.org/10.37419/LR.V7.I2.6