Benton Times

Congressman Steve Womack has reintroduced the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025. The bill aims to make permanent a pandemic-related exemption that allows healthcare professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe necessary controlled substances to veterans via telemedicine without an in-person medical examination.

"Easing access to critical care for America’s heroes is vital, and that’s exactly what my bill prescribes," Congressman Womack stated. He emphasized that the extension of telehealth services would enable veterans, particularly those in rural areas, to receive quality care at home. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this important, commonsense legislation across the finish line."

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 requires practitioners to conduct at least one in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this requirement was temporarily waived. On November 19, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a continuation of these flexibilities through December 31, 2025.

Telehealth has proven beneficial for improving healthcare accessibility and convenience by enabling remote consultations and reducing travel needs. More than 2.7 million veterans in rural areas face challenges meeting the in-person visit requirement under the Ryan Haight Act due to limited access to VA clinics. This can lead to poor long-term health outcomes compared with veterans living in suburban or urban settings.

If the current exemption expires at year's end, veteran access to certain medications classified as controlled substances could be significantly restricted.