Federal telehealth policies can feel abstract—until they affect your daily clinical workflow. In this episode, we translate recent DEA and CMS telehealth updates into practical guidance for addiction psychiatrists.
Hosts: Danae DiRocco, MD, MPH and Chun Tong, MD
Guests: Dr. Shabana Khan and Matthew Goldenberg DO
Drs. Matthew Goldenberg and Shabana Khan join the AAAP Podcast to discuss what’s settled, what’s still evolving, and where clinicians are most likely to get tripped up when prescribing controlled substances via telehealth. Topics include the Ryan Haight Act, buprenorphine prescribing, supervision of residents, documentation best practices, and multi-state telehealth practice. Whether you’re in private practice, an academic setting, or both, this episode helps make sense of a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Telehealth prescribing is still allowed—but the rules are nuanced. DEA flexibilities remain in place, Ryan Haight requirements are evolving, and clinicians need to understand where in-person visits are still required.
- Some telehealth changes are here to stay. Medicare’s permanent allowance of audio-only visits and expanded virtual supervision create new opportunities for access and training.
- Compliance matters more than ever. Clear documentation, PDMP checks, and awareness of state-specific rules are essential to practicing safely across telehealth settings.
Resources
- https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/telehealth
- https://www.cchpca.org
- https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/12/31/dea-extends-telemedicine-flexibilities-ensure-continued-access-care
- https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/telepsychiatry/toolkit
- https://www.psychiatry.org/Psychiatrists/Practice/Telepsychiatry/Blog/Medicare-Telehealth-Updates-What-Psychiatrists-Nee
- https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/advocacy/federal-affairs/physician-reimbursement-quality-improvement-docume/2025/apa-and-aacap-urge-health-plans-to-reject-new-tele
- https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates
