A coalition of 333 organizations sent a letter to congressional leaders urging an extension of prescribing flexibilities for two years. Among the organizations that signed the letter are the American Health Care Association, American Pharmacists Association, Cleveland Clinic, Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health, Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Medicine, Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health and Pittsburgh-based UPMC.
The letter was addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stating that millions of Americans may lose access to critical treatments if the flexibilities are not preserved, according to the Sept. 10 letter.
With mental health and substance use treatment shortages persisting, especially in underserved areas, the organizations emphasized the importance of virtual care. The signatories also cited that 36% of outpatient mental health visits are still conducted on telehealth, making the practices vital to patient care.
The current waiver is set to expire on Dec. 31.