# Plain Language Summary of the TREATS Act

The TREATS Act makes it easier for people struggling with addiction and mental health issues to get treatment through telehealth—meaning video calls, phone calls, or other remote technology instead of visiting a doctor's office in person. Right now, Medicare has strict rules about when doctors can use telehealth for these services, often requiring patients to come in for an in-person visit first. This bill loosens those restrictions so that once a patient has had one initial in-person or video appointment with a doctor, they can receive ongoing treatment through phone or audio-only calls. This is especially important for people with substance use disorders who may have transportation challenges, live in rural areas, or face other barriers to getting to a clinic.

The bill also changes federal drug laws to allow doctors to prescribe certain controlled medications for addiction treatment (like medications for opioid use disorder) after a telehealth evaluation instead of always requiring an in-person visit first. Doctors would still need to have at least one in-person meeting with the patient at some point, but they could conduct follow-up evaluations and prescribe medications through video appointments. The bill includes safeguards by requiring doctors to follow evidence-based treatment guidelines and maintain plans to prevent drug diversion—meaning they have to follow best practices and take steps to ensure medications aren't being misused or sold illegally.

Essentially, this bill removes barriers that have prevented people from accessing addiction and mental health treatment remotely, recognizing that telehealth can be a lifesaving tool for people who might otherwise go without care. It balances expanded access with safety measures to ensure doctors are still providing legitimate, responsible treatment.

TREATS Act

McKinley, David B.

Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services Act or the TREATS Act This bill modifies requirements relating to coverage of certain telehealth services under Medicare. Specifically, the bill permanently allows telehealth services for substance-use disorders and mental health disorders to be provided via audio-only technology, if a physician or practitioner has already conducted an in-person or video telehealth evaluation. Schedule III or IV controlled substances may also be prescribed online if a practitioner has conducted a telehealth evaluation with video.