Bill would let doctors prescribe addiction drugs via telehealth permanently
In committeeS. 3048Latest action
Sponsor: Lisa Murkowski · Senator · AK
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: TREATS Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The TREATS Act would let doctors prescribe addiction treatment medications after a telehealth visit instead of requiring an in-person exam.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill would amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow a telehealth evaluation, done by real-time phone or video call, to substitute for the currently required in-person medical evaluation before prescribing schedule III, IV, or V medications approved to treat substance use disorders, such as buprenorphine. It would make permanent a flexibility that was temporarily allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects people seeking treatment for substance use disorders, particularly in rural or underserved areas, and doctors and healthcare providers who prescribe these medications. It could also affect telehealth companies and addiction treatment programs.
Why does it matter?
The change would alter longstanding federal requirements for in-person evaluation before prescribing certain controlled substances, shifting more addiction treatment decisions to remote consultations.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedOct 23, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Oct 23, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.