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Pennsylvania is breaking down barriers to substance use disorder treatment with a new initiative designed to make care more accessible to people across the state. Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced that the state's Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will offer a telehealth-only license for treatment providers, allowing them to serve patients virtually without the need for a physical location.
According to the WESA news site, the move aims to address significant challenges in the state’s addiction treatment landscape, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care can be limited. “This new provider license is breaking down one of the largest barriers to treatment, closing the health equity gap that currently exists, and strengthening supports for some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones.
Telemedicine has gained significant traction in healthcare, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many services to shift online. As fatal overdoses surged during the pandemic due to isolation and disruptions in care, the need for flexible treatment options became more pressing. In response, the federal government made temporary allowances for prescribing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) through telehealth, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The Drug Enforcement Administration extended these rules, recognizing the importance of remote care in saving lives.
Now, as temporary policies fade, Pennsylvania is taking steps to make telehealth a permanent and more widely available option for substance use treatment. The new virtual-only license will allow providers to offer services like intake, evaluation, referral, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care, all through telehealth platforms. The state will continue to maintain safeguards to ensure that these providers meet federal, state, and local laws, including maintaining electronic health records and allowing for state access to these records for auditing purposes.
Although the new license category is seen as a way to expand access, it has raised concerns within the addiction treatment community. The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), a statewide medical association that represents health and human service providers, voiced concerns that the expansion of virtual-only providers could undermine the quality of care. According to Jason Snyder, the RCPA’s policy director for substance use disorder treatment services, the lack of physical presence could delay in-person treatment for patients in crisis, creating a fragmented care experience.
“When complex issues arise, or a patient is in crisis and in need of in-person services, or patients simply decide they want to be seen in-person, the best a provider with no physical presence in Pennsylvania will be able to do is refer to another provider, if it even happens,” Snyder explained. He stressed that community-based providers, who have a direct presence in the neighborhoods they serve, are better equipped to meet the needs of those experiencing substance use issues.
Despite these concerns, DDAP maintains that telehealth options will benefit many who otherwise wouldn’t seek treatment due to logistical challenges. The department highlighted that telehealth can alleviate barriers such as transportation, childcare, and the stigma of seeking help at a traditional clinic. Moreover, for individuals in rural areas, virtual care offers a lifeline to services they might not otherwise have access to.
For those interested in seeking help, the state continues to offer resources like the Get Help Now helpline (1-800-662-HELP) and the Treatment Atlas locator tool, which helps people find local treatment providers.
Pennsylvania’s decision to embrace telehealth as a permanent option for substance use treatment is a bold step in addressing the state’s addiction crisis. However, as with any major policy change, it remains to be seen how the balance between virtual and in-person care will affect patients, providers, and the broader healthcare system. While it promises to expand access to care, ensuring quality and safety will be critical moving forward.
If you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse, and are looking for the right treatment provider, contact Avenues Recovery today. Our expert staff have helped thousands of people recover from their addictions, and can help you too. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to the sober future you deserve.