On March 19, the Texas Medical Board (TMB) announced that their request to temporarily suspend certain state requirements for chronic pain patients has been approved by Governor Greg Abbott. This measure is being taken in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
"The waiver allows telephone refill(s) of a valid prescription for treatment of chronic pain by a physician with an established chronic pain patient. Due to the seriousness of the opioid crisis and the need to ensure there is proper oversight of chronic pain management, this suspension is only in effect until April 10, 2020."
This temporary suspension of Title 22, Chapter 174.5(e)(2)(A) of the Texas Administrative Code ("Limitation on Treatment of Chronic Pain") is intended to help chronic pain patients maintain continuity of care and avoid adverse consequences from abruptly running out of their pain medication.
According to the TMB's announcement, "This waiver follows the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announcement that health care professionals can prescribe controlled substances, including opioids, via telemedicine during the current coronavirus public health emergency."
Read the full press release here.
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