Can Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) prescribe medications, including controlled substances, via telehealth in Colorado, in compliance with the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and federal rules such as the Ryan Haight Act?

From the Guidelines

In Colorado, APRNs are permitted to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, via telehealth, as long as they comply with the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and federal rules such as the Ryan Haight Act, which has been temporarily modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic 1. To prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, APRNs in Colorado must ensure they are aware of the current federal, state, and international guidelines, which have changed in response to the pandemic.

• The Ryan Haight Act, for example, was granted an emergency exemption, allowing providers to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth without an in-person visit, but this exemption is temporary and set to expire when the official Public Health Emergency period ends 1.
• APRNs must also comply with Colorado's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) requirements, which include checking the database before prescribing certain controlled substances.
• Additionally, APRNs need to establish a proper provider-patient relationship when prescribing via telehealth, which includes verifying the patient's identity, obtaining informed consent for telehealth services, and ensuring appropriate follow-up care.
• The Center for Connected Health Policy website (https://www.cchpca.org/covid-19-actions/) provides up-to-date information on changes in regulations and policies related to telehealth, including COVID-19 telehealth policies for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia 1.
• By following these guidelines and regulations, APRNs in Colorado can help improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where in-person medical services may be limited, while also ensuring the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances via telehealth.

From the Research

APRN Prescribing via Telehealth in Colorado

• In Colorado, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are allowed to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, through telehealth, as long as they comply with the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and federal regulations such as the Ryan Haight Act.
• The ability of APRNs to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth is crucial in ensuring access to necessary medications for patients, especially in rural or underserved areas where in-person healthcare services may be limited.

Prescription Drug Monitoring and Safety

• Studies have shown that prescription monitoring programs can help prescribers assess overdose risk and make informed decisions about patient care 2.
• The use of prescription monitoring programs can also help identify patients who may be at risk of drug overdose or other adverse events, allowing for early intervention and prevention strategies to be implemented.

Controlled Substance Prescribing and Telehealth

• While there is limited direct evidence on the specific topic of APRN prescribing via telehealth in Colorado, research on controlled substance prescribing and telehealth suggests that these services can be safely and effectively provided when proper protocols and monitoring are in place 3, 4.
• However, it is essential to continue monitoring and evaluating the safety and efficacy of APRN prescribing via telehealth to ensure that patients receive high-quality care and to minimize the risk of adverse events.

Limitations and Future Research

• The available evidence does not directly address the topic of APRN prescribing via telehealth in Colorado, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
• Future studies should investigate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of APRN prescribing via telehealth in Colorado, as well as the impact of prescription monitoring programs on patient care and outcomes 5, 6.