Mark Takano: “Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that we are considering H.R. 1107, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act…”

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that we are considering H.R. 1107, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025, as amended. It will enable VA providers to prescribe substances to veterans through telemedicine without first conducting an in-person exam. This bill will make permanent a flexibility that has been extended to VA and non-VA prescribers alike since the COVID-19 pandemic. The current waiver, which has been extended by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, is set to expire in December of 2025. This legislation will make permanent VA prescribers' authority to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, if and when DEA and HHS end the temporary authority. Telemedicine has helped VA to greatly increase veterans' access to a variety of types of care, providing a critical lifeline for veterans, especially those who may have difficulty leaving the house or who live in extremely rural areas. We can clearly recognize that after the pandemic, we must be open to changing the way we provide care to everyone, especially veterans, to reflect technological advancements, individual preferences, and the necessity of expanding access to care. In fact, telehealth is the industry standard for many providers and categories of care, including many in the VA's community care network. Veterans should expect nothing less when they receive care from the VA.”