More patients were able to access care during the pandemic via telehealth programs.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced a new program to license remote-only drug and alcohol treatment providers. Applications are currently being accepted, and applicants must otherwise follow all state and local laws.
As it stood, only facilities with physical locations in Pennsylvania could apply for licenses from DDAP. But the success of remote treatment during the COVID pandemic, and a desire to increase access, led to the change.
Providers that can get telehealth-only licenses include those offering intake, evaluation and referral services, outpatient services and partial hospitalization services sometimes referred to as “day programs.” Opioid treatment programs, including those providing medication assistance like methadone or suboxone, and inpatient service providers will not be able to get telehealth-only licenses.
“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,” DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said in a press release.
DDAP Digital Director Olivia Perry said providers can include individual practitioners and out-of-state facilities using telehealth to serve Pennsylvanians.
Studies have shown that telehealth can be an effective alternative to other substance use disorder treatments for those seeking help quitting cigarettes, alcohol or narcotics. Perry said that expanded telehealth treatment access can “address barriers related to access to treatment in our rural communities and eases the burden of those that would otherwise need to arrange for childcare, transportation, and additional time off work to show up for an appointment at an office.”
She also noted that telehealth treatment could serve as “an antidote to overcoming stigma,” with recipients being able to reach licensed professionals from their own home.
License recipients will be required to maintain client records and personnel files including training records. They must also agree to provide DDAP access to client records for audits.
There are currently around 800 licensed, in-person, substance use disorder treatment centers in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvanians seeking treatment for a substance use disorder can call 1-800-662-HELP or use the free and confidential online tool, Treatment Atlas.