Final answer:
Telehealth providers can only prescribe controlled substances after an in-person medical evaluation or when specific exceptions apply, such as during a public health emergency. Controlled substances include opioids like morphine and oxycodone, and the restrictions help prevent misuse and overprescription.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telehealth providers are typically limited in their ability to prescribe controlled substances. Legislation such as the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 specifies that controlled substances can only be prescribed through telehealth if a proper in-person medical evaluation has been completed or if an exception applies. Exceptions may occur during public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when regulatory bodies have temporarily relaxed restrictions to allow for better access to healthcare.
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is one method used to ensure patients adhere to their medication schedules, particularly for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). For controlled substances such as opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone), which are frequently used for pain management, telehealth prescription remains restricted to protect against misuse and addiction. In all cases, healthcare providers must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines to prevent the overprescription and abuse of these potent drugs.