This bill amends existing laws regarding the use of telemedicine for prescribing non-opioid and opioid controlled drugs classified in schedules II through IV. It allows not only physicians but also physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe these medications via telemedicine. The bill modifies the requirement for a subsequent evaluation, replacing the previous requirement for an in-person exam with a general evaluation that must occur at appropriate intervals, but no less than annually. The language also emphasizes that all prescribing must comply with federal and state laws and regulations.

Specifically, the bill deletes the phrase "in-person exam" and inserts "evaluation" in its place, thereby broadening the scope of acceptable follow-up assessments. Additionally, it introduces new provisions that explicitly grant physician assistants and APRNs the authority to prescribe controlled substances through telemedicine, ensuring that they too must conduct evaluations at appropriate intervals. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, which is scheduled for August 23, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 329:1-d
As Amended by the Senate: 329:1-d, 328-D:3-b, 326-B:11
Version adopted by both bodies: 329:1-d, 328-D:3-b, 326-B:11
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 329:1-d, 328-D:3-b, 326-B:11