A recently-proposed DEA rule change would prevent doctors from prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine without first conducting an in-person evaluation. Terminally ill patients nearing the end of their lives are almost always too sick to visit a doctor in person. This rule change would restrict access to health care, and make it incredibly difficult for terminally ill patients to receive routine palliative care and medicines that can ease their pain.

The public comment period on the rule is open until March 31. We must act quickly to prevent this rule from taking effect as written. Submit a public comment today. Fill out our form and your comment will be sent directly to the DEA.

Tips for your public comment

1. We’ve pre-loaded a sample letter to get you started. You should edit as much as you want to tell your story and explain how this rule change would impact you personally.
2. Clearly identify the issues on which you are commenting. Make it clear that the rule change harms terminally ill patients.
3. Constructive critiques and criticisms are most likely to influence the final outcome. So keep your letter clean and free of personal attacks.
4. Want to learn more about the rule change before you start writing? Check out our press release here.