In the evolving landscape of telemedicine, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) potential crackdown on telemedicine prescribing has stirred concerns among healthcare professionals. Nathaniel Lacktman, a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP and a board member of the American Telemedicine Association, shared insights into these challenges in an article published by Endpoints News, a Financial Times publication.


Lacktman highlighted the ramifications of the DEA’s repeated delays in enacting telemedicine prescribing regulations, which have placed doctors and patients in a precarious position. The dilemma revolves around the conflict between federal prescribing laws and state laws on continuity of care. Should the DEA allow current waivers to expire without a viable alternative, patients may find themselves without necessary in-person medical support. This could expose doctors to claims of patient abandonment. “It’s putting doctors in a really difficult situation to determine if and when do I tell my patients that I can’t care for them?” Lacktman remarked.


Foley & Lardner LLP’s Telemedicine and Digital Health Industry Team is at the forefront of addressing these emerging issues. Recognized nationally by Chambers USA, the team supports organizations and entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of virtual care, helping them provide innovative solutions for patients both locally and globally. Clients have praised Foley as “the premier firm for telehealth counsel,” “a market leader in telemedicine issues,” and “the Dream Team.”


The ongoing regulatory delays by the DEA underscore the challenges posed by a mixed federal-state legal landscape affecting telemedicine. As the telemedicine industry continues to grow, the need for clear and consistent regulations becomes increasingly critical to ensure that both doctors and patients can navigate this new frontier safely and effectively.


More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The Remote Work Revolution: Redefining Real Estate

Imagine a morning where the commute is just a few steps from your bedroom to your home office. This is the reality for many in today's post-pandemic world, where remote work has become a staple of the modern workforce.

By |December 2, 2024|Categories: Article, Real Estate, Remote Work|Tags: , |0 Comments

CRISPR: The Future of Gene Editing and Its Clinical Implications

CRISPR technology has become the frontrunner in genome editing, surpassing earlier methods like zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases. The recent FDA approval of the CRISPR-Cas9 drug, exa-cel, marks a significant milestone particularly for treating sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.

By |December 1, 2024|Categories: Article, Biotechnology, Medicine|Tags: , |0 Comments

AI Revolution in Oncology: Transformative Potential or Overhyped?

In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the field of oncology. AI's integration into healthcare transcends buzzwords, transforming cancer diagnosis, treatment personalization, and drug discovery.

AI in Radiology: A Double-Edged Sword

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the landscape of radiology, promising to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support personalized medicine. However, as this technology becomes more integral to medical imaging, it brings with it a host of ethical and societal considerations that cannot be ignored.

Humanity at the Crossroads: Ethical Implications of AI in Medicine

AI's promise in healthcare is undeniable, with its ability to uncover hidden disease patterns and predict illnesses. However, the reliance on historical data can exacerbate existing biases, particularly affecting marginalized communities such as the LGBTQIA+ and certain ethnic and racial groups.

The Future of Telemedicine: Challenges and Opportunities Beyond the Pandemic

Telemedicine stands out as a transformative force, offering a lifeline to patients and providers alike. As we move beyond the pandemic, the challenge is to integrate this technology without escalating costs or overshadowing the indispensable role of in-person consultations.

By |November 30, 2024|Categories: Article, Healthcare, Technology|Tags: , |0 Comments