HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the Public Health Emergency (PHE) expires, it’s evident how far we have come in providing care and treatment, yet there is still substantial work to be done. Qbtech, Inc., a leading advocate on a mission to improve mental health outcomes, shares its full support for the extension of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) temporary rule through November 11, 2023. This extension will allow for a thorough review of the 38,000 comments received from the public regarding the flexibilities in receiving care and treatment for conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through telehealth.
“We firmly believe that clinical practice and policy decisions must be grounded in data to ensure the best possible results for patients,” says McCall Letterle, Head of Commercial Operations, North America, Qbtech. “The adoption of measurement-based care in behavioral health, already the standard in England, is gaining traction in the U.S., including through telehealth models. Qbtech is prepared to collaborate with our partners who provide assessments, therapy, and medication treatment for individuals with behavioral health conditions like ADHD.”
The declaration of a child mental health crisis on October 19, 2021, and the passing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act on June 25, 2022, both acknowledge the need for more concerted efforts and available resources in addressing this pressing issue. However, the lack of comprehensive guidance remains a challenge.
“We maintain a hopeful outlook as the extension of the temporary rule potentially signifies a meaningful step toward addressing these concerns,” adds Letterle.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a fact sheet and post-PHE resources, including a CHIP/Medicaid/Medicare toolkit, which provides some direction for managing telehealth practices. However, the responsibility of designing and defining the implementation largely falls on individual states. With the removal of geographic limitations in virtual visits, it is crucial to establish more cohesive guidance. We find encouragement in HHS and the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) support for the Federation of State Medical Boards in advancing licensure portability across multiple disciplines.
“We seek a similar level of recognition when it comes to prioritizing ADHD as an addressable condition that affects 10% of the population. Unfortunately, the current ruling perpetuates stigmatization rather than promoting effective care,” shares Letterle.
Qbtech collaborates with behavioral health providers, primary care practitioners, and network clients to bring clarity, standardization, and measurement-based care to the forefront of assessment and treatment monitoring for ADHD—the most prevalent behavioral health condition in our country.
“Objective and validated data demonstrate the positive outcomes achieved through Qbtech's solutions. Our documentation robustly showcases the appropriate and safe engagement between clinicians and their patients,” says Tony Doyle, Commercial Director, Qbtech.
Qbtech remains dedicated to advocating for improved ADHD care, breaking down stigmas, and ensuring that evidence-based practices guide policy decisions. We urge stakeholders at all levels to join us in our mission to provide better outcomes and support for individuals facing behavioral health challenges. To show your support, you can add your signature to the ADHD Expert Consortium’s Consensus Statement, which calls for the standardization of care.
About Qbtech
Founded in 2002, Qbtech is a privately-owned Swedish company that has developed leading solutions and products for improving the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients living with ADHD. Qbtech has operations in 13 countries and has offices in Stockholm, Houston, and London. Qbtech is an award-winning company recognized for its innovation, most recently winning the 2022 HSJ Partnership Award for the ‘Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS’.
