WASHINGTON — A Kentucky group focused on removing barriers to addiction recovery is calling on Congress to expand telehealth treatment.

During the pandemic, federal agencies temporarily allowed patients to get medications for opioid use disorder through telehealth without an in-person exam.  

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., who reintroduced the legislation, says the TREATS Act would make those changes permanent and "ensure that lifesaving recovery support continues to be widely available from the comfort of home.”

Tara Hyde is CEO of the Kentucky organization People Advocating Recovery, which helps to remove barriers to recovery. She’s pushing lawmakers to move on the act.

“Especially in rural communities, where we have such a lack of resources, lots of provider deserts, this really gives so many more options for folks who either don't have access to providers directly in their community and they can access services that are regionally located and just gives them so many more options,” she said.

Patients also might have child care and transportation challenges and need the flexibility of telehealth, she said.

A state report shows 2,135 people died from an overdose in Kentucky in 2022.

“If we don't try it, lives are hanging in the balance," said Hyde. "We are trying it right now. That's the beautiful thing, is that we're already doing it. We're just asking to make it a permanent source of a resource for folks.”

The TREATS Act has bipartisan support.

Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are not listed as cosponsors.

It was referred to a Senate committee and it’s not clear if it will move forward.