WASHINGTON >> Joe Biden’s administration moved Friday to require patients see a doctor in person before getting attention deficit disorder medicine or addictive painkillers, toughening access to the drugs against the backdrop of an opioid crisis. The proposal could overhaul the way millions get some prescriptions after three years of relying on telehealth for doctor’s appointments by computer or phone during the pandemic.

The Drug Enforcement Administration said late Friday it plans to reinstate once long-standing federal requirements for powerful drugs that were waived once COVID-19 hit.

Patients will need to see a doctor in person at least once to get an initial prescription for drugs that the federal government says have the the most potential to be abused — Vicodin, OxyContin, Adderall and Ritalin, for example. Refills could be prescribed over telehealth appointments.

— The Associated Press