WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, working with the Department of Health and Human Services, has extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through Dec. 31, 2026, federal officials announced.
The DEA issued a Fourth Temporary Extension of the COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for the Prescription of Controlled Medications, allowing practitioners to continue using remote care options while permanent regulations are finalized.
Under the extension, DEA-registered practitioners may prescribe Schedule II through V controlled medications through audio-video telemedicine encounters. The policy also permits the prescribing of Schedule III through V narcotic controlled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for maintenance and withdrawal management treatment of opioid use disorder through audio-only telemedicine encounters, without requiring an in-person medical evaluation. Prescriptions must comply with DEA guidance, agency regulations and applicable federal and state laws.
“DEA supports telehealth access for patients who need medication, but not at the expense of public safety,” said Cheri Oz, assistant administrator of the DEA’s Diversion Control Division. “These rules aim to protect patients, expand access to care, and close the door on diversion into the illicit drug market.”
Federal officials said allowing the current flexibilities to expire without replacement rules could disrupt patient care. The extension is intended to ensure continuity of care for patients who rely on telemedicine services, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, older adults and people with mobility limitations. It also is expected to help prevent a backlog of patients seeking in-person appointments and provide time to implement long-term regulations that balance access to care with safeguards against drug diversion.
On Jan. 17, 2025, the DEA and HHS published two final rules — Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients — collectively known as the Two Final Rules. Those regulations are scheduled to take effect Dec. 31, 2025.
The temporary extension allows practitioners to continue operating under the existing telemedicine flexibilities while the new rules are phased in, officials said.
