The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a third extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications through December 31, 2025.
Under this new regulation, providers can continue prescribing Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine without having conducted an in-person evaluation of the patient, if certain conditions are met.
The second extension was set to expire at the end of this year.
Why the Extension Matters
The DEA emphasized the critical role telemedicine has played in ensuring access to care, especially for patients dependent on controlled substances. Allowing the flexibilities to expire at the end of 2024, the agency stated, would risk disrupting care for patients who rely on telemedicine for vital medications. Such a reduction in access would not align with the public interest, the DEA noted.
Balancing Accessibility and Oversight
To prevent misuse of these flexibilities, such as improper prescribing by new telemedicine startups, the DEA limited the extension to one year. This time frame gives the agency a window to finalize permanent regulations for telemedicine prescribing.
The DEA plans to craft these regulations based on feedback from public comments, Telemedicine Listening Sessions, Tribal Consultations, and Executive Order 12866 meetings. The goal is to publish the finalized rules in advance of the December 31, 2025 deadline, ensuring providers have sufficient time to comply with any new requirements.
This extension reflects the DEA’s acknowledgment of telemedicine’s value while signaling its commitment to establishing long-term safeguards for controlled substance prescribing.
To learn more about this extension, visit the Federal Registrar.
For a recap of interim rules previously extended, visit https://www.ehealthvirginia.org/dea-grants-second-temporary-extension-of-telemedicine-flexibilities-for-prescribing-controlled-substances/.