The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said it is extending pandemic-era telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through December 31, 2026, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services. The fourth temporary extension allows DEA-registered clinicians to prescribe Schedule II–V medications via audio-video telemedicine, and permits certain FDA-approved Schedule III–V narcotic medications for opioid use disorder to be prescribed through audio-only visits. The agency said prescriptions must still meet DEA guidance, DEA regulations, and applicable federal and state law.
DEA said ending the flexibilities without replacement rules could interrupt treatment for patients who depend on virtual care, including people in rural or underserved communities, older adults, and those with mobility limits. The extension is intended to reduce pressure on in-person appointment capacity while regulators complete longer-term requirements designed to limit diversion of controlled substances into illegal markets. DEA and HHS noted that two final rules published January 17, 2025—one addressing buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine and another covering continuity of care for Department of Veterans Affairs patients—take effect December 31, 2025. Together, the final rules and the temporary extension create multiple compliance pathways, and eligible practitioners may keep using the temporary framework, which has fewer requirements for some prescribing scenarios.
Why it matters
The move extends a key regulatory bridge for controlled-substance telehealth while permanent rules are implemented, influencing patient access, provider compliance burden, and diversion controls.
Source Attribution
Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration | Adapted & summarized
Published on: 31 December 2025
Category: Healthcare
Region: USA
