United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued a Fourth Temporary Extension of the COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for the Prescription of Controlled Medications, extending the current telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2026. 

Under these telemedicine flexibilities, DEA-registered practitioners are permitted to remotely prescribe Schedule II-V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters, including Schedule III-V narcotic controlled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance and withdrawal management treatment of opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine encounters, without having ever conducted an in-person medical evaluation, provided that such prescriptions otherwise comply with the requirements outlined in DEA guidance documents, DEA regulations, and applicable federal and state law. 

“DEA supports telehealth access for patients who need medication, but not at the expense of public safety,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz, Diversion Control Division. “These rules aim to protect patients, expand access to care, and close the door on diversion into the illicit drug market.” 

DEA recognizes that the expiration of the current telemedicine flexibilities without further regulation could disrupt patient care. This extension provides critical benefits, including:

• Ensuring continuity of care for patients who rely on telemedicine, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, the elderly, and patients with mobility limitations
• Preventing a backlog of patients needing in-person appointments
• Allowing time to finalize and implement regulations that balance access to care with the necessary safeguards against drug diversion

On January 17, 2025, DEA and HHS published two final rules titled Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients (collectively referred to as the “Two Final Rules”). These rules take effect December 31, 2025. 

The Fourth Temporary Extension, along with the Two Final Rules, provides three distinct sets of authorities for telemedicine prescribing, each with unique requirements. Practitioners covered by one or both of the Two Final Rules may continue to utilize the telemedicine flexibilities under the fourth temporary rule, which imposes fewer requirements than the Two Final Rules. 

For more information: Federal Register :: Fourth Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications.

###

This press release has been updated to clarify remote prescribing requirements.  12/31/2025