Hospice News January 2, 2026
Hospice physicians may continue to prescribe opioid medications via telehealth through Dec. 31.
The COVID-era telehealth waiver allowing this practice was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. However, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), issued an extension shortly before the flexibilities were to expire.
“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, in a statement. “These rules aim to protect patients, expand access to care, and close the door on diversion into the illicit drug market.”
The flexibilities, published in the Federal Register, permit health care providers to remotely...
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