DEA extends telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through 2026

Becker's Healthcare December 30, 2025
Naomi Diaz

The Drug Enforcement Administration will extend COVID-19-era telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through Dec. 31, 2026, delaying a return to pre-pandemic requirements that generally mandate an in-person medical visit.

Here are five things to know:

1. In a temporary rule issued jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services, the DEA said DEA-registered practitioners may continue prescribing Schedule II through V controlled substances via telemedicine without first conducting an in-person medical evaluation.
2. The rule takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Without the extension, telemedicine prescribing flexibilities adopted during the COVID-19 public health emergency were set to expire at the end of 2025 under the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act.
3. Federal officials said the extension is intended...

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