DEAFinal Rule
Fourth Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
HealthcareTechnology
Ad Space (leaderboard)
Summary
The DEA is extending rules that allow doctors to prescribe certain controlled medications (like pain relievers and ADHD drugs) through video visits instead of requiring in-person appointments. This temporary extension keeps telemedicine prescribing options available for patients who may have difficulty traveling to doctor's offices.
Key Points
- 1Doctors can continue prescribing controlled medications via telehealth visits without seeing patients in person
- 2This applies to a fourth temporary extension, meaning these flexible rules were set to expire and have been renewed multiple times
- 3Patients with chronic conditions or mobility challenges can access necessary medications more easily from home
- 4The extension is temporary, so Congress or the DEA may need to make permanent changes to these rules in the future
- 5This rule affects millions of patients who use telemedicine for mental health, pain management, and other conditions requiring controlled drugs
Key Dates
Published
December 31, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
The Digest Network
Ad Space (rectangle)