Home / Health / DEA Extends Telehealth Prescribing Through 2026
DEA Extends Telehealth Prescribing Through 2026
3 Jan
Summary
- DEA granted a one-year extension for remote prescribing of controlled medications.
- Telehealth flexibility now lasts until December 31, 2026.
- This extension prevents a disruption for millions of patients and providers.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has extended the flexibility for telehealth prescribing of controlled medications for one year, through December 31, 2026. This crucial allowance permits qualified healthcare professionals to continue prescribing certain controlled substances remotely, including through audio-only encounters, providing much-needed certainty for patients and providers.
This marks the fourth extension of the telehealth prescribing flexibility, which was initially enacted in March 2020. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) expressed significant relief, stating that the extension, granted just before the previous deadline, averted a predictable public health crisis and avoided unnecessary disruption to care for millions.
Health officials emphasize that this extension serves as a bridge, allowing additional time for the agency and the DEA to finalize permanent regulations. The focus is now shifting towards establishing a lasting framework to ensure uninterrupted patient access to care, moving beyond temporary measures.
