DEA Submits 3rd Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Controlled Medications Scripts

Earlier this month, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval its proposed final rule for extending virtual prescribing practices. The proposed rule is not yet publicly available, and remains subject to OMB clearance, but this action indicates it is expected soon. Without this extension, telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances absent a prior in-person consultation with the patient’s provider would be prohibited come January 1, 2025. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine consultations became critical to ensuring vitally needed medications were accessible by some of the most critically ill and vulnerable populations.