DEA Issues Fourth Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescribing Controlled Medications through 2026

The DEA, in coordination with HHS, issued another temporary extension of the COVID-19 era telemedicine flexibilities. The fourth temporary extension allows DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances remotely without a prior in-person evaluation through December 31, 2026, avoiding a potential disruption to telehealth-based care while permanent rules are finalized. Under the extension, clinicians may continue prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine (subject to applicable federal and state laws), as the DEA continues work on long-term regulations, including a proposed special registration framework. Additional details are available in the DEA’s official announcement here, HHS’s related press materials here, and HHS’s overview of controlled substance prescribing via telehealth here.