DEA Issues Final Rule On Telehealth Prescribing For Buprenorphine Used For Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a final rule on telehealth prescribing for buprenorphine for people in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The rule makes permanent telemedicine flexibilities to the Ryan Haight Act that were established during the COVID-19 public health emergency to facilitate initiation and continuation of buprenorphine treatment for OUD.

Under the final rule, consumers initiating treatment for OUD will be able to receive a six-month supply of buprenorphine after ;a telephone consultation with a clinical professional eligible to prescribe buprenorphine. For the initiation prescription, no initial in . . .