HHS & DEA Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities For Prescribing Controlled Medications Through 2026

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced a fourth temporary extension of telemedicine flexibilities, enabling the receipt of prescriptions for controlled medications without a prior in-person visit. The extension runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, preventing disruptions in care while permanent rules are finalized.

What does this mean to health and human service provider organizations that offer treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and the people they serve? "With the rise of poly-chemical SUD and the growing evidence of the efficacy of medication-assisted treatments (MAT), this . . .