DEA Officially Removes X-Waiver Requirement & Extends Window To Administer Long-Acting MOUD

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is implementing a final rule that ends the need for medical professionals to obtain an X-waiver to prescribe and dispense controlled substances as medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine. The final rule, issued on June 9, 2026, went into effect on July 9, 2026.

The final rule extends the window for health care professionals to administer long-acting injectable or implantable formulations of MOUD from 14 days to 45 days. Under both limits, if the medication is not administered within the time limit, it cannot be kept as stock and . . .