DEA Extends COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities For Opioid Addiction Treatment Through December 31, 2024

On October 10, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) extended its temporary rule preserving telemedicine flexibilities enacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency related to prescribing controlled medications, such as buprenorphine, for opioid addiction treatment. This extension adds another month, through December 31, 2024, during which authorized prescribers are permitted to offer telemedicine treatment and to prescribe schedule II to V narcotic medications for maintenance and withdrawal management treatment of opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine encounters. The extension will apply whether or not the consumer and clinical professional established a telemedicine relationship on or before November 11 . . .