DEA & HHS Extend Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities For Controlled Substances Through 2025

On November 19, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended temporary rules that allow for virtual medication-assisted addiction treatment and prescriptions of controlled substances. The extension will run from January 1 through December 31, 2025. People with opioid use disorder currently receiving or entering addiction treatment will be able to receive prescriptions for buprenorphine without the need for an in-person visit.

Without the temporary rule extension, federal regulations would revert to those established by the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 (Ryan Haight Act) which permits . . .