USA. DEA and HHS Extend COVID-Era Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Through 2026
USA. DEA and HHS Extend COVID-Era Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Through 2026
Today, December 30, 2025, the Federal Register indicates that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are jointly issuing a fourth temporary extension rule (the “Fourth Temporary Extension Rule”), preserving existing COVID-era telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through December 31, 2026. Specifically, the Fourth Temporary Extension Rule will continue to allow for the prescribing of Schedule II-V controlled medications to patients via telemedicine, without an initial in-person evaluation through 2026. The Fourth Temporary Extension Rule is scheduled to be published on December 31, 2025. (ASAM – American Society of Addiction Medicine, USA, 31.12.2025)