DEA Extends Covid-19 Telehealth Prescribing Flexibilities for Another Year.
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing a third extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications, through December 31, 2025. A DEA-registered practitioner can prescribe a schedule II-V controlled substance to a patient using telemedicine without the need for an in-person medical evaluation, as long as the prescription(s) are for a legitimate medical need, and within the course and scope of the prescriber’s medical practice.
As you may recall, the DEA extended the COVID flexibilities through 2024 while it worked on a revised set of rules, which were to be announced this Fall.The DEA has struggled with public comments criticizing previously proposed rules. With the end of 2024 quickly approaching the issue will now be in the hands of the new incoming administration.
It is important to note that these requirements only address federal law under the Controlled Substance Act. Licensed prescribers must also comply with state laws pertaining to controlled substances, including meeting the applicable standard of care, and are properly licensed in the state in which the patient is physically located. For more information on this topic please visit MIEC Knowledge Library. MIEC will continue to keep our members up to date on this important topic.