Telehealth and Controlled Medications: Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rules Remain in Effect Through December 31, 2026
Can controlled medications still be prescribed through telehealth? Yes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) extended the flexibilities through December 31, 2026: they can be prescribed through video visits without a prior in-person evaluation, as long as all other federal and state requirements are met.
On December 31, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), together with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued a fourth extension of the flexibilities that allow controlled medications to be prescribed via telemedicine. The extension runs through December 31, 2026.
Under these flexibilities, practitioners registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may remotely prescribe Schedule II–V controlled medications through video visits, without a prior in-person evaluation, as long as all other federal and state requirements are met. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said the extension helps ensure continuity of care, especially for people in rural areas, older adults, and patients with limited mobility.
What's next? The permanent rule, known as the “special registration for telemedicine,” is in final federal review, with the regulatory agenda pointing to November 2026. Its final text is not yet public.
What does this mean for you? For now, nothing changes. If your treatment includes controlled medications, we'll keep you informed of any update that affects your care, with time and in your language.
Trusted sources
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities (Dec 31, 2025)”The federal agency that regulates controlled medications in the U.S.
- Federal Register, “Special Registrations for Telemedicine (Jan 17, 2025)”The official journal of the U.S. government, where federal rules are published.
- Telehealth.org, “DEA Telemedicine Special Registration Rule Enters Final Review”A specialized news and policy source on telehealth for health professionals.
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At Oasis Mental Care, Isabel Zapata, PMHNP-BC, provides compassionate, evidence-based bilingual consultations and medication management across DE, FL, OR, SC, and WA.
Telehealth and Controlled Medications: Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rules Remain in Effect Through December 31, 2026
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