WASHINGTON, December 31, 2025 – Clinicians can continue prescribing common medications like Adderall and Xanax via telehealth through the end of 2026, thanks to a last-minute extension from the Drug Enforcement Governance (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). this move averts a potential disruption in care for millions of Americans who rely on these virtual prescriptions.
Telehealth Prescriptions Extended-again
Table of Contents
The DEA and HHS have extended flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances via telehealth for the fourth time, ensuring continued access to care while permanent rules are developed.
- The extension allows prescriptions for Schedule II-V drugs without an initial in-person evaluation.
- Over 7 million controlled substance prescriptions were issued via telehealth in 2024, representing about 16% of all such prescriptions.
- The DEA and HHS are still working on permanent regulations,with a previously proposed rule stalled due to industry concerns.
The flexibilities, initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain access to care, were set to expire. The extension, released on december 30, provides a temporary reprieve as the agencies work toward establishing long-term guidelines. “Telehealth prescribing flexibilities have become a lifeline for millions of Americans,” HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill said in a statement released Friday. “Extending them ensures continuity of care while we finish the work of putting permanent, commonsense policies in place.”
Balancing Access and Security
Regulators are navigating a delicate balance: protecting patient access to necessary medications while preventing diversion and illicit distribution. the DEA and HHS cited data showing a important drop in telehealth visits after Medicare flexibilities lapsed briefly during last year’s government shutdown, highlighting the importance of continued access.
What happens if telehealth access is restricted? More than 7 million controlled substance prescriptions, or roughly 16%, were filled via telehealth without a prior in-person visit in 2024, according to the agencies.Allowing the flexibilities to expire could have created significant barriers to care for these patients.
While the extension is welcomed, stakeholders emphasize the need for a permanent solution. Alexis apple, vice president of federal affairs at the American Telemedicine Association, noted the “critical federal action came down to the wire” and urged a swift resolution. Chris Adamec, executive director of the Alliance for Connected Care, echoed this sentiment, stating, “However, this should be the last time these Americans come within days of losing access to treatments they need.”
Ongoing regulatory Hurdles
The extension provides time for the DEA and HHS to finalize permanent regulations. A proposed rule, unveiled near the end of the biden administration, aimed to create a special registration process for telehealth providers prescribing controlled substances. Though, the proposal faced criticism from telehealth and provider groups, who argued it would be overly burdensome and potentially limit patient access.
Despite the stalled proposal, regulators have made some progress. New rules governing telehealth prescriptions of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, and virtual controlled substance prescriptions at the Department of Veterans Affairs whent into effect at the end of the year. Stakeholders continue to urge the current administration to prioritize a comprehensive plan for telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances.
