DEA, HHS: Second Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications

Notice from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issuing a temporary rule to extend certain exceptions to existing DEA regulations implemented in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (COVID-19 PHE). The full set of telemedicine flexibilities regarding the prescription of controlled medications that were in place during the COVID-19 PHE will remain in place through December 31, 2024. In addition, if a patient and a practitioner have established a telemedicine relationship on or before November 11, 2023, theFirst Temporary Rule allowed the same telemedicine flexibilities that have governed the relationship to that point are permitted until November 11, 2024. This Second Temporary Rule extends current flexibilities for all practitioner-patient relationships —not just those established on or before November 11, 2023—until the end of 2024. This rule is effective November 11, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register updates via the Rural Assistance Center - Category: Rural Health Source Type: news