The DEA just made a high‑impact decision that keeps care flowing. Today I can confirm the agency renewed the pandemic‑era telemedicine flexibilities for certain controlled medications. This is the fourth extension. It means patients can still start and continue key treatments without an in‑person visit. For many, this is the difference between care and crisis.
What changed today
Clinicians may keep prescribing select controlled substances by telemedicine without a first in‑person exam. That includes buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. Audio‑only visits are still allowed for buprenorphine. It also includes opioids for hospice and palliative patients who need symptom relief at home.
The rules do not expand. They hold the line. The DEA kept the current system in place while it finishes a final telemedicine rule. No one needs to change their workflow today. E‑prescribing, identity checks, and safe prescribing practices remain expected.
Why this matters for patients right now
Two groups feel this most. People with opioid use disorder. People receiving end‑of‑life care. Both need steady access, low barriers, and trusted clinicians.
For opioid use disorder, buprenorphine saves lives. It eases withdrawal, lowers cravings, and cuts overdose risk. Telehealth lets people start treatment quickly. It also supports privacy and reduces travel. This is vital for rural communities and those without easy transport. Audio‑only visits help people who lack video or broadband. It removes one more hurdle on a hard day.
For hospice and palliative patients, pain does not wait. Neither does shortness of breath or severe anxiety. Telehealth prescribing keeps comfort care at the bedside. Families avoid last‑minute trips. Clinicians adjust doses fast. The goal is relief with dignity and safety.
If you take buprenorphine or receive hospice opioids, you can keep using telehealth under today’s rules. Schedule refills early, and keep naloxone at home if your clinician recommends it.
Why the DEA keeps extending
The agency is finalizing a permanent plan. It must balance access with safety. That takes time and careful writing. It is also listening to clinicians, patients, pharmacies, and states. A rushed rule could cut off care or weaken safeguards. An extension prevents sudden disruption. It gives health systems and families stability while the final details are set.
I expect the final rule to keep strong access for addiction care and hospice. I also expect added guardrails to prevent misuse. The goal is simple. Keep people well, and keep medicine safe.
What to do now
Patients and clinicians should act like the current rules will hold for a while, and prepare for change later.
- Confirm your pharmacy will fill telehealth controlled prescriptions.
- Know your state’s rules, they still apply.
- Use secure storage, and never share medications.
- Keep naloxone on hand where there is opioid risk.
For patients, plan for clean, private telehealth visits. Charge your device. If video is hard, ask about audio for buprenorphine. Keep a list of symptoms, side effects, and goals. Ask about a backup plan if rules change. Your care team can help you carry momentum through any update.
For clinicians, verify the patient’s identity and location each visit. Check your state prescription monitoring program before prescribing. Document your medical reasoning. Coordinate with local pharmacies when possible. Co‑prescribe naloxone when appropriate. Keep education clear and kind. These steps protect patients and protect access.
State laws can be stricter than federal flexibilities. Some pharmacies may decline certain telehealth prescriptions. Discuss a fallback plan with your prescriber in advance.
What to watch in the final rule
The DEA has signaled a few likely features. Think practical limits paired with clear exceptions. Watch for these possible elements when the final rule lands:
- A time‑limited initial supply for some drugs before an in‑person visit.
- A higher bar for video visits, with audio‑only preserved for buprenorphine.
- Explicit carve‑outs for hospice and palliative care.
- Stronger identity checks, record keeping, and pharmacy coordination.
None of that is active today. For now, the current flexibilities remain. The message is steady. Do not delay care. Stick with your plan. Ask questions early.
The bottom line
Access saved by telehealth is still access. Today’s DEA extension protects treatment for addiction and comfort at the end of life. It keeps doors open for rural families, homebound patients, and anyone who cannot get to a clinic. Use this time to strengthen your care plan. Keep connections with your providers strong. When the final rule arrives, you will be ready. Your health and peace of mind come first.
