On Dec. 31, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced it was partnering with HHS to extend flexibilities for telehealth providers to prescribe controlled substances without an initial in-person visit; the flexibilities were originally granted due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Pharmacies may continue to accept these prescriptions through the end of 2026.
Relatedly, the "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" final rule went into effect on Dec. 31, and allows for "… schedule III-V controlled substances approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid use disorder via a telemedicine encounter, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter." The goal of this rule is to improve access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. View the Pharmacy Access to Resources and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Guidelines co-developed by NCPA and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and a toolkit for clinicians created by the American Society of Addiction Medicine based on the guidelines.
