Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth
Authorized providers are able to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth if they meet certain criteria.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has extended the full set of telemedicine flexibilities regarding the prescribing of controlled medications as were in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), through December 31, 2024.
Telemedicine flexibilities regarding prescription of controlled medications as were in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency include:
- A practitioner can prescribe a controlled substance to a patient using telemedicine, even if the patient isn’t at a hospital or clinic registered with the DEA
- Qualifying practitioners can prescribe buprenorphine to new and existing patients with opioid use disorder based on a telephone evaluation
For more information, see:
- Second Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications– from the Federal Register