Earlier in January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced a fourth temporary extension of telemedicine flexibilities that permit patients to receive prescriptions for controlled medications without a prior in-person visit. This extension is granted over the period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and aims to prevent disruptions to patient care while permanent rules are finalized.

“Telehealth prescribing flexibilities have become a lifeline for millions of Americans,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill at a press conference. “Extending them ensures continuity of care while we finish the work of putting permanent, commonsense policies in place. This action protects patients, preserves access, and maintains strong controls against diversion.”

Originally introduced during the COVID pandemic, telemedicine flexibilities in the U.S. have been maintained through multiple temporary extensions. According to HHS, without this action, patients and providers would face an abrupt return to pre-pandemic rules, potentially disrupting access to essential medications. The results of research studies show that as a result of these flexibilities, more patients started taking buprenorphine, which is one of the three FDA-approved medicines to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), and that telehealth services may have reduced the risk of a patient discontinuing buprenorphine.

In January 2025, the DEA and HHS issued a final rule allowing buprenorphine to be prescribed via audio-video or audio-only telehealth visits without a prior in-person appointment, concluding that expanded access outweighs the risk of diversion. The rule permits providers to prescribe buprenorphine remotely for up to six months, extends the previous 30-day limit, and removes recordkeeping requirements for audio-only visits based on evidence of safety and effectiveness. After six months, continued remote prescribing is allowed through a DEA special registration or other federal rules, with temporary telemedicine flexibilities remaining in place through the end of 2026 while permanent regulations are finalized.

“The extension gives DEA and HHS additional time to finalize permanent regulations, including the proposed Special Registration for Telemedicine, which would establish clear standards for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine while preserving patient safety and preventing misuse,” states the press release published by HHS. “Importantly, the extension does not change existing requirements that prescriptions be issued for legitimate medical purposes, by licensed practitioners, and in compliance with federal and state law.”