On February 24, 2023, the DEA released its proposed rules for prescribing controlled medications via telemedicine after the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends. The rule would reimpose some restrictions and would prohibit prescribing of Schedule II controlled drugs or narcotics via telehealth.
The rule would allow telehealth prescribing of a thirty-day supply of schedule II and IV non-narcotic controlled substances, however, prior to receiving additional prescriptions, the patient must be seen in-person within 30 days, or the prescribing practitioner must receive a qualifying telemedicine referral from a DEA registered practitioner who conducted an in-person evaluation. Additionally, if the doctor-patient relationship was established during the PHE and the patient had been prescribed controlled substances, the PHE waivers are extended for 180 days. These restrictions would not require an in-person visit for continue a prescription for buprenorphine. The public will have 30 days to comment on the proposed rulemaking. Read the proposals here and here.
Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by Aimed Alliance
