In a second temporary rule, DEA and HHS are further extending telehealth exceptions to existing DEA regulations for new practitioner-patient relationships, through December 31, 2024.  Under the First Temporary Rule, if a patient and a practitioner have a telemedicine relationship on or before November 11, 2023, the same telemedicine flexibilities governing the relationship to that point would continue to apply through November 11, 2024. This second extension authorizes all DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe schedule II–V controlled medications via telemedicine through December 31, 2024 without an in-person visit requirement, whether or not the patient and practitioner established a telemedicine relationship on or before November 11, 2023. In other words, the first temporary grace period is subsumed by this second Rule, which continues the current flexibilities for all practitioner-patient relationships until the end of 2024.

The agencies will continue to consider revisions to the proposed rules dated March 1, 2023, as well as the views expressed during Telemedicine Listening Sessions on September 12 and 13, with a new regulatory proposal expected within a year.  Click here for details.