Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has issued a fourth temporary extension of pandemic-era telemedicine rules, a victory for virtual care. This allows healthcare providers to prescribe controlled substances — including Schedule II-V medications like those used for ADHD, anxiety, pain management, and opioid use disorder treatment — via telemedicine without requiring an initial in-person medical evaluation.
The extension, effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, averts a potential “telemedicine cliff” that could have disrupted care for millions of patients as previous flexibilities were set to expire at the end of 2025.
This policy continues to serve as a critical lifeline for vulnerable groups, such as:
- Seniors
- Residents in rural and underserved areas
- People with disabilities
- Individuals managing mental health conditions
- Those in treatment for substance use disorders
“Telehealth prescribing flexibilities have become a lifeline for millions of Americans,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill. “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.”
Telehealth provides flexibility
Originally introduced during the COVID-19 public health emergency in 2020, these flexibilities have been renewed multiple times to avoid abrupt restrictions on virtual prescribing. Federal data underscores their importance: In 2024 alone, more than 7 million prescriptions for controlled medications were issued through telemedicine without a prior in-person visit.
Previous lapses in similar telehealth policies have shown real consequences, including a 24% drop in fee-for-service telemedicine visits after certain Medicare flexibilities expired in September 2025.
The future of telehealth
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The one-year extension provides HHS and DEA additional time to finalize permanent regulations. This includes advancing the proposed Special Registration for Telemedicine, which aims to create clear, long-term standards for remote prescribing of controlled substances while prioritizing patient safety and preventing misuse or diversion.
The temporary rule does not alter core safeguards. All prescriptions must be issued for legitimate medical purposes by licensed practitioners who comply with federal and state laws.
This fourth extension reflects a victory for virtual care and demonstrates the Administration’s ongoing commitment to patient-centered care, regulatory clarity, and public health — ensuring millions of Americans avoid unnecessary interruptions in essential treatment while balanced, permanent policies are developed. For full details, refer to the official announcement on the HHS website and the corresponding Federal Register notice.
