DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities for Ketamine Prescribing: What Clinics Need to Know in 2026 - JD Supra
DEA extends telemedicine flexibilities for ketamine prescribing, allowing continued remote prescribing without in-person exam requirement through 2026.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Telehealth Cross-State Licensing space on July 6, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers prescribing ketamine via telemedicine should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Immediately, as extension is effective now; prepare for potential future rulemaking before 2026 expiration.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Telehealth Cross-State Licensing continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
DEA extends the temporary waiver of the Ryan Haight Act in-person exam requirement for ketamine prescribing via telemedicine, originally set to expire, now extended through 2026.
Who it affects
Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers prescribing ketamine via telemedicine
What you must do
Review and update compliance protocols to align with extended flexibilities; ensure documentation of telemedicine encounters meets DEA requirements for controlled substance prescribing.
Deadline
Immediately, as extension is effective now; prepare for potential future rulemaking before 2026 expiration.
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- PSYPACT: 26 states have now passed laws allowing interstate practice - apaservices.org