DEA, HHS extend telemedicine waivers through 2026 - American Hospital Association
DEA and HHS have extended telemedicine waivers through 2026, allowing continued remote prescribing of controlled substances without an in-person visit.
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 Low urgency. Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: None; extension is effective immediately through 2026.. 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
The temporary waivers for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances (under the Ryan Haight Act) are extended until 2026, maintaining current flexibilities.
Who it affects
Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers
What you must do
No immediate action required; continue operating under existing waivers. Monitor for final rulemaking.
Deadline
None; extension is effective immediately through 2026.
Never miss a change like this again
Aforeworn watches Telehealth Cross-State Licensing around the clock and alerts you the moment a rule moves — with a plain-English brief on what to do.
Start your free trialRelated changes in Telehealth Cross-State Licensing
- DEA Proposes a Special Registry for Telehealth Providers of Controlled Substances - MedPage Today
- DEA Releases Long-Awaited Telehealth Special Registration Proposal, but Adoption Is Uncertain - McDermott+
- DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities for Ketamine Prescribing: What Clinics Need to Know in 2026 - JD Supra
- Georgia medical board will limit virtual prescriptions - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- DEA Proposed Telemedicine Prescribing Rule Could Burden Hospice Physicians and Hospice Operations - Morgan Lewis