Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
DEA and HHS have issued a third temporary extension of COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances, allowing continued remote prescribing without an in-person visit until December 31, 2025.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Telehealth Cross-State Licensing space on July 5, 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 should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: December 31, 2025. 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 waiver of the in-person examination requirement for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine is extended to December 31, 2025.
Who it affects
Telehealth platforms, virtual specialty clinics, behavioral-health providers, e-prescribers
What you must do
Update compliance policies and procedures to reflect the extended deadline; continue documenting telemedicine encounters as required under the flexibilities.
Deadline
December 31, 2025
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