DEA Extends Telehealth Flexibilities through December 31, 2025
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced on November 15 that it is extending its current temporary rule, allowing prescribing of controlled medications to patients who are seen virtually. This new extension will now expire at the end of calendar year 2025. This one-year extension of telehealth prescribing allows current patient relationships to continue without needing any modification while the DEA continues to work on a permanent solution that balances access to needed medications with needed restrictions to minimize drug diversion. This is welcome news to palliative care clinicians and patients living with serious illness, and CAPC will continue to participate in education efforts to ensure the unique needs of this population are met.