DEA Extends Telemedicine Rule Implementation to End of 2025

2025-03-27 digitalcare

United States, Thursday, 27 March 2025.
The DEA has delayed two telemedicine rules’ effective dates, allowing the current remote prescribing waivers to continue until December 31, 2025, giving stakeholders extra adaptation time.

Regulatory Timeline and Public Response

The postponement follows a complex regulatory journey that began with the rules’ initial publication on January 17, 2025, originally scheduled to take effect on February 18, 2025 [1]. During the public feedback period in February 2025, the DEA received 32 comments, with 13 stakeholders advocating for quick implementation and 3 requesting further delays [2]. This diverse feedback prompted the agency to extend the review period for addressing questions of fact, law, and policy [2][3].

Impact on Healthcare Providers and Veterans

The delay affects two critical areas of healthcare delivery. The first rule enables DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment using audio-video or audio-only technology for up to six months, subject to specific conditions [1]. The second rule specifically addresses Veterans Affairs patients, allowing VA practitioners to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine without requiring an initial in-person evaluation, provided another VA practitioner has previously conducted an in-person assessment [1].

Legislative Developments and Future Implications

In a parallel development, March 2025 saw the reintroduction of the Telehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act [2]. This legislation aims to make buprenorphine-related telemedicine prescribing flexibilities permanent, offering a potentially more favorable framework for stakeholders compared to the current rules [2]. Additionally, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, signed on March 15, 2025, extends broader Medicare telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025 [3].

Compliance and Adaptation Strategies

Healthcare providers must maintain vigilant compliance with existing regulations while preparing for the eventual implementation of new rules. Current guidelines recommend prescribing immediate-release opioids for acute pain for three days or less, with careful justification required for extended prescriptions [6]. The delay provides an opportunity for healthcare organizations to strengthen their documentation processes and explore non-opioid treatment alternatives, as promoted under the NOPAIN Act, which took effect January 1, 2025 [6].

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telemedicine rules DEA delay