DEA and SAMHSA Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Substances

  • by AGD Washington Advocacy Representative
  • Jan 22, 2026
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have extended the temporary telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances through December 31, 2026. This rule temporarily permits all DEA-registered prescribers to remotely prescribe Schedules II-V controlled substances without an in-person medical evaluation. 

DEA and SAMHSA previously finalized new rules allowing for the prescription of Schedules III-V controlled substances approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) via telemedicine, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter, and for the prescription of Schedules II-V controlled substances to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients if another VA practitioner has already conducted an in-person medical evaluation. These final rules took effect on December 31, 2025. 

The rule can be found here.

Impact on General Dentistry: The extension of these flexibilities may improve access for patients in rural and underserved areas and reduce administrative burdens for dental practices.