Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth
During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), authorized providers can prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, without the need for an in-person medical evaluation. The Administration’s plan is to end the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has made 2 changes related to prescribing controlled substances while the COVID-19 public health emergency remains in effect.
- A practitioner can prescribe a controlled substance to a patient using telemedicine, even if the patient isn’t at a hospital or clinic registered with the DEA
- Qualifying practitioners can prescribe buprenorphine to new and existing patients with opioid use disorder based on a telephone evaluation
For more on the specific requirements for practitioners, see:
- How to Prescribe Controlled Substance to Patient During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) – from the Drug Enforcement Administration
- COVID-19 Information Page — from the Drug Enforcement Administration
- Letter to physicians about buprenorphine (PDF) — from the Drug Enforcement Administration