Telehealth Flexibilities for Prescribing Controlled Substances are Extended for 6 Months

Federal agencies published a regulation on May 10, 2023, extending providers’ ability to prescribe controlled substances via a telehealth appointment, without being required to first see the patient in-person.  This flexibility, which had been granted due to COVID-19, was scheduled to expire on May 11th, the end of the Federal (PHE). This applies to all controlled substances, not just buprenorphine. The new rule waives the in-person requirement for another six months until Nov. 11, 2023, and allows providers and patients who have established telehealth relationships before November 2023 an additional year to take advantage of the COVID-19 era prescribing flexibilities.

Published on 05/17/2023