On December 30, 2025, the Federal Register indicated that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are jointly issuing a fourth temporary extension rule (the “Fourth Temporary Extension Rule”), preserving existing COVID-era telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through December 31, 2026. 

Specifically, the Fourth Temporary Extension Rule will continue to allow for the prescribing of Schedule II-V controlled medications to patients via telemedicine, without an initial in-person evaluation through 2026. 

More information: https://www.asam.org/news/detail/2025/12/30/dea-and-hhs-extend-covid-era-telemedicine-prescribing-flexibilities-through-2026