Buprenorphine telemedicine prescription access delayed
Enacted5/10
Federal · DEA/HHS delay of telemedicine buprenorphine rule · Mar 24, 2025
Impact 5/10
DEA and HHS twice delayed a finalized rule creating a permanent telemedicine pathway for prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder without an in-person visit, postponing its effective date from February 18, 2025 to December 31, 2025. The rule ultimately took effect December 31, 2025, and DEA separately extended COVID-era telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through December 31, 2026.
HealthcareLow-incomeRural residentsImmigrants
Sources
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-16