The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has extended its pandemic-era controlled drug rules, which were set to end May 11 with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to a May 10 report from Medscape.
The rule allows physicians to prescribe controlled substances without requiring an in-person visit. The rule will now remain in effect until Nov. 11.
Physicians with established clinician-patient relationships will be allowed to continue writing telehealth prescriptions through November 2024.
In February, the DEA proposed a rule that would allow clinicians to remotely supply 30 days of medication with an in-person visit required for refills.
More than 38,000 patients and clinicians submitted public comments on the agency's website opposing the rule.
Patients and clinicians have praised eased telehealth rules making it easier to access treatment for substance abuse, pain and ADHD.
According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, telehealth for opioid use disorder was far more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients using the appointments were 33 percent less likely to die of a drug overdose.