This week, the DEA and HHS announced a further delay of the implementation of two proposed rules originally published in January: Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients.

These rules will now take effect on December 31, 2025. This is the same date that the COVID-19 telemedicine prescribing waivers are set to expire. Please see the blog post we prepared earlier this year explaining the two rules.

The future of the special registration proposed rule is uncertain. CTeL submitted comments last week urging the DEA to reexamine many of the policies being proposed. Since this was a proposed rule, the Administration has no obligation to follow-through on finalization or implementation. We will continue our dialogue with the DEA and other key actors and continue informing the CTeL community of new developments.