Vets Can Now Get Addiction Meds via Telemedicine Easily

2025-24123, Fourth Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications

The DEA and HHS are extending special telemedicine rules that let doctors prescribe controlled medications without an in-person visit through December 31, 2026. This helps patients who need these meds get care safely from home. Doctors and patients can keep using telehealth for these prescriptions without extra costs or delays during this time.

2025-05007, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients

Starting December 31, 2025, veterans and others needing buprenorphine treatment can get care through telemedicine, making it easier and faster to access help. The government delayed these new rules to review feedback and make sure everything’s just right. This change means more people can get treatment from home without extra costs or trips to the doctor.

2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment

Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.

2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas

The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.

2026-17531, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 5,6-Dichloro Brorphine, 5,6-Dichloro Desmethylchlorphine, N-Propionitrile Chlorphine, and Spirochlorphine in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issues this temporary order to schedule 1-(1-(1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4- yl)-5,6-dichloro-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro brorphine or SR-14968); 5,6-dichloro-1-(1-(4- chlorobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine or SR-17018); 3-(3- (1-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H- benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)propanenitrile (commonly known as N-propionitrile chlorphine or cychlorphine); and 8-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-1-phenyl- 1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (commonly known as spirochlorphine or R-6890), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, to schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing 5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N- propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle these substances.

2026-17429, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this temporary order to schedule three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle these three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances.

Previous: 2025-02756, Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations

The FCC is cleaning up its list of FM radio channels by removing ones that were auctioned and are now officially taken. This update affects radio stations that already have licenses and makes sure the official records match reality. No new fees or deadlines—just a tidy update to keep things clear and simple.

Next: 2025-02810, Privacy Act; Implementation

The NIH is updating its Privacy Act rules for police records, but the start date is pushed from February 18 to March 21, 2025. This change affects anyone involved with NIH Police Records and delays when new privacy protections kick in. No extra costs are involved, just a little more time to get ready!