Vets Get Tele-Buprenorphine Boost—DEA Delays for Feedback
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Rule
Summary
The government is giving veterans easier access to buprenorphine treatment through telemedicine, letting them get care remotely. This change affects veterans using VA health services and aims to make treatment smoother and more convenient. The new rules were supposed to start February 18, 2025, but now they’ll kick in on March 21, 2025, while the government gathers public feedback.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Buprenorphine via Telemedicine (Audio-Only)
One of the final rules expands when DEA-registered practitioners are authorized to prescribe FDA-approved Schedule III-V controlled substances for treatment of opioid use disorder via a telemedicine encounter, including audio-only telemedicine encounters. That expansion is set to take effect March 21, 2025 (delayed from February 18, 2025); meanwhile, the Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities permits such prescribing through December 31, 2025.
VA Telemedicine Continuity of Care Rule
The other final rule allows Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) practitioners acting within their VA employment to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine to a VA patient without having conducted an in-person medical evaluation, if another VA practitioner has at any time previously conducted an in-person medical evaluation of that patient, subject to conditions. This rule's effective date is delayed to March 21, 2025, but existing temporary telemedicine flexibilities remain in effect through December 31, 2025.
Effective Date Delayed to March 21, 2025
Two final rules about telemedicine prescribing were scheduled to take effect on February 18, 2025 but their effective dates are delayed to March 21, 2025. The delay was announced as of February 14, 2025, and the agencies are soliciting public comments (comments must be submitted or postmarked on or before February 28, 2025).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-05007, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients
Starting December 31, 2025, veterans can get buprenorphine treatment and follow-up care through telemedicine, making it easier to access help for opioid use disorder without leaving home. This change affects veterans using VA health services and aims to improve treatment access while the government reviews feedback and policies. No new costs are mentioned, but the delay gives agencies time to ensure the rules work well.
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.
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.
2026-20750, L Krenk DBA Maui Clinic Pharmacy; Decision and Order
The DEA has officially revoked L Krenk DBA Maui Clinic Pharmacy’s registration because they broke important rules about where and how they handled controlled substances. This affects the pharmacy in Kahului, Hawaii, which can no longer legally dispense these drugs. The decision is final, and the pharmacy missed its chance to defend itself, so the revocation takes effect immediately, impacting their business and customers.
2026-20757, Schedules of Controlled Substances; Removal of Exemption Status for Inactive Butalbital Products
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