DEA Pushes Back Telemedicine Buprenorphine for Vets Until 2025 End

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.

2025-02793 — Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients

Starting March 21, 2025, veterans and others needing buprenorphine treatment can get care through telemedicine more easily. The government is delaying new rules to make sure everything’s just right and wants your thoughts on the delay. This change helps veterans keep their treatment going without extra trips, saving time and hassle.

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.

2026-10253 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine in Schedule I

Starting May 22, 2026, the DEA is putting 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) into Schedule I, meaning it’s now treated like the most dangerous drugs. This affects anyone who makes, sells, or uses it, adding strict rules and serious penalties. The temporary ban lasts two years, giving the government time to decide if it should stay permanent.

2026-10090 — Exempt Chemical Preparations Under the Controlled Substances Act

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reviewed and decided on applications for special chemical mixtures that don’t fall under strict drug rules, covering requests from July 2025 to March 2026. Some mixtures got approved, others denied, and a few listings were fixed from earlier notices. If you’re involved with these chemicals, you’ve got until July 20, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or big costs involved, just your voice!

2026-09566 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of CUMYL-PEGACLONE in Schedule I

Starting May 13, 2026, the DEA officially puts CUMYL-PEGACLONE—a chemical that can be risky—into Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using it now faces tough rules and penalties. This move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keeps communities safer without any new fees or costs.

Previous: 2025-04979 — Privacy Act; Implementation; Further Delay of Effective Date

The NIH is delaying new privacy rules for its Police Records system until May 5, 2025. This affects how certain personal info is handled and gives everyone more time to get ready. No extra costs are expected, just a bit more waiting before the changes kick in.

Next: 2025-04833 — Facilitating Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services (NG911); Location-Based Routing for Wireless 911 Calls

The FCC just got the green light from the Office of Management and Budget to start new rules that make 911 calls from cell phones smarter and faster by using location-based routing. This means wireless carriers and emergency centers must follow these rules now to help get help to you quicker. The changes kick in soon and don’t come with extra costs, but they’ll make 911 calls way better for everyone.