DEA Pushes Back Telemedicine Buprenorphine for Vets Until 2025 End
Published Date: 3/24/2025
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Telemedicine Buprenorphine Access Expanded
If you are a veteran or need buprenorphine treatment, you can get care by telemedicine starting December 31, 2025. This lets you receive treatment from home without extra costs or trips to the doctor.
Effective Date Postponed to December 31, 2025
The rules that would allow buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine (including continuity of care for VA patients) were delayed from their original effective dates (February 18, 2025, then March 21, 2025) and will now take effect on December 31, 2025. This postpones when veterans and others can use telemedicine for this treatment.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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