DEA set to extend COVID-era telehealth prescribing rules: Politico

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is indicating it will once again extend pandemic-era flexibilities that allowed telehealth firms to prescribe controlled substances without in-person visits, Politico reported Friday.

The publication said the White House received a final rule titled “Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications” for review on Thursday. However, it is not yet clear how long the extension will be.

Last year, the agency extended the flexibilities through 2024 amid concerns that the requirement for in-person visits mandated by a 2008 low would have severely restricted access to controlled substances such as Adderall used to treat opioid use disorder.

The DEA first relaxed the requirement during the pandemic, and those flexibilities were set to expire at the end of the year.

Major telehealth providers include Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC), American Well (NYSE:AMWL), and Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS).