The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and HHS published a final rule to further delay the effective date of the Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and the Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients rules finalized in January 2025. In February, the DEA announced an initial delay of effective date until March 21, 2025, and accepted public comments on the decision. The DEA states that due to questions of “fact, law, and policy” both rules are delayed until Dec. 31, 2025. While these rules are delayed, rural patients receiving buprenorphine via telemedicine without an in-person visit can still do so through Dec. 31, 2025, due to the temporary extension of flexibilities that are in place.
