The DEA and HHS have postponed the implementation of the final rule on telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine to Dec. 31.
The rule was initially set to take effect on Feb. 18. That date was pushed to March 21 and now has been delayed until the end of the year, according to a March 24 post from the Federal Register.
The delay follows a Jan. 20 White House memo announcing the freeze to consider any questions of fact, law and policy. In the meantime, telemedicine flexibilities allowing buprenorphine prescriptions without an in-person visit will remain in place through the end of the year.
Once implemented, the final rule will allow practitioners to prescribe a six-month initial supply of Schedule III-IV medications to treat opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine without an in-person evaluation.
