Overview of the Final Rule

The DEA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule titled “Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter” on January 17, 2025. This rule permits DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance approved by the FDA for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), through audio-only telemedicine encounters without a prior in-person evaluation. Practitioners must review the patient’s state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data before prescribing and annotate this review in the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) .DEA+6Federal Register+6Federal Register+6Federal Register

Prescription Duration and Follow-Up Requirements

Under the final rule, practitioners can prescribe an initial six-month supply of buprenorphine via audio-only telemedicine.After this period, to continue treatment, the patient must either:Federal Register+1Foley & Lardner LLP+1

1. Undergo an in-person medical evaluation.Them+4Federal Register+4Federal Register+4

2. Engage in another form of telemedicine encounter as defined by 21 U.S.C. 802(54) .Federal Register

Implementation Timeline

Originally set to take effect on February 18, 2025, the rule’s implementation was delayed to December 31, 2025, following a regulatory freeze issued by the President on January 20, 2025. This delay allows for further review of the rule’s implications and ensures that temporary telemedicine flexibilities remain in place through the end of 2025.GovInfo+2American Hospital Association+2Nixon Law Group+2Them+3Federal Register+3GovInfo+3

Benefits for the Georgia Society of Addiction Medicine

This regulatory change offers significant benefits to organizations like the Georgia Society of Addiction Medicine by:

• Enhancing Access to Care: Facilitating treatment for patients in rural or underserved areas who may lack access to in-person services.

• Reducing Barriers: Allowing patients without reliable internet or video capabilities to receive care via audio-only telemedicine.

• Supporting Continuity of Care: Ensuring patients can begin and maintain treatment for OUD without delays associated with scheduling in-person visits.

• Aligning with Public Health Goals: Contributing to efforts aimed at reducing opioid-related morbidity and mortality by expanding treatment options.

By leveraging this rule, the Georgia Society of Addiction Medicine can further its mission to improve addiction treatment outcomes across the state.