For a fourth time the feds have extended telemedicine flexibilities that allow patients to receive prescriptions for controlled medications without a prior in-person visit, pleasing the skilled nursing sector, which along with scores of other provider organizations had pushed for the move.

In its announcement, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said the latest extension runs from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026, preventing disruptions in care while permanent rules are finalized.

Dan Ciolek, associate vice president of therapy advocacy, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), said AHCA/NCAL signed a letter from 180 groups on Dec. 5, 2025, requesting the waiver extension.

The letter by the Alliance for Connected Care said without action, critical telemedicine authorities will leave patients and providers to face “unacceptable uncertainty and the real risk of care disruptions. These flexibilities have been essential for maintaining continuity of care, particularly for those with mental and behavioral health needs, over the past five years.”  

COVID-Era Changes Live On

The government said the telemedicine flexibilities were first introduced during the COVID-19 public health emergency and have remained in place through a series of temporary extensions. Without this action, patients and providers would face a sudden return to pre-pandemic restrictions — often referred to as the “telemedicine cliff” — which could abruptly cut off access to needed medications, the agencies said.

Further, HHS and DEA said the extension gives them additional time to finalize permanent regulations, including the proposed Special Registration for Telemedicine, “which would establish clear standards for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine while preserving patient safety and preventing misuse.”

This past March, Ciolek noted that AHCA/NCAL opposed the proposed rule “as being too cumbersome” and noted it “would result in reduced access to care for the most vulnerable – including those with emergent conditions in locations with limited to no immediate in-person access to qualified prescribers.”  

Questions or comments? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.