On January 15, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a proposed rule establishing a framework for practitioners to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine without a prior in-person medical evaluation entitled, Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation. In the proposed rule, DEA proposes establishing a three-tiered system of “Special Registrations” consisting of: (1) qualified clinician practitioners who can prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances, (2) qualified specialized clinician practitioners who can prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances, and (3) qualified covered online telemedicine platforms, in their capacity as platform practitioners, to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances. DEA also proposes increased recordkeeping and reporting requirements with these Special Registrations.

In addition to this proposed rule, DEA finalized a rule entitled, Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter. This final rule permits a practitioner to prescribe a Schedule III-V controlled substance for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) for a period of up to six months following review of the patient’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data. After six months, the practitioner must use other forms of telemedicine authorized by the Controlled Substances Act or conduct an in-person medical visit. 

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD continuously monitors regulatory updates that impact providers. AGD has also been invested in understanding dentistry’s role in the prescription of controlled substances and provides training on this topic through the PACE Program.