Federal telehealth rules established during the pandemic are set to expire at the end of the year, potentially impacting millions of patients who rely on telehealth for treatment.

These rules – which allow clinicians to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth – have already been extended twice, and are set to expire at the end of the year.

Advocates are pushing for a two-year rule extension, emphasizing that it is crucial for maintaining access to care. Over 300 telehealth and healthcare organizations are calling on Congress and the Biden administration to extend the pandemic-era rules.

The DEA and HHS promised new regulations by fall of this year, but in August, reports indicate the DEA plans to impose stricter limits on telehealth prescribing.

While advocates view these flexibilities as crucial for patients needing medications, regulators are concerned about the illegal distribution of prescription drugs.