September 18, 2026 – The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) submitted a final telemedicine special registration rule for review to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) on August 25, 2026. While the text of the final rule is not publicly available, the update indicates that DEA may soon finalize the special registration process for telehealth prescribing of controlled substances – possibly before the current telehealth flexibilities expire on December 31, 2026. Stakeholders have eagerly awaited a telemedicine special registration since the passage of the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008, when it was originally required.
