On November 18, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that the deadline for requiring in-person visits for certain telehealth prescriptions has been extended to January 1, 2026. This extension ensures that patients can continue receiving medications via telehealth without needing an in-person visit, providing flexibility and convenience for those relying on remote care.
Understanding the Ryan Haight Act and Its Relevance
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008, commonly referred to as the Ryan Haight Law, was enacted to regulate the prescribing of controlled substances. This law requires that a prescribing clinician conduct at least one in-person evaluation before prescribing certain controlled medications, unless specific exemptions are in place.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the DEA temporarily waived the in-person requirement, allowing patients to receive treatment, including controlled medications, entirely through telehealth. This waiver proved crucial for maintaining access to care for individuals managing mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as for those requiring medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders.
Why This Matters to You
With the extension of the telehealth flexibility through January 1, 2026, patients can continue to:
Start or maintain treatment plans for controlled medications without the need for an immediate in-person visit.
Access the care they need from the comfort of their home, ensuring continuity of treatment.
This extension provides relief for patients and providers as the DEA works toward finalizing long-term regulations for telehealth-based prescribing.
What You Should Know and Do
Your Current Treatment Plan: If you are already receiving treatment via telehealth, there are no immediate changes. Our team will keep you updated on any future developments.
In-Person Visit Planning: While this extension allows flexibility, we encourage patients to schedule an in-person visit well in advance of the January 2026 deadline to ensure compliance with future requirements.
Stay Informed: We are here to answer your questions about how the Ryan Haight Act and DEA regulations may impact your care.
At SANA Psychiatry, we are committed to providing seamless, patient-centered care. If you have any questions about your treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us through your patient portal or at www.sana-psychiatry.com.
We will continue to monitor updates and advocate for policies that ensure access to high-quality, convenient mental health care for all our patients. Thank you for trusting SANA Psychiatry with your mental health journey.
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