On September 12 and 13, 2023, DEA hosted public listening sessions and received comments from 58 healthcare practitioners, experts, advocates, patients, and other members of the public to inform DEA’s regulations on prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine.

The listening sessions were livestreamed with virtual participation available. A transcript of the listening sessions is forthcoming. All comments and presentations will become part of the official record for the purposes of rulemaking.

DEA received more than 180 requests to present at the Telemedicine Listening Sessions scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2023. DEA thanks the applicants and members of the public for their interest in these rules and their willingness to provide comment. Because of time limitations, DEA selected a portion of the applicants to present during the listening sessions, consistent with the criteria set forth in the notice. DEA welcomes all feedback on its proposed rules and will have another comment period this fall for written comments before the telemedicine rules are finalized.

Previously sent out Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on telemedicine:

Notice: Practice of Telemedicine: Listening Sessions (PDF) (August 7, 2023)

Temporary Rule: Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications (PDF) (May 10, 2023)

Proposed Rule: Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation (PDF) (March 1, 2023)

View Telemedicine Listening Session DAY 1, September 12, 2023:

DAY 1 Transcript (PDF)

View Telemedicine Listening Session DAY 2, September 13, 2023:

Day 2 Transcript (PDF)