On January 17, during the closing days of the Biden administration, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed regulations that would provide a pathway for clinicians to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, which includes the vast majority of medications commonly prescribed for treatment of mental health conditions. The outgoing administration also issued a final rule concerning prescription of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder via telehealth.
On March 18, 2025, APA Services filed a formal response (PDF, 281KB)opens in new window to both sets of rules, including feedback from leadership of Division 55 (Society for Prescribing Psychology) and the American Board of Professional Psychology. The association’s response highlights the unnecessary barriers to treatment and the burdens that these rules impose on clinicians. Overall, the proposed rule imposes criteria that have nothing to do with preventing unlawful diversion of controlled substances. For example, the proposed rule requires nonphysicians to become board certified to prescribe Schedule II medications like Adderall. APA Services asked the Trump administration to rescind these rules and engage in a new round of rulemaking after engaging in a dialogue with prescribing clinicians.
The DEA has already extended the current tele-prescribing flexibilities until the end of 2025. APA Services will continue to engage with stakeholders and the Trump Administration to ensure that future rulemaking on this topic includes the perspective of prescribing psychologists.
For more information, contact Andrew Strickland.