How to continue Wellbutrin after moving to California

If you’re struggling with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), you might be wondering whether you can access treatment from the comfort of your home. The short answer is yes—telehealth has become a legitimate, legal, and often more accessible pathway to BED treatment, including prescription medications. But navigating the rules around online prescribing can feel overwhelming, especially with recent changes to healthcare regulations.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting BED medication via telehealth in 2025-2026, from understanding which medications are available to knowing your rights as a patient in different states.

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder and Why Medication Matters

Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting millions of people. It’s characterized by recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period (typically within two hours), accompanied by a sense of losing control. Unlike bulimia, BED doesn’t involve purging behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria require these episodes to occur at least once weekly for three months and be associated with three or more of the following:

• Eating much more rapidly than normal
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts when not physically hungry
• Eating alone due to embarrassment
• Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward

While psychotherapy—particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—remains the gold standard for BED treatment, medication can be an important component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Medications help reduce binge frequency, support impulse control, and address co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety that often accompany BED.

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The Current State of Telehealth Prescribing: What’s Legal in 2025-2026

Here’s the good news: for non-controlled medications used to treat BED, telehealth prescribing is fully legal nationwide. This includes commonly prescribed medications like Topamax (topiramate) and Wellbutrin (bupropion).

Federal Rules: The Ryan Haight Act Exception

At the federal level, the Ryan Haight Act of 2008 requires an in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine. However, this law has never applied to non-controlled prescription medications. Since both Topamax and Wellbutrin are non-controlled substances, they fall completely outside this restriction.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the DEA temporarily suspended even the controlled substance in-person requirement. That flexibility has been extended multiple times—most recently through December 31, 2026—giving providers more time to adapt while permanent rules are finalized. But for BED medications specifically, these extensions don’t directly impact you because the drugs weren’t restricted in the first place.

State-by-State Variations

While federal law sets the baseline, individual states add their own telehealth requirements. The landscape has evolved significantly since 2020, with most states now permanently allowing telehealth exams to substitute for in-person visits when prescribing non-controlled medications.

States with no in-person requirement for non-controlled prescriptions include:

• California
• Delaware
• Florida (for non-controlled medications)
• New York
• Texas
• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• South Carolina

States requiring periodic in-person visits (typically within 12 months) for ongoing telehealth care:

• Alabama (in-person visit required within one year if more than four telehealth visits for the same condition)
• Georgia (annual in-person visit attempt required for continuing telemedicine treatment)
• New Hampshire (in-person follow-up within 12 months for Schedule II-IV controlled substances, but non-controlled meds are exempt)

Even in states with periodic requirements, the initial evaluation and prescription can typically be done entirely via telehealth. The in-person visit can often be fulfilled by seeing any healthcare provider in your network, not necessarily your telehealth prescriber.

Medications Available for BED via Telehealth

Topamax (Topiramate)

What it is: Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication FDA-approved for seizure disorders and migraine prevention. It’s used off-label for BED treatment based on clinical research showing it can help reduce binge frequency and support weight management.

How it works for BED: Topiramate appears to affect neurotransmitters involved in appetite regulation and impulse control. Studies suggest it may reduce the urge to binge and help patients feel fuller sooner.

Typical dosing: Providers usually start with a low dose (25mg daily) and gradually increase over several weeks to minimize side effects. The target dose for BED is typically 50-200mg daily, divided into two doses.

Key considerations:

• Pregnancy risk: Topiramate carries significant risk of birth defects, particularly cleft palate, when taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception. If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, this medication is generally not recommended.
• Cognitive effects: Some people experience ‘brain fog,’ difficulty finding words, or memory issues, especially at higher doses. These usually improve with dose adjustment or discontinuation.
• Gradual discontinuation: Never stop topiramate abruptly—it must be tapered to prevent seizures, even if you’re taking it for BED rather than epilepsy.

Telehealth prescribing: Fully available via telehealth in all states. Providers can prescribe up to a 90-day supply with refills, and no state requires PMP (Prescription Monitoring Program) checks for this non-controlled medication.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

What it is: Bupropion is an antidepressant FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and smoking cessation. It’s also used off-label for BED, particularly when depression or low motivation co-occurs with binge eating.

How it works for BED: Bupropion affects dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in mood and reward pathways. By modulating these systems, it may reduce the reward-driven aspects of binge eating.

Typical dosing: Usually started at 150mg daily (extended-release formulation), potentially increasing to 300mg daily after several weeks if tolerated and needed.

Key considerations:

• Contraindications: Bupropion is contraindicated in people with a current or past eating disorder that involves purging (bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa with purging) due to significantly increased seizure risk. If you have a history of purging behaviors, this medication is not safe for you.
• Seizure risk: Even in appropriate patients, bupropion lowers seizure threshold. Avoid if you have a seizure disorder. Risk increases with alcohol use, so providers will counsel you to limit or avoid alcohol while on this medication.
• Black box warning: Like all antidepressants, bupropion carries an FDA black box warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts in people under 25, particularly in the first few months of treatment. Close monitoring is essential.
• Blood pressure: Can increase blood pressure in some patients, particularly if combined with stimulant medications.

Telehealth prescribing: Fully available via telehealth nationwide. Providers can write prescriptions with refills for up to one year (depending on state regulations), and regular follow-up monitoring is standard practice.

What About Vyvanse?

You might have heard that Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is the only FDA-approved medication specifically for BED. That’s true—Vyvanse received FDA approval for moderate-to-severe BED in adults in 2015. However, Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance (a stimulant medication in the amphetamine family), which creates additional regulatory hurdles for telehealth prescribing.

Under current federal rules (extended through December 31, 2026), controlled substances can be prescribed via telehealth without an initial in-person visit. However, many reputable telehealth platforms choose not to prescribe controlled stimulants for BED due to:

• Higher scrutiny and regulatory risk
• Abuse potential concerns
• Likelihood of stricter rules when permanent DEA regulations take effect
• State-level restrictions in places like Florida and New York

If your provider determines you would benefit from Vyvanse, they’ll typically refer you to an in-person specialist. This isn’t a limitation of telehealth technology—it’s a regulatory and safety decision made by platforms to ensure sustainable, compliant care.

Who Can Prescribe BED Medications via Telehealth?

Several types of healthcare providers can evaluate you and prescribe BED medications through telehealth platforms:

Physicians (MD/DO)

Medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine can prescribe these medications in any state where they hold a valid medical license. They have full prescribing authority for both controlled and non-controlled substances.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Nurse practitioners’ ability to prescribe independently varies significantly by state. As of 2025, 34 states plus Washington, D.C. grant NPs Full Practice Authority (FPA), meaning they can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications without physician oversight.

States where NPs have full practice authority include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, plus D.C.

In 2023-2025, several states joined this list, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Kansas—reflecting a national trend toward expanding NP independence.

States requiring NP-physician collaboration: In states like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina, NPs must work under a collaborative agreement or supervision of a physician. This doesn’t mean you can’t receive care from an NP via telehealth—it just means the NP works within a practice structure that includes physician oversight. You might see both the NP’s and supervising physician’s names on your prescription, but the care you receive is typically identical.

For non-controlled medications like Topamax and Wellbutrin, even NPs in restricted-practice states can prescribe them under their collaborative agreements. The restrictions typically apply to controlled substances like opioids or stimulants.

Physician Assistants (PAs)

PAs operate under a similar framework to NPs in collaborative states, though PA scope of practice rules tend to be more uniform across states. PAs can prescribe non-controlled medications in all states when working under their supervising physician’s license. Some states grant PAs more autonomy than others, but for BED medication prescribing via telehealth, PAs are fully capable providers in every state.

Psychiatrists and Other Specialists

While any licensed provider can technically prescribe these medications, many telehealth platforms for BED treatment employ psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or addiction medicine specialists who have particular expertise in eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

What to Expect from a Telehealth BED Evaluation

Legitimate telehealth services should provide a comprehensive evaluation that mirrors what you’d receive in an office visit—just conducted via video or secure messaging.

The Initial Assessment

Your first appointment will typically last 30-60 minutes and include:

Detailed eating behavior history:

• Frequency and triggers of binge episodes
• Foods typically consumed during binges
• Emotional state before, during, and after binges
• Any compensatory behaviors (to rule out bulimia)
• History of other eating disorders
• Previous treatments attempted

Mental health screening:

• Current and past depression or anxiety
• Trauma history
• Substance use assessment
• Suicidal ideation screening (required for antidepressant prescribing)
• History of mania or bipolar disorder (important for bupropion safety)

Medical history:

• Seizure disorders or head injuries
• Current medications and supplements
• Allergies
• Pregnancy status and contraception use
• Family history of eating disorders or mental illness
• Recent lab work (metabolic panel, thyroid function)

Physical health review:

• Current weight and weight history
• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular health
• Liver and kidney function

Documentation and Consent

Your provider will document that you meet DSM-5 criteria for Binge Eating Disorder and obtain your informed consent for:

• Telehealth treatment (including its limitations)
• Off-label medication use (since Topamax and Wellbutrin aren’t FDA-approved for BED specifically)
• Potential side effects and monitoring requirements
• Treatment alternatives (therapy, nutrition counseling, support groups)

Many providers use standardized questionnaires like the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) or Binge Eating Scale (BES) to establish baseline severity and track progress over time.

Identity and Location Verification

Don’t be surprised when your provider asks you to verify your identity and physical location. This isn’t bureaucratic overreach—it’s a legal requirement in many states. Providers must:

• Confirm they’re licensed in the state where you’re physically located during the visit
• Verify your identity (often via government-issued ID)
• Document your location for medical records and legal compliance

Some states like California and Georgia specifically require this verification before any telehealth prescribing can occur.

Safety Screening: Who Should NOT Pursue Telehealth BED Treatment

Telehealth is remarkably effective for many patients, but certain situations require in-person evaluation or rule out specific medications entirely:

Absolute Contraindications for Specific Medications

Wellbutrin should NOT be prescribed if you have:

• Current or past bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa (significantly increases seizure risk)
• Seizure disorder or conditions that lower seizure threshold
• Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or benzodiazepines (withdrawal seizure risk)
• Current use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them

Topiramate requires caution or avoidance if you:

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or not using reliable contraception
• Have a history of kidney stones (topiramate increases risk)
• Have narrow-angle glaucoma
• Have severe liver or kidney disease

Clinical Situations Requiring In-Person Evaluation

Telehealth providers should refer you to in-person care if:

• You have severe medical complications from BED (severe obesity with urgent health issues, uncontrolled diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure)
• You show signs of medical instability requiring physical examination (frequent syncope, cardiac symptoms, severe metabolic disturbances)
• You have active suicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention
• You need controlled medications that the platform doesn’t prescribe remotely
• Your eating disorder involves purging behaviors or severe restriction (suggesting a different diagnosis requiring specialized eating disorder treatment)
• You’re under 18 years old (many telehealth platforms only treat adults)

A responsible telehealth provider will recognize their limitations and connect you with appropriate resources rather than attempting to treat complex cases remotely.

Understanding Off-Label Prescribing

You might feel uncertain when your provider explains they’re prescribing Topamax or Wellbutrin ‘off-label’ for your BED. This is actually standard medical practice and completely legal.

Off-label prescribing means using an FDA-approved medication for a condition other than what it was originally approved to treat. Once the FDA approves a medication as safe and effective, physicians can prescribe it for any condition they believe it might benefit, based on clinical judgment and available research.

For BED treatment:

• Research studies support both topiramate and bupropion for reducing binge frequency
• Clinical practice guidelines recognize these as reasonable treatment options
• Insurance companies often cover these medications for BED (especially when therapy alone hasn’t been effective)

Your provider should explain why they’re recommending a particular medication, review the evidence supporting its use for BED, discuss alternatives, and obtain your informed consent. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the research behind the recommendation.

The Follow-Up Process: What Happens After Your Initial Visit

Medication Titration and Monitoring

First 2-4 weeks:Most providers schedule a check-in 1-2 weeks after starting medication to assess:

• Side effects and tolerability
• Early response to treatment
• Any concerning symptoms requiring dose adjustment

For topiramate, expect gradual dose increases every 1-2 weeks until reaching the target dose. This ‘low and slow’ approach minimizes side effects like cognitive dulling or tingling sensations.

Months 1-3:Monthly visits are typical during this period to:

• Monitor binge frequency (many providers ask you to keep a food/mood diary)
• Assess mood changes (critical for bupropion, given the suicidal ideation black box warning)
• Check weight and vital signs (blood pressure for bupropion)
• Adjust dosing based on response
• Address any barriers to treatment

Ongoing care:Once stabilized, visits may occur every 2-3 months, though some states require at least annual follow-up for telehealth patients. Your provider should be available between visits via secure messaging or a patient portal for urgent concerns.

Prescription Refills

One advantage of non-controlled medications is flexibility with refills. Providers can typically prescribe:

• Up to 90-day supplies
• Multiple refills (up to 6-11 months depending on state regulations)

This means you won’t necessarily need a new prescription every month, though you’ll still have regular follow-up appointments.

Your prescriptions will be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. Choose a convenient location or a legitimate mail-order pharmacy. Red flag: If a telehealth service wants to ship medication directly to you without going through a licensed pharmacy, that’s a sign of a potentially illegitimate operation.

Combining Medication with Other Treatments

Klarity Health recognizes that medication alone is rarely sufficient for lasting BED recovery. Evidence-based treatment typically includes:

Psychotherapy:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically designed for eating disorders
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation
• Interpersonal therapy for relationship-focused triggers

Nutritional counseling:

• Working with a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders
• Developing regular, balanced eating patterns
• Addressing food fears and dietary restrictions

Support systems:

• Support groups (like Overeaters Anonymous or NEDA groups)
• Family education and involvement when appropriate
• Peer support communities

Many telehealth platforms, including Klarity Health, offer integrated care that combines medication management with therapy, making it easier to access comprehensive treatment without juggling multiple providers or appointment schedules.

Insurance Coverage and Costs

Telehealth Parity Laws

Most states now require insurance companies to cover telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits. This means:

• Your copay for a telehealth appointment should match your copay for an office visit
• Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums apply the same way
• Prior authorization requirements (if any) are identical

Medicare permanently expanded telehealth coverage for mental health services through 2026 (with likely further extensions). Many Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth even more broadly.

Medication Costs

Both topiramate and bupropion are available as generics, making them relatively affordable:

Topiramate (generic Topamax):

• Generic prices: typically $10-40/month with insurance
• Without insurance: $20-60/month at discount pharmacies
• Brand name Topamax: $200-400/month (rarely necessary)

Bupropion (generic Wellbutrin):

• Generic prices: typically $10-30/month with insurance
• Without insurance: $20-50/month
• Extended-release formulations may cost slightly more

Cost-saving strategies:

• Use GoodRx or similar discount programs if uninsured
• Ask your provider if a 90-day supply would be more cost-effective
• Check if your insurance has a preferred pharmacy with lower copays

Klarity Health Pricing Transparency

At Klarity Health, we believe in transparent, predictable pricing. We accept major insurance plans and also offer straightforward cash-pay options for those without coverage or who prefer not to use insurance. Our providers are experienced in working with insurance companies to obtain coverage for medically necessary BED treatment, including off-label medication use when appropriate.

Red Flags: How to Identify Questionable Telehealth Services

The telehealth boom has attracted some bad actors. In 2024, executives from a major ADHD telehealth startup faced federal indictment for allegedly running a ‘pill mill’ that prescribed Adderall to hundreds of thousands of patients without adequate evaluation, contributing to the national stimulant shortage.

While this case involved controlled substances (which your BED medications are not), it highlights the importance of choosing legitimate providers. Here’s what to watch for:

Warning Signs of Unsafe Telehealth Practices

🚩 Prescription guaranteed before evaluationLegitimate providers never promise a prescription before assessing you. If a website advertises ‘Get your medication today!’ or ‘Guaranteed prescription,’ run the other way.

🚩 Minimal or no medical historyA thorough evaluation should take 30+ minutes for an initial visit. If you’re only asked a handful of yes/no questions via a quick online form, that’s inadequate.

🚩 No discussion of alternativesResponsible providers discuss multiple treatment options—therapy, nutritional counseling, lifestyle changes—not just medication. If pills are the only solution offered, question the quality of care.

🚩 Unusually high doses or multiple medications started simultaneouslyStarting topiramate at 200mg or combining several new medications from day one isn’t standard practice and could be dangerous.

🚩 No real-time interaction with a providerAsynchronous care (messaging only, no video visit) may be acceptable for simple issues, but for starting psychiatric medications for an eating disorder, you should have a video visit with your provider.

🚩 Pressure to pay upfront without insurance processingWhile cash-pay options are legitimate, pressure to avoid using your insurance or refusal to work with insurance companies can indicate a provider trying to fly under the radar of insurance fraud detection.

🚩 Direct medication shipping (not through a pharmacy)Legitimate providers send prescriptions to licensed pharmacies, not mystery pills from a company warehouse.

What Quality Telehealth Looks Like

In contrast, reputable services like Klarity Health demonstrate their commitment to safe, evidence-based care through:

✅ Comprehensive evaluations conducted by licensed providers via secure video
✅ Transparent provider credentials (you can verify your provider’s license through state medical/nursing board websites)
✅ Clear discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives with informed consent documentation
✅ Regular follow-up scheduling built into the treatment plan
✅ 24/7 crisis resources and clear instructions on when to seek emergency care
✅ Integration with your existing care team (they’ll communicate with your primary care doctor with your permission)
✅ Flexible payment options including both insurance and transparent cash pricing
✅ Easy access to your medical records through a patient portal

Recent Regulatory Developments (2025-2026)

Federal Level

The DEA extended COVID-era telehealth prescribing flexibility for controlled substances through December 31, 2026. This fourth extension gives providers and policymakers more time to finalize permanent rules that balance patient access with safety concerns.

Importantly, this extension doesn’t directly affect your access to non-controlled BED medications like Topamax or Wellbutrin, which were never subject to these restrictions. However, it signals the government’s continued commitment to telehealth access more broadly.

State Updates

Wisconsin (August 2025): Passed the APRN Modernization Act, granting nurse practitioners full practice authority. Wisconsin NPs can now evaluate and treat BED patients independently via telehealth without requiring physician oversight.

Michigan (2023 law, full implementation 2025): Similarly expanded NP independence, making Michigan the 26th full-practice-authority state at the time.

New Hampshire (August 2025): Senate Bill 252 explicitly permitted telehealth prescribing of Schedule II-IV controlled substances with annual in-person follow-up, modernizing the state’s telehealth framework. Non-controlled medications like those used for BED remain unrestricted.

New York (May 2025): Adopted regulations requiring an in-person exam before prescribing controlled substances via telehealth (aligning with anticipated federal rules), but explicitly exempted non-controlled medications. This means your access to Topamax or Wellbutrin via telehealth in New York remains completely unaffected.

Delaware (July 2025): SB 101 amended state law to clarify that telemedicine can be used for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid use disorder, resolving previous ambiguity. While not directly related to BED, this demonstrates Delaware’s commitment to expanding telehealth access for mental health and substance use treatment.

What This Means for You

These regulatory changes overwhelmingly favor expanded, sustainable telehealth access. The trend is toward:

• Permanent (not emergency-based) telehealth authorization
• Greater NP and PA autonomy in more states
• Clearer, more consistent rules replacing pandemic-era patchwork policies
• Maintained access to non-controlled medications via telehealth

As regulations stabilize, telehealth platforms can invest confidently in infrastructure, provider training, and integrated care models—ultimately benefiting patients through better quality and broader availability.

Your Next Steps: Getting Started with Telehealth BED Treatment

If you think you might benefit from medication for Binge Eating Disorder, here’s how to move forward:

1. Self-Assessment

Honestly evaluate whether your eating patterns meet BED criteria:

• Do you have episodes of eating an unusually large amount within 2 hours?
• Do you feel out of control during these episodes?
• Does this happen at least weekly for three months?
• Do you feel distressed about these episodes?

If yes, professional evaluation is warranted.

2. Research Telehealth Providers

Look for platforms that:

• Specialize in mental health and/or eating disorders
• Employ licensed providers in your state
• Offer transparent pricing
• Have positive patient reviews
• Provide comprehensive evaluations (not just quick prescribing)

Klarity Health offers specialized eating disorder treatment with providers experienced in BED medication management. We accept most major insurance plans and offer competitive cash-pay rates for those without coverage or who prefer not to use insurance.

3. Prepare for Your First Appointment

Gather information that will help your provider:

• List of current medications and supplements
• Relevant medical history (especially seizure disorders, kidney stones, pregnancy status)
• Mental health history
• Recent lab work if available
• Food and mood diary from the past week or two

Be prepared to discuss your eating patterns honestly and in detail. Your provider can only help with accurate information.

4. Set Realistic Expectations

Medication is a tool, not a magic cure. Expect:

• Gradual improvement over weeks to months, not overnight transformation
• Some trial and error finding the right medication and dose
• The need for complementary therapy or counseling
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
• Possible side effects requiring patience and communication

5. Commit to the Full Treatment Plan

The most successful BED treatment combines:

• Appropriate medication when indicated
• Evidence-based psychotherapy (like CBT)
• Nutritional counseling
• Lifestyle modifications (stress management, sleep, exercise)
• Strong support systems

Klarity Health’s integrated approach makes it easy to access all these components through one platform, with coordinated care between your medication provider and therapist.

Conclusion: Telehealth as a Pathway to Recovery

Telehealth has revolutionized access to Binge Eating Disorder treatment. The ability to receive comprehensive evaluation, medication management, and therapy from home eliminates barriers that once kept many people from getting help—transportation challenges, scheduling conflicts, stigma about walking into an eating disorder clinic, and limited local provider availability.

For medications like Topamax and Wellbutrin, the regulatory landscape strongly supports telehealth access. These non-controlled medications can be legally prescribed via telemedicine in every state, with most states now allowing the entire process—from initial evaluation through ongoing care—to happen remotely.

While regulations around controlled substances remain in flux, your access to proven BED treatments through telehealth is secure, stable, and expanding. Providers like Klarity Health are committed to delivering safe, effective, evidence-based care that meets the same clinical standards as traditional in-person treatment—just with more convenience and accessibility.

If Binge Eating Disorder is impacting your health, relationships, or quality of life, you don’t have to struggle alone or wait for an in-person appointment weeks or months away. Telehealth puts expert care within reach, often with appointments available within days. With transparent pricing, insurance acceptance, and providers who understand the complexity of eating disorders, starting treatment has never been more accessible.

Take the first step today. Whether you’re seeking medication management, therapy, or comprehensive integrated care, telehealth platforms like Klarity Health can connect you with licensed providers who specialize in eating disorder treatment—no matter where you live.

Research Currency Statement

Verified as of: January 4, 2026

Federal Regulations:

• DEA telehealth prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances remain in effect through December 31, 2026 (fourth extension)
• Non-controlled medications (including Topamax and Wellbutrin) have never required in-person visits under federal law—these were never subject to Ryan Haight Act restrictions

State Regulations:

• Information reflects late 2025 legislative sessions and regulatory updates
• 10+ key states researched with latest available information (AL, CA, DE, FL, GA, NH, NY, TX, MI, WI, SC)
• 80%+ of sources are from 2025 or updated to reflect 2025 status

Pending Developments:

• Alabama and South Carolina NP full practice authority legislation discussed in 2025 but final status remains collaborative practice pending confirmation
• DEA permanent rule on telehealth controlled substance prescribing expected by end of 2026
• Temporary state COVID-era waivers should be verified for expiration/extension beyond stated dates

Citations

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ‘DEA Extends Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Through December 31, 2026.’ HHS Press Room, January 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html

2. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. ‘Telehealth and In-Person Visits: Tracking Federal and State Updates to Pandemic-Era Telehealth Exceptions.’ August 2025. https://www.sheppardhealthlaw.com/2025/08/articles/telehealth/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-tracking-federal-and-state-updates-to-pandemic-era-telehealth-exceptions/

3. Center for Connected Health Policy. ‘State Telehealth Laws and Reimbursement Policies: Online Prescribing.’ Updated November-December 2025. https://www.cchpca.org/topic/online-prescribing/

4. Health Jobs Nationwide Blog. ‘State-by-State Guide: Expanding Roles for PAs and NPs (Updated 2025).’ January 2025. https://blog.healthjobsnationwide.com/state-by-state-guide-expanding-roles-for-pas-and-nps-updated-2025/

5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration via DailyMed. ‘Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets – Drug Label.’ National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=1b69c253-4740-44b0-be63-6c20834540b6&type=display

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