Prescriber Scope of Practice for Depression in North Carolina

If you’re a psychiatrist or PMHNP treating depression via telehealth, you’ve probably realized that navigating prescribing regulations feels like trying to learn the rules of 50 different card games at once. Federal DEA rules, state telemedicine laws, scope of practice variations, controlled substance restrictions — it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

Here’s the reality: the regulatory landscape for telehealth prescribing has changed dramatically since COVID, and it’s still evolving. As of early 2026, you can still prescribe controlled substances via telehealth without an initial in-person visit — but only because the DEA keeps extending temporary flexibilities. That extension runs through December 31, 2026, after which we’re expecting permanent rules that will likely require a special telemedicine registration for some providers.

Let me break down what you actually need to know to practice compliantly and confidently.

The Federal Landscape: DEA Rules Are (Temporarily) Provider-Friendly

The Good News Through 2026

The DEA’s COVID-era flexibilities allowing telehealth prescribing of controlled substances without an initial in-person exam remain in effect through the end of 2026. This is the fourth temporary extension — originally these rules were supposed to sunset when the public health emergency ended in May 2023, but the DEA has repeatedly extended them in response to massive provider and patient pushback.

What this means practically: you can initiate treatment for a new patient via telehealth and prescribe Schedule II–V controlled substances — think Adderall for comorbid ADHD, benzodiazepines for anxiety in your depressed patients, or Ambien for insomnia — without ever seeing them in person, as long as you meet all other standard-of-care requirements.

The Ryan Haight Act (And Why It Still Matters)

Under normal circumstances, the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act requires at least one in-person medical evaluation before prescribing any controlled substance via telemedicine. That law is still on the books. The COVID public health emergency essentially activated an exception, and the DEA has been using temporary rules to keep that exception alive.

Here’s what’s coming: the DEA proposed new permanent rules in January 2025 that would create a Special Registration for Telemedicine. Under this proposal:

• Schedule III–V controlled substances: Any provider could apply for a telemedicine special registration to prescribe these without in-person requirements.
• Schedule II controlled substances: Only certain specialists — psychiatrists (board-certified), hospice/palliative care physicians, nursing home physicians, and certain pediatric specialists — would qualify for an ‘Advanced Telemedicine Prescribing’ registration allowing Schedule II prescribing without initial in-person visits.

Notice who’s explicitly on that Schedule II list? Psychiatrists. Not PMHNPs (at least not in the current proposal). This could create a significant scope-of-practice distinction if enacted as written — psychiatrists would be able to tele-prescribe stimulants for treatment-resistant depression or ADHD to new patients, while NPs might not unless their collaborating physician has the registration.

The DEA is still accepting comments on these rules, so nothing is final. But expect some form of registration requirement and potentially new reporting obligations when these rules take effect, likely late 2026 or 2027.

What About Non-Controlled Depression Medications?

Here’s the simplest part: most first-line depression treatments — SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine, etc. — are not controlled substances. The DEA’s telehealth prescribing restrictions only apply to controlled medications. You can prescribe Lexapro, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, or any other non-controlled antidepressant via telehealth under the same standard of care as in-person, with zero federal restrictions beyond your medical judgment.

The challenge is that psychiatric practice isn’t always that clean. You’re treating the whole patient, which often means managing comorbid anxiety (benzodiazepines), ADHD (stimulants), or insomnia (Z-drugs) — all controlled substances. That’s why these DEA rules matter even for depression-focused providers.

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Psychiatrists vs. PMHNPs: Scope of Practice Isn’t Uniform

Psychiatrists: The Straightforward Case

If you’re a psychiatrist (MD or DO), your scope of practice for depression treatment is about as unrestricted as it gets in medicine. You can:

• Diagnose and treat any mental health condition
• Prescribe any medication (controlled or non-controlled) within your clinical judgment
• Practice independently in all 50 states (no supervision required)
• Obtain a DEA registration in any state where you’re licensed

The only ‘barriers’ you face are the universal ones: you need a medical license in each state where your patients are located, a DEA registration for controlled substances, and compliance with state-specific telehealth and prescribing regulations (which we’ll cover next).

PMHNPs: It Depends Where You Practice

If you’re a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, your scope of practice and prescriptive authority vary dramatically by state. This is the single biggest regulatory headache for NPs in telehealth — what you can do independently in Illinois or California, you’ll need a supervising physician for in Texas or Florida.

Full Practice Authority States (the good news):

• California: As of January 2024, experienced PMHNPs (3+ years, national certification) can achieve ‘104 NP’ status and practice completely independently within their specialty — no physician supervision, no collaborative agreement. You can open your own telepsychiatry practice and manage depression patients autonomously.

• New York: After 3,600 hours of practice, NPs can practice without a written collaborative agreement or physician oversight. This became permanent in 2022. If you’ve been working a couple of years, you’re essentially independent.

• Illinois: PMHNPs can apply for Full Practice Authority after 4,000 hours of clinical practice plus additional education. With FPA, you can diagnose, treat, and prescribe (including controlled substances) independently. You’ll need a consultation process for long-term Schedule II opioids, but that’s rarely relevant to depression practice.

Restricted Practice States (the reality check):

• Texas: You must have a Prescriptive Authority Agreement with a Texas-licensed physician. The physician doesn’t need to be on your video calls, but you need documented monthly meetings to discuss complex cases and they must be available for consultation. No exceptions, no independence — Texas hasn’t budged on this despite recent legislative attempts.

• Florida: Only primary care NPs (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics) can practice autonomously. Psychiatric NPs are explicitly excluded from independent practice. You need a supervising psychiatrist and a signed protocol agreement filed with the Board of Nursing.

• Pennsylvania: No full practice authority. You need a collaborative agreement with a physician (ideally a psychiatrist for psych NPs) that outlines your scope and prescriptive authority. The physician doesn’t co-sign prescriptions, but the agreement must be active and on file.

The Practical Impact

For platforms like Klarity Health, this matters enormously. An experienced PMHNP in California or Illinois can join and see patients completely independently. The same PMHNP in Texas or Florida needs a collaborating psychiatrist on paper — either Klarity provides that structure, or the NP has to bring their own supervising physician.

For prescribing controlled substances, even in collaborative states, most allow NPs to prescribe Schedule II–V medications as long as it’s within the scope of their agreement. But some states (like Texas) restrict NP Schedule II prescribing to very specific settings (hospitals, hospice), which could limit your ability to prescribe Adderall or other stimulants in outpatient telepsychiatry.

The bottom line: know your state’s NP practice laws before you start seeing patients. If you’re in a restricted state, make sure you have the right collaborative structure in place — don’t assume telehealth changes the rules.

State-by-State Telehealth Prescribing: The Details That Matter

Federal rules set the floor, but states can (and do) add their own requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the priority states where most providers practice.

California: Progressive and Permissive

Telehealth prescribing: No state-level restriction on prescribing via telehealth as long as you meet the standard of care. You can establish a patient relationship via live video and prescribe both controlled and non-controlled medications.

Controlled substances: California defers to federal DEA rules. During the current extension (through 2026), you can prescribe Schedule II–V via telehealth to new patients. You must check California’s prescription monitoring program (CURES) before prescribing controlled substances.

Licensure: You need a full California medical license or APRN license. California is not in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, so out-of-state psychiatrists must go through the full licensure process (which takes 3–6 months typically).

NP scope: With AB 890 implementation (2023–2024), experienced PMHNPs can practice independently. This is a game-changer — California went from one of the most restrictive NP states to one of the most progressive.

The catch: California has high practice standards and an active Medical Board. Document everything, obtain proper informed consent for telehealth, and have emergency protocols in place. The state expects the same quality of care via video as in-person.

Texas: Open for Telehealth, Strict on Some Prescribing

Telehealth prescribing: Texas allows a valid patient relationship to be established via live audio-visual telemedicine (video required for new patients — phone-only generally won’t cut it). You can prescribe medications after a proper video evaluation.

The chronic pain exception: Here’s where Texas gets tricky. State law prohibits treating chronic pain with controlled substances via telemedicine unless you’ve seen the patient in person (or via video) within the last 90 days and meet other stringent conditions. This is aimed at opioid prescribing for pain management, not psychiatry — but if you’re treating a patient whose depression overlaps with chronic pain, be cautious.

For routine depression and anxiety treatment (SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines for anxiety, stimulants for ADHD), this restriction doesn’t apply. But document clearly that you’re treating a psychiatric condition, not chronic pain.

Controlled substances: No state prohibition beyond the chronic pain rule. You can prescribe Schedule II–V for psychiatric conditions via telehealth under current DEA flexibilities.

NP requirements: PMHNPs must have a Prescriptive Authority Agreement with a Texas physician. No independent practice. The physician must be available for consultation and you need documented monthly chart reviews.

Licensure: Full Texas license required. Texas is in the IMLC, so physicians from other compact states can get expedited licensure.

Market reality: Texas has a massive shortage of mental health providers — 246 of 254 counties are designated mental health shortage areas. There’s huge demand, but you need to navigate the NP supervision requirements and chronic pain prescribing restrictions carefully.

Florida: Telehealth-Friendly with a Psychiatric Carve-Out

Telehealth prescribing: Florida has an out-of-state telehealth registration option (Florida Statute 456.47), allowing providers licensed in other states to register for telehealth practice in Florida without getting a full Florida license. This is huge for expanding your practice.

The Schedule II psychiatric exception: Florida prohibits prescribing Schedule II controlled substances via telehealth except for: (1) psychiatric disorders, (2) inpatient hospital care, (3) hospice, or (4) nursing home residents.

Translation: You can prescribe Adderall, Ritalin, or other Schedule II medications via telehealth for depression, ADHD, or other psychiatric conditions — the psychiatric disorder exception covers you. Just document the psychiatric diagnosis clearly.

Schedule III–V (like benzodiazepines or non-Schedule II stimulants) have no state restrictions beyond standard prescribing requirements.

NP scope: Florida excludes psychiatric NPs from autonomous practice. You need a supervising psychiatrist and a protocol agreement filed with the Board of Nursing, even if you’re practicing via telehealth.

Licensure: Either a full Florida license or out-of-state telehealth registration. Check Florida’s PDMP (E-FORCSE) before prescribing controlled substances.

Why this matters: Florida’s large and growing population, combined with provider shortages and telehealth-friendly laws, makes it an attractive market — but ensure you meet the supervision requirements for NPs and document psychiatric diagnoses for Schedule II prescribing.

New York: Progressive NP Laws, Strict Licensing

Telehealth prescribing: No state restriction on prescribing via telehealth. New York actively encourages telepsychiatry to reach underserved upstate areas. You can establish a patient relationship via video (or even audio-only for mental health in certain circumstances, per COVID-era policies extended administratively).

Controlled substances: New York defers to federal DEA rules. No additional state prohibition on tele-prescribing.

NP independence: After 3,600 hours of practice, PMHNPs can practice without a written collaborative agreement or physician supervision (permanent as of 2022). This is essentially full practice authority once you meet the experience threshold.

Licensure: Full New York license required (MD or APRN). New York is not in the IMLC or APRN Compact. Licensure can take 4–6 months for out-of-state providers.

E-prescribing: Mandatory for all medications in New York (with limited exceptions). Make sure you’re registered with the state’s prescription monitoring program and using DEA-compliant e-prescribing software.

Market opportunity: High demand upstate and in underserved areas. The state supports tele-mental health through various programs. Regulatory environment is stable and supportive for experienced NPs.

Pennsylvania: Minimal State Telehealth Law, Standard Practice Rules

Telehealth prescribing: Pennsylvania has no comprehensive telehealth statute (legislation has failed multiple times, including attempts that got tangled up in abortion medication politics). However, the Department of State has made clear that licensed professionals can provide telehealth services as long as they meet the standard of care.

Practically: establish a proper patient relationship via video, obtain informed consent for telehealth, document appropriately, and prescribe as you would in person.

Controlled substances: Pennsylvania defers to federal DEA rules. No state prohibition on tele-prescribing controlled substances. You must check Pennsylvania’s PDMP and use electronic prescribing for controlled substances (mandatory in PA with limited exceptions).

NP requirements: No full practice authority. PMHNPs need a collaborative agreement with a physician (filed with the PA Board of Nursing). The physician doesn’t need to be on your telehealth calls but must be available for consultation.

Licensure: Full Pennsylvania license required. PA joined the IMLC in 2021, which helps out-of-state physicians get licensed more easily.

Practice environment: Large rural areas with severe psychiatrist shortages. Telepsychiatry is widely used and encouraged by state agencies. Just ensure you have proper documentation and emergency protocols (the state boards recommend knowing how to activate local emergency services for patients in crisis).

Illinois: Clear Laws, Strong Telehealth Support

Telehealth prescribing: Illinois passed comprehensive telehealth legislation in 2021 (Public Act 102-104) ensuring payment parity and protecting telehealth access. No in-person exam requirement — telehealth evaluation is valid for prescribing if it meets standard of care.

The law explicitly allows telehealth from any location (including patient homes) and forbids insurers from requiring prior in-person visits.

NP Full Practice Authority: Available after 4,000 hours of clinical practice plus additional education (including 45 hours of pharmacology CE). With FPA, PMHNPs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe (including Schedule II–V controlled substances) independently.

Controlled substances: Illinois aligns with federal law. FPA APRNs can prescribe all schedules but must have a physician consultation process for managing long-term high-dose Schedule II opioids (rarely an issue in depression treatment).

Licensure: Full Illinois license required. Illinois is in the IMLC for physicians. The state has also enacted an APRN Compact (not yet in effect pending more states joining).

Why Illinois is attractive: Clear regulations, support for telehealth, pathway to independent practice for NPs, and high demand (especially in downstate areas outside Chicago). The state actively encourages tele-mental health for Medicaid and community health centers.

Audio-only allowance: Illinois permits audio-only telehealth for mental health services in certain circumstances (COVID-era policy extended). Document why video wasn’t possible and attempt video first when feasible.

State-by-State Quick Reference

What This Means for Your Practice

If You’re a Psychiatrist:

The regulatory environment is mostly in your favor. You can practice telehealth in any state where you’re licensed, prescribe controlled and non-controlled medications via video consultations (under current DEA flexibilities through 2026), and operate independently without supervision concerns.

Your main tasks:

1. Get licensed in states where your patients are located. Use the IMLC if you’re in a member state to streamline multi-state licensing (covers TX, FL, PA, IL — but not CA or NY).

2. Stay current on DEA rules. Expect to need a special telemedicine registration after 2026. Monitor DEA announcements and plan for potential new requirements.

3. Check state PDMPs before prescribing controlled substances — every state requires this now.

4. Document appropriately. Telehealth encounters should meet the same documentation standards as in-person. Include how you conducted the mental status exam via video, your assessment of risk, and your treatment rationale.

5. Obtain informed consent for telehealth. Many states explicitly require this. Document that you discussed the limitations of telehealth, privacy/security measures, and emergency procedures.

If You’re a PMHNP:

Your scope depends entirely on where you’re licensed and where your patients are located. Here’s your action plan:

1. Know your state’s NP laws. Are you in a full practice state (CA, NY, IL with FPA) or a restricted state (TX, FL, PA)? This determines whether you can practice independently or need a collaborating physician.

2. If you need collaboration, set it up properly. Don’t try to practice independently in a restricted state — it’s a fast track to board complaints and legal trouble. Make sure your collaborative agreement covers telehealth practice and prescribing authority, is filed with the appropriate board, and the physician is actually available.

3. Understand controlled substance rules in your state. Even with collaboration, some states limit NP Schedule II prescribing. Know what you can and can’t prescribe before you promise a patient Adderall or other stimulants.

4. If you’re in a full practice state, leverage it. The ability to practice independently is a huge competitive advantage. You can see patients, prescribe, and manage care without oversight — which translates to lower overhead and more flexibility.

5. Plan for multi-state practice carefully. If you want to see patients in multiple states via telehealth, you need to navigate each state’s NP laws separately. You might be independent in your home state but need collaboration in others.

The Economic Reality: Why Klarity Health Makes Sense

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: patient acquisition.

Most providers exploring telehealth eventually face this question: ‘Do I build my own practice and handle marketing, or do I join a platform that brings me patients?’

Here’s what you need to know about DIY marketing:

Real Cost of Acquiring Patients:

When you factor in ALL costs of patient acquisition through traditional marketing channels, you’re typically looking at $200–500+ per qualified patient who actually books and shows up. Here’s why:

• Google Ads for mental health keywords: $15–40+ per click. Most clicks don’t convert. A realistic cost per booked patient through PPC is $200–400+.

• SEO (search engine optimization): Takes 6–12 months of consistent investment before generating meaningful patient flow. You need expertise (hire an agency for $2,000–5,000/month) or time (learn it yourself while not seeing patients).

• Directory listings (Psychology Today, Zocdoc): Monthly subscription fees ($100–300/month) PLUS you compete with hundreds of other providers on the same page. Zocdoc charges $35–100+ per booking, and total monthly costs add up quickly when you include the subscription.

• Staff time: Someone has to answer calls, qualify leads, handle no-shows from cold leads, follow up. That’s either your time or you’re paying someone.

Most solo providers don’t have the marketing expertise, the patience for SEO’s long ramp-up, or the budget to gamble $3,000–5,000/month on marketing with uncertain ROI.

The Platform Model:

Platforms like Klarity Health use a pay-per-appointment model (similar to Zocdoc) where you pay a standard listing fee per new patient lead. The value proposition:

• No upfront marketing spend or monthly subscription fees. You only pay when you see patients.

• Pre-qualified patients already matched to your specialty and availability. No wasted time on unqualified leads.

• No ad spend on clicks that don’t convert. The platform handles acquisition and you get patients ready to book.

• Built-in telehealth infrastructure. No separate platform costs, EHR integration, or tech setup.

• Both insurance and cash-pay patient flow. Diversified revenue streams.

• You control your schedule. Only pay when you actually see patients. Scale up or down based on your availability.

The ROI Math:

Instead of spending $3,000–5,000/month on marketing with uncertain results (and potentially zero patients to show for it in months 1–3), you pay only when a qualified patient books with you.

Think of it this way: if traditional marketing costs you $300–400 per acquired patient (after factoring in wasted ad spend, failed campaigns, and staff time), and a platform charges a comparable fee per booking but guarantees the patient is already qualified and scheduled, you’ve eliminated the risk entirely.

For providers starting out or scaling up, this removes the biggest barrier: predictable patient flow without gambling on marketing channels.

Can DIY marketing eventually be cost-effective? Sure — if you have the budget, expertise, and patience. If you’re an established practice with 6–12 months to invest in SEO, resources to hire a marketing team, and tolerance for trial-and-error with ad campaigns, you can build your own patient acquisition engine.

But for most providers, especially those launching a telehealth practice or expanding to new states, a platform that handles patient acquisition removes the risk and lets you focus on what you do best: treating patients.

Preparing for 2027 and Beyond

The DEA’s temporary telehealth flexibilities expire at the end of 2026. Here’s what to expect:

Likely scenario: The DEA finalizes its proposed special telemedicine registration rules in late 2026. Psychiatrists who want to continue prescribing Schedule II controlled substances via telehealth will need to apply for the ‘Advanced Telemedicine Prescribing’ registration. This will probably involve:

• Application fee (likely $100–300 based on DEA registration costs)
• Verification of board certification in psychiatry
• Possibly additional continuing education on telehealth prescribing standards
• Annual or biannual renewal

For Schedule III–V prescribing, the standard telemedicine registration will apply (available to any licensed prescriber).

What to do now:

1. Stay informed. Follow DEA announcements and professional organization updates (APA, AANP).

2. Document meticulously. Even under current flexibilities, maintain records showing you conducted proper evaluations before prescribing controlled substances via telehealth.

3. Plan for registration. Budget time and money for applying for the special registration when it becomes available.

4. Consider your practice mix. If a significant portion of your depression patients need Schedule II medications (stimulants for ADHD, certain augmentation strategies), ensure you’ll qualify for the advanced registration. If most of your patients are on SSRIs and maybe some Schedule IV benzos, the standard registration will suffice.

For PMHNPs: The current DEA proposal doesn’t include NPs in the advanced telemedicine registration for Schedule II. This could change based on public comments, but if it doesn’t, you may need to ensure your collaborating physician (in states requiring one) has the registration, or limit Schedule II prescribing to in-person encounters. Stay engaged with AANP advocacy efforts on this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prescribe antidepressants via telehealth without ever seeing a patient in person?

Yes, absolutely. Non-controlled antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine, etc.) have no federal in-person requirement. As long as you conduct a proper evaluation via video (or phone where state law allows), obtain informed consent, and document appropriately, you can diagnose and treat depression entirely via telehealth.

What about controlled substances for anxiety or ADHD in my depression patients?

Under current DEA rules (through December 31, 2026), you can prescribe Schedule II–V controlled substances via telehealth without an initial in-person visit. This includes benzodiazepines for anxiety, stimulants for ADHD, or sleep medications. After 2026, you’ll likely need a DEA telemedicine registration to continue this practice.

Do I need a license in every state where my patients are located?

Yes. Telehealth doesn’t change licensure requirements. If your patient is in Texas during the video call, you need a Texas medical or APRN license. Some states (like Florida) offer special telehealth registrations for out-of-state providers, which can be easier than full licensure.

Can I practice in multiple states via telehealth?

Absolutely, but you need proper licensure in each state. Physicians can use the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) to streamline getting licensed in multiple states if their home state is a member. NPs should check if their state has joined the APRN Compact (still limited as of 2025).

What if I’m a PMHNP in a state that requires physician collaboration?

You must have a collaborative agreement with a physician licensed in that state, filed with the appropriate board, before you can practice. The physician doesn’t need to be on your telehealth calls, but the agreement must outline your scope of practice and prescribing authority, and the physician must be available for consultation.

Are there states where I can’t prescribe certain medications via telehealth?

A few state-specific restrictions exist:

• Texas: Cannot treat chronic pain with controlled substances via telehealth (but psychiatric prescribing is fine).
• Florida: Cannot prescribe Schedule II controlled substances via telehealth except for psychiatric disorders, hospital/hospice care, or nursing home patients (so you’re covered for psych practice).

Always check your state’s specific rules, but most states don’t prohibit psychiatric prescribing via telehealth.

How do I handle emergencies during a telehealth session?

Have a protocol in place before you start. This should include:

• Knowing the patient’s physical location for each session
• Having emergency contact information on file
• Knowing how to contact local emergency services (911, mobile crisis teams) in the patient’s area
• Clear documentation of your emergency procedures in your consent forms

What about prescribing for minors via telehealth?

Prescribing for minors follows the same state laws as in-person care (parental consent requirements, etc.). Some states have specific rules about treating minors via telehealth — check your state’s regulations. Generally, if you can treat and prescribe for a minor in person, you can do so via telehealth with proper consent.

Do I need malpractice insurance that covers telehealth?

Yes. Make sure your malpractice policy explicitly covers telehealth practice. Most modern policies do, but if your policy is older or you’re adding telehealth to an existing practice, notify your carrier and confirm coverage. Some states (like Florida for out-of-state telehealth registrants) explicitly require proof of malpractice coverage.

Making the Right Choice for Your Practice

The regulatory environment for telehealth prescribing in depression treatment is more favorable now than it’s ever been — and likely to remain that way with some new requirements after 2026.

As a psychiatrist, you have maximum flexibility: practice independently, prescribe the full range of medications, and expand to multiple states with proper licensing.

As a PMHNP, your scope depends on your state, but the trend is clearly toward greater independence. California, New York, and Illinois have all moved to allow experienced NPs to practice autonomously in recent years, and more states are likely to follow.

The real question isn’t whether you can practice telehealth — you absolutely can. The question is how you want to build your practice: invest months and thousands of dollars in marketing with uncertain ROI, or join a platform that brings you qualified patients and handles the infrastructure while you focus on clinical care.

Platforms like Klarity Health remove the biggest barrier for most providers: predictable patient flow. Instead of gambling on SEO or Google Ads, you pay only when you see patients. No upfront marketing spend, no wasted ad budget on clicks that don’t convert, no staff time fielding unqualified leads.

If you’re ready to expand your telehealth practice, understand your state’s rules, ensure you have proper licensure and (for NPs) collaboration agreements where required, document thoroughly, and choose a practice model that makes economic sense.

The regulatory complexity is real, but it’s navigable. And the opportunity — reaching underserved patients, practicing with flexibility, and building a sustainable income — is absolutely worth it.

Sources

1. HHS Press Release – ‘HHS & DEA Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescribing Controlled Medications Through 2026’ (January 2, 2026). Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html

2. DEA Press Release – ‘DEA Announces Three New Telemedicine Rules to Continue Open Access to Care’ (January 16, 2025). Available at: https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/01/16/dea-announces-three-new-telemedicine-rules-continue-open-access

3. Florida Statutes §456.47 – Use of Telehealth to Provide Services. Available at: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?Appmode=DisplayStatute&URL=0400-0499/0456/Sections/0456.47.html

4. Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 9 §174.5 – Telemedicine Issuance of Prescriptions (Last updated January 15, 2025). Available at: https://txrules.elaws.us/rule/title22chapter174sec.174.5

5. California Board of Registered Nursing – AB 890 Implementation (Updated January 2023). Available at: https://www.rn.ca.gov/practice/ab890.shtml

Source:

• https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html#:~:text=announced%20a%20fourth%20temporary%20extension,disruptions%20in%20care%20while%20permanent
• https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/01/16/dea-announces-three-new-telemedicine-rules-continue-open-access#:~:text=registration%20is%20available%20to%20medical,V%20medications
• https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/01/16/dea-announces-three-new-telemedicine-rules-continue-open-access#:~:text=These%20rules%20are%20a%20result,temporary%20rule%20until%20December%202025
• https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/01/16/dea-announces-three-new-telemedicine-rules-continue-open-access#:~:text=is%20accessible%20for%20medical%20care,is%20being%20prescribed%20controlled%20medication
• https://www.rn.ca.gov/practice/ab890.shtml#:~:text=%2A%20103%20NP%20,focus%20of%20their%20National%20Certification
• https://www.rivkinrounds.com/2022/04/new-law-allows-experienced-nps-to-practice-independently-in-ny/#:~:text=New%20York%20law%20previously%20allowed,based%20on%20only
• https://txrules.elaws.us/rule/title22chapter174sec.174.5#:~:text=,person%20setting
• https://txrules.elaws.us/rule/title22chapter174sec.174.5#:~:text=,be
• https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?Appmode=DisplayStatute&URL=0400-0499%2F0456%2FSections%2F0456.47.html#:~:text=telehealth%20to%20provide%20health%20care,in%20Schedule%20II%20of%20s
• https://txrules.elaws.us/rule/title22chapter174sec.174.5#:~:text=,through%20a%20telemedicine%20medical%20service