Who can prescribe Zoloft? NP vs MD

If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’ve probably wondered whether you can skip the traditional doctor’s office and get help online. The short answer is yes—in 2025, it’s completely legal to receive anxiety medication through telehealth in all 50 states. But like many aspects of healthcare, the details matter.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting prescribed anxiety medication online, from which medications are available to how telehealth prescribing works across different states.

Understanding Telehealth for Anxiety Treatment

Telehealth has transformed mental healthcare access, especially for anxiety disorders. A video visit with a licensed provider can now replace the traditional in-person consultation for many patients, making treatment more accessible for those in rural areas, with mobility challenges, or simply juggling busy schedules.

The pandemic accelerated this shift dramatically. What began as an emergency measure has evolved into a permanent fixture of modern healthcare delivery. Today’s telehealth platforms connect patients with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe appropriate medications—all through secure video consultations.

What Makes Anxiety Treatment Different Online?

Anxiety treatment via telehealth works remarkably well because diagnosis primarily relies on discussing symptoms, medical history, and functional impact rather than physical examination. Providers use standardized screening tools like the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) questionnaire to assess severity and track progress over time.

For many patients, the convenience and reduced stigma of online care actually improves treatment adherence. You can attend appointments from the privacy of your home, schedule sessions during lunch breaks, and avoid the anxiety that ironically comes with visiting a medical office.

Free consultations available with select providers only.

Get a free consultation

And find an affordable, caring specialist.

Find a provider

Free consultations available with select providers only.

Which Anxiety Medications Can Be Prescribed Online?

Here’s where it gets important: not all anxiety medications are treated equally under telehealth regulations. The key distinction is between controlled and non-controlled substances.

Non-Controlled Medications (Fully Available via Telehealth)

The good news is that first-line anxiety medications—the ones most commonly prescribed—are not controlled substances and can be prescribed via telehealth without special restrictions:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):

• Lexapro (escitalopram) – Often considered a first choice due to its effectiveness and tolerability
• Zoloft (sertraline) – Another popular first-line option with extensive evidence backing
• Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and others

Other Non-Controlled Options:

• Buspar (buspirone) – A unique anti-anxiety medication that doesn’t cause sedation or dependence
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) – An antihistamine used for short-term anxiety relief and sleep support
• SNRIs like Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine)

These medications carry no DEA restrictions for telehealth prescribing. Your provider can write prescriptions for 30-, 60-, or even 90-day supplies with refills authorized for up to one year—just as they would in person.

Controlled Substances (Limited or Unavailable)

Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) are Schedule IV controlled substances. Under current federal rules:

• The DEA’s pandemic-era flexibility allowing telehealth prescribing of controlled substances has been extended through December 31, 2026
• However, most reputable telehealth platforms choose not to prescribe benzodiazepines online due to addiction risks and evolving regulations
• When the temporary extension expires, new rules will likely require an initial in-person visit before controlled substances can be prescribed via telehealth

Why This Matters: If you’re specifically seeking benzodiazepines, you’ll likely need to see a provider in person. But for evidence-based anxiety treatment, SSRIs and other non-controlled options are actually preferred first-line therapies with better long-term outcomes and no dependence risk.

The Legal Framework: Federal Rules Explained

Understanding the legal landscape helps explain why some medications are readily available online while others aren’t.

The Ryan Haight Act and What It Actually Covers

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act (2008) requires an in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances via the internet. However—and this is crucial—the law only applies to controlled substances.

SSRIs, buspirone, and hydroxyzine were never subject to this requirement because they’re not controlled by the DEA. You’ve always been able to get these medications prescribed via telehealth under standard medical practice rules.

COVID-Era Flexibility and Current Extensions

During the pandemic, the DEA issued temporary waivers allowing controlled substance prescribing via telehealth without the initial in-person visit. This flexibility was critical for patients on medications like ADHD stimulants and benzodiazepines.

The DEA has now extended this waiver four times, most recently through December 31, 2026. This gives regulators time to finalize permanent telehealth prescribing rules while preventing care disruptions for millions of patients.

For non-controlled anxiety medications, these extensions don’t directly affect you—your access was already established and remains stable.

State-by-State Variations: What You Need to Know

While federal law sets the baseline, individual states add their own requirements. Here’s what varies:

In-Person Visit Requirements

Most states (including CA, NY, TX, FL): No in-person visit required for telehealth prescribing of non-controlled medications. A proper telehealth consultation counts as a valid examination.

States with periodic check-in rules:

• Missouri – Patients receiving only telehealth care from the Department of Mental Health must have an in-person visit within 6 months, then annually (applies to specific DMH programs; private telehealth providers follow standard telehealth rules)
• New Hampshire – Requires at least annual evaluation by a prescriber for ongoing prescriptions (can be via telehealth)
• Alabama – General rule requires in-person visit within 12 months if more than 4 telehealth visits for the same condition, but mental health services are exempt

These requirements aim to ensure quality oversight while preserving telehealth access. For most patients using private telehealth platforms, you won’t encounter mandatory in-person visits for anxiety medication management.

Provider Licensing Requirements

Your telehealth provider must be licensed in your state. This is non-negotiable. You can’t see a California-licensed provider if you live in Texas (unless that provider also holds a Texas license).

Many telehealth companies employ providers licensed in multiple states or partner with local clinicians to ensure coverage. When you sign up, you’ll enter your location, and the platform will match you with an appropriately licensed provider.

Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMPs)

States maintain prescription drug monitoring databases primarily for controlled substances. Since SSRIs and buspirone aren’t controlled, no state requires PMP checks specifically for prescribing these medications.

However, responsible providers may review your profile as best practice to see if you’re taking any controlled substances that could interact with anxiety treatment or complicate your care plan.

Who Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication via Telehealth?

Different types of providers can treat anxiety online, each with varying levels of autonomy depending on state law.

Physicians (MD/DO)

Psychiatrists and primary care physicians with mental health training can prescribe all non-controlled anxiety medications via telehealth in any state where they’re licensed. They face no special restrictions beyond standard medical practice requirements.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are increasingly important in telehealth mental health care. They can prescribe SSRIs, buspirone, and other non-controlled anxiety medications in all 50 states, though the level of independence varies:

Independent Practice States (NPs need no physician oversight):

• New York (for NPs with 3,600+ practice hours)
• Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and about 20 other states

Collaborative Practice States (NPs require physician agreements):

• Texas, Florida, California (though CA is transitioning to independent practice), Georgia, Alabama, Missouri

In collaborative states, the NP works under a practice agreement with a supervising physician. From your perspective as a patient, the care experience is identical—you’ll still have video visits with the NP, who prescribes your medication. The collaboration happens behind the scenes to meet legal requirements.

Physician Assistants (PAs)

PAs practice medicine under physician supervision in all states. They can prescribe non-controlled anxiety medications via telehealth, with their supervising physician’s authorization included in their practice agreement.

Some states have adopted more flexible ‘Optimal Team Practice’ models that reduce administrative oversight burdens while maintaining quality standards.

Important Note: Legitimate telehealth platforms ensure their providers practice within legal scope requirements. If you’re matched with an NP or PA, you can trust they have the authority to treat your anxiety in your state.

How the Telehealth Prescribing Process Actually Works

Let’s walk through what to expect when seeking anxiety medication online:

Initial Assessment

Sign-Up and Intake: You’ll create an account, verify your identity, and complete detailed intake forms covering:

• Current symptoms and their impact on daily life
• Mental health history (previous diagnoses, treatments, hospitalizations)
• Medical history and current medications
• Family psychiatric history
• Substance use screening
• Safety assessment (suicidal thoughts, self-harm)

Standardized Screening: You’ll complete validated questionnaires like the GAD-7 or PHQ-9 (for depression). These provide objective measures of symptom severity.

Video Consultation: A licensed provider reviews your information and meets with you via secure video. Expect a thorough discussion of:

• When your anxiety started and what triggers it
• How symptoms affect work, relationships, and daily functioning
• What you’ve tried before (therapy, medications, coping strategies)
• Treatment goals and preferences
• Medication risks, benefits, and expected timeline

This isn’t a rubber-stamp process. A quality provider will only prescribe if medication is clinically appropriate. They may recommend therapy alone, combination treatment, or refer you for in-person evaluation if your situation is complex.

Prescription and Pharmacy

If medication is prescribed, the provider sends an electronic prescription directly to your chosen pharmacy. You’ll pick it up (or have it delivered) just like any other prescription.

Starting Doses: For SSRIs, providers typically prescribe a 30-day supply initially to assess tolerability and response. Dosage might need adjustment in the first few weeks.

Maintenance Refills: Once you’re stable on a dose, you can often get 90-day supplies for convenience, with refills authorized for several months.

Follow-Up Care

Responsible telehealth care includes regular monitoring:

Initial Follow-Up: Usually 2–4 weeks after starting medication to check:

• Side effects (nausea, sleep changes, etc.)
• Early response to treatment
• Any concerning symptoms (especially in younger patients, due to FDA black-box warnings about suicidal thoughts)

Ongoing Management: Monthly or quarterly check-ins to assess:

• Whether symptoms are improving
• If dosage adjustments are needed
• How you’re tolerating the medication
• Whether additional support (therapy, lifestyle changes) would help

Access Between Visits: Good platforms provide messaging portals or nurse lines to address questions or concerns between scheduled appointments.

Platforms Like Klarity Health

When choosing a telehealth provider, look for services that prioritize comprehensive, patient-centered care. Klarity Health, for example, emphasizes:

• Provider Availability: Quick scheduling with licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Transparent Pricing: Clear upfront costs with no surprise bills
• Insurance and Cash Pay Options: Accepting major insurance plans while also offering affordable self-pay rates for those without coverage or with high deductibles
• Integrated Care: Combining medication management with therapy referrals and ongoing support

This holistic approach recognizes that medication is often just one piece of effective anxiety treatment.

Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Online Anxiety Treatment?

Telehealth works wonderfully for many people but isn’t appropriate for everyone.

Ideal Candidates

✅ Adults with mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Adjustment disorders with anxious features

✅ Stable medical and psychiatric history

• No active suicidal thoughts or plans
• No recent psychiatric hospitalizations
• No uncontrolled bipolar disorder or psychotic symptoms

✅ Access to emergency care if needed

• Ability to go to ER or call crisis services
• Support system in place

✅ Motivated for treatment

• Willing to take medication consistently
• Committed to follow-up appointments
• Open to therapy or lifestyle changes alongside medication

When Telehealth Isn’t Appropriate

❌ Active safety concerns:

• Current suicidal ideation with plan or intent
• Active self-harm behaviors
• Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
• Acute mania or severe depression

❌ Complex psychiatric conditions:

• Uncontrolled bipolar disorder (SSRIs can trigger mania)
• Treatment-resistant anxiety (multiple failed medication trials)
• Co-occurring severe substance use disorders requiring specialized treatment

❌ Medical complexity requiring physical exam:

• Suspected medical causes of anxiety (thyroid disease, cardiac issues)
• Multiple complex medical conditions
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (often requires specialized consultation)

What Happens if You’re Not Eligible: Responsible telehealth providers will be honest if they can’t safely treat you online. They should provide referrals to:

• Local emergency services (if urgent)
• In-person psychiatric clinics
• Specialized treatment programs (dual diagnosis, intensive outpatient)
• Community mental health centers

This screening protects your safety and ensures you get the right level of care.

Medication Details: What to Expect

Let’s dive deeper into the most commonly prescribed telehealth anxiety medications:

SSRIs (First-Line Treatment)

How They Work: SSRIs increase serotonin availability in the brain, which helps regulate mood and anxiety over time.

Timeline:

• Side effects (usually mild): First 1–2 weeks
• Initial improvement: 2–4 weeks
• Full effect: 6–12 weeks

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea (usually temporary)
• Sleep changes (either drowsiness or insomnia)
• Sexual side effects (decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm)
• Weight changes

Important Safety Info:

• FDA black-box warning for patients under 25: Increased risk of suicidal thinking when first starting (requires close monitoring)
• Should not be stopped abruptly (taper under provider guidance)
• May interact with other medications (always disclose all drugs/supplements)

Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Both are excellent first-line choices. Lexapro is often favored for generalized anxiety, while Zoloft has robust evidence for panic disorder and social anxiety. Your provider will consider your specific symptoms, medical history, and any medication preferences.

Buspar (Buspirone)

Unique Properties:

• Non-sedating (won’t make you drowsy)
• No risk of dependence or withdrawal
• Doesn’t impair cognition or coordination
• Taken 2–3 times daily (not as-needed)

Timeline: Gradual onset over 2–4 weeks, similar to SSRIs.

Best For: Generalized anxiety, especially if you want to avoid SSRIs or need additional anxiety relief while on an SSRI.

Limitations: Less effective for panic attacks or social anxiety than SSRIs.

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

How It Works: Antihistamine with calming properties; works within 30–60 minutes.

Best For:

• Short-term anxiety relief
• Sleep support
• ‘Rescue’ medication for acute anxiety spikes

Caution: Causes drowsiness—don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Not suitable for daily long-term use as a sole anxiety treatment.

Non-Habit Forming: Unlike benzodiazepines, hydroxyzine has no addiction potential.

Cost Considerations and Insurance Coverage

One major advantage of telehealth is often lower costs compared to traditional psychiatry.

Telehealth Visit Costs

With Insurance:Most major insurance plans now cover telehealth mental health visits at the same rate as in-person appointments (thanks to COVID-era parity laws that many states made permanent). You’ll pay your standard copay—typically $20–$50 per visit.

Self-Pay:Without insurance, initial consultations range from $99–$299, with follow-ups around $79–$150. These rates are often significantly lower than traditional out-of-network psychiatry (which can run $300–$500+ per session).

Platforms like Klarity Health accept both insurance and cash pay, giving you flexibility. Transparent upfront pricing means you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay before booking.

Medication Costs

Generic SSRIs are remarkably affordable:

• With insurance: $5–$30 copay per month
• Without insurance: $10–$50 per month at major pharmacies
• With discount cards (GoodRx, etc.): Often $4–$15 per month

Brand-Name Medications (if generics don’t work for you):

• With insurance: Variable copay ($30–$100+)
• Without insurance: $200–$400+ per month

Buspirone and Hydroxyzine are also available as inexpensive generics.

Cost Comparison

Bottom Line: Telehealth often provides better value—comparable quality at lower cost with far greater convenience.

Red Flags: How to Avoid Questionable Telehealth Providers

As telehealth has grown, so have some concerning practices. Here’s how to identify legitimate services:

Warning Signs of Problematic Providers

🚩 Guaranteed Prescriptions Before EvaluationLegitimate providers never promise specific medications upfront. If a service advertises ‘Get your Xanax prescription online in 15 minutes,’ run the other way.

🚩 No Live Consultation RequiredProper care requires real-time interaction with a licensed provider. Questionnaire-only services that auto-generate prescriptions aren’t following the standard of care.

🚩 Unclear Licensing InformationThe provider’s state license should be clearly visible, and they must be licensed in your state. Vague language like ‘US-licensed physicians’ without state specifics is a red flag.

🚩 Selling Medications DirectlyLegitimate services send prescriptions to regular pharmacies. ‘Online pharmacies’ that ship medications directly without going through licensed pharmacies are often illegal operations selling counterfeit or dangerous drugs.

🚩 No Follow-Up CareIf the service disappears after writing your prescription with no scheduled follow-up or way to contact them about problems, that’s abandonment of care.

🚩 Pressure Tactics or UpsellingEthical providers focus on your health needs, not maximizing revenue. Be wary of aggressive sales pitches for expensive supplement packages or unnecessary add-on services.

What Legitimate Services Look Like

✅ Licensed providers whose credentials you can verify✅ Thorough intake and symptom assessment✅ Live video or phone consultation (not just forms)✅ Honest discussion of whether you’re a good candidate✅ Clear explanation of treatment options, risks, and alternatives✅ Electronic prescriptions sent to your pharmacy of choice✅ Scheduled follow-up appointments✅ Access to support between visits✅ Transparent pricing and insurance information✅ HIPAA-compliant privacy protections

The Role of Therapy in Anxiety Treatment

While this article focuses on medication, it’s important to emphasize that medication works best when combined with therapy for most people.

Why Combination Treatment Is Gold Standard

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you:

• Identify and change anxious thought patterns
• Develop coping skills for managing anxiety
• Face avoided situations gradually (exposure therapy)
• Build long-term resilience

Research shows that CBT plus medication produces:

• Faster improvement than either alone
• Better long-term outcomes
• Lower relapse rates after treatment ends
• Skills you can use for life

Therapy Options via Telehealth

Many telehealth platforms offer:

• Integrated care: Medication management + therapy with coordinated providers
• Therapy referrals: Connections to licensed therapists who offer teletherapy
• Self-guided programs: App-based CBT tools to supplement provider care

Quality platforms like Klarity Health recognize that comprehensive mental health care addresses both biological and psychological factors, offering pathways to both medication and therapy support.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Telehealth Anxiety Treatment

The telehealth landscape continues to evolve. Here’s what to expect:

Regulatory Developments

DEA Rules: Final regulations on controlled substance prescribing via telehealth are expected in 2026. While this will primarily affect benzodiazepines and stimulants, it’s unlikely to restrict access to SSRIs and other non-controlled anxiety medications—those have always been telehealth-permissible and will remain so.

State Legislation: Many states are working on:

• Interstate licensure compacts (making it easier for providers to practice across state lines)
• Expanded nurse practitioner autonomy
• Permanent telehealth parity laws
• Standards for asynchronous care (like secure messaging with providers)

Technology Advances

Integration with wearables: Smartwatches tracking heart rate variability, sleep, and activity could provide objective anxiety data to share with providers.

AI-assisted screening: Machine learning tools may help identify patients who need urgent intervention or aren’t responding to treatment.

Hybrid care models: Expect more seamless integration of telehealth and in-person care, with patients flexibly choosing the format for each visit.

Access Improvements

Telehealth has proven especially valuable for:

• Rural communities with provider shortages
• Marginalized populations who face barriers to traditional care
• People with mobility limitations or transportation challenges
• Working adults who can’t take time off for appointments

As telehealth infrastructure improves and reimbursement stabilizes, these access benefits should expand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get anxiety medication without seeing a doctor in person?

Yes. For non-controlled medications like SSRIs, buspirone, and hydroxyzine, a telehealth video consultation is legally equivalent to an in-person visit in all 50 states. You do not need an in-person exam to get these medications prescribed online.

Will my insurance cover online anxiety treatment?

Most major insurance plans cover telehealth mental health visits at the same rate as in-person appointments. Check your specific plan, but coverage is now widespread due to pandemic-era parity laws that many states made permanent. If you don’t have insurance, affordable cash-pay options are available through platforms that accept self-pay patients.

How long does the process take?

From signing up to getting your first prescription can happen in as little as 24–48 hours with many platforms. Initial consultations are typically scheduled within days (sometimes same-day), and prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy immediately after the visit if appropriate.

Can I get Xanax or other benzodiazepines online?

Most reputable telehealth platforms do not prescribe benzodiazepines due to addiction risks and evolving federal regulations. While temporary DEA flexibility allows it through 2026, responsible providers typically require in-person evaluations for controlled substances. For anxiety treatment, evidence-based non-controlled options (SSRIs, buspirone) are preferred first-line therapies with better long-term outcomes.

What if the medication doesn’t work or I have side effects?

Your provider should schedule follow-up within 2–4 weeks to assess response and side effects. If a medication isn’t working or causes problems, your provider can adjust the dose, switch medications, or recommend additional interventions. Most platforms also offer messaging or nurse lines between visits for concerns that can’t wait.

Do I need to continue telehealth visits long-term?

While starting medication requires regular follow-up initially, once you’re stable, visits can become less frequent (every 3–6 months for medication checks). Many people use telehealth long-term for convenience, though you can always transition to in-person care if you prefer. Some states may eventually require periodic in-person visits for quality assurance, but this is not currently widespread for anxiety treatment.

Can I use telehealth if I’m already seeing another provider?

It’s important to coordinate care. You should inform both providers if you’re seeing multiple clinicians to avoid duplicate prescriptions or conflicting treatments. Many people successfully combine telehealth psychiatry (for medications) with in-person therapy or primary care.

Taking the Next Step: Getting Started with Telehealth Anxiety Treatment

If you’re ready to explore anxiety treatment via telehealth:

1. Research Your Options

Look for platforms that offer:

• Licensed providers in your state
• Transparent pricing and insurance acceptance
• Clear treatment philosophy emphasizing evidence-based care
• Positive patient reviews and appropriate credentials

Klarity Health offers comprehensive telehealth psychiatry with:

• Board-certified providers available in multiple states
• Both insurance and affordable cash-pay options
• Quick appointment scheduling (often within days)
• Integrated approach combining medication management and therapy resources
• Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees

2. Prepare for Your Consultation

Before your visit, gather:

• List of current symptoms and when they started
• Previous mental health treatments (medications, therapy, what worked/didn’t)
• Medical history and current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements)
• Family psychiatric history
• Questions or concerns about treatment options

3. Be Honest and Open

The more honest you are about your symptoms, concerns, and preferences, the better your provider can help. This includes:

• Substance use (past or current)
• Suicidal thoughts (even if you wouldn’t act on them)
• Treatment goals and fears
• Financial constraints or insurance limitations

4. Commit to the Process

Anxiety treatment takes time. SSRIs typically need 6–12 weeks to show full benefit. Plan to:

• Take medication as prescribed consistently
• Attend scheduled follow-ups
• Track your symptoms and side effects
• Communicate openly with your provider
• Consider therapy alongside medication
• Practice self-care (sleep, exercise, stress management)

5. Know When to Seek Additional Help

Contact your provider immediately if you experience:

• Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
• Severe side effects
• Manic symptoms (if you have bipolar history)
• Concerning physical symptoms

Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment if something feels wrong.

Conclusion: Anxiety Treatment Is More Accessible Than Ever

The expansion of telehealth has revolutionized anxiety treatment, making evidence-based care available to millions who previously faced barriers. Whether you live in a rural area, have a demanding work schedule, or simply prefer the privacy and convenience of video visits, legitimate online platforms can connect you with qualified providers who can prescribe effective anxiety medications.

The key takeaways:

✅ It’s legal and safe to get prescribed non-controlled anxiety medications like SSRIs and buspirone via telehealth in all 50 states

✅ You don’t need an in-person visit for these medications—a proper telehealth consultation meets medical and legal standards

✅ Licensed providers (psychiatrists, psychiatric NPs, and PAs) can all prescribe these medications within their scope of practice

✅ Quality platforms offer comprehensive care including proper assessment, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing monitoring

✅ Medication works best when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes

✅ Access is improving with better insurance coverage, lower costs, and growing provider availability

If anxiety is interfering with your life, work, relationships, or well-being, you don’t have to struggle alone. Effective treatment is more accessible than ever—and taking that first step toward getting help might be easier than you think.

Remember: anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right support, most people experience significant improvement. Telehealth has simply made that support more convenient, affordable, and available when you need it.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or go to your nearest emergency room. Telehealth services are for non-emergency care.

References

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2026, January 2). DEA Announces Fourth Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescribing Controlled Substances. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html

2. Center for Connected Health Policy. (2025, December 15). Online Prescribing: 50-State Telehealth Policy Tracker. https://www.cchpca.org/topic/online-prescribing/

3. Sheppard Mullin. (2025, August 15). Telehealth and In-Person Visits: Tracking Federal and State Updates Post-Pandemic Era. National Law Review. https://natlawreview.com/article/telehealth-and-person-visits-tracking-federal-and-state-updates-pandemic-era

4. Ropes & Gray LLP. (2024, July). Controlling Opinions: Latest Developments Regarding Controlled Substance Issues in Telemedicine. https://www.ropesgray.com/en/insights/podcasts/2024/07/controlling-opinions-latest-developments-regarding-controlled-substance-issues-in-telemedicine

5. U.S. Department of Justice. (2025, December 17). Digital Health Company and Medical Practice Indicted in $100M Adderall Distribution Scheme. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/digital-health-company-and-medical-practice-indicted-100m-adderall-distribution-scheme

Source:

• https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html#:~:text=announced%20a%20fourth%20temporary%20extension,while%20permanent%20rules%20are%20finalized
• https://www.ropesgray.com/en/insights/podcasts/2024/07/controlling-opinions-latest-developments-regarding-controlled-substance-issues-in-telemedicine#:~:text=practice%20of%20telemedicine,via%20telehealth%20for%20the%20controlled
• https://www.axios.com/2024/11/18/covid-telehealth-prescribing-extended-adderall#:~:text=The%20Drug%20Enforcement%20Administration%20,this%20flexibility%20has%20been%20prolonged
• https://natlawreview.com/article/telehealth-and-person-visits-tracking-federal-and-state-updates-pandemic-era?amp=#:~:text=In%20late%202024%2C%20the%20U,prescribing
• https://www.cchpca.org/topic/online-prescribing/#:~:text=patient%20at%20an%20originating%20site,person%20visit%20for%20this%20purpose
• https://www.cchpca.org/topic/online-prescribing/#:~:text=If%20a%20physician%20or%20practice,resolution%2C%20the%20physician%20shall%20either
• https://natlawreview.com/article/telehealth-and-person-visits-tracking-federal-and-state-updates-pandemic-era?amp=#:~:text=1,long%20as%20the%20issuing%20provider
• https://natlawreview.com/article/telehealth-and-person-visits-tracking-federal-and-state-updates-pandemic-era?amp=#:~:text=3,opioid%20and%20Schedule%20II
• https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-43/chapter-34/article-2/section-43-34-25/#:~:text=Community%20Health%20as%20a%20birthing,has%20entered%20into%20a%20nurse
• https://natlawreview.com/article/telehealth-and-person-visits-tracking-federal-and-state-updates-pandemic-era?amp=#:~:text=4,hybrid%20approach%2C%20permitting%20telehealth%20prescribing