Jeremy Sherer on DEA’s Fourth Telehealth Prescribing Extension with Axios

With the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) extending pandemic-era waivers allowing providers to prescribe certain controlled substances via telehealth through the end of 2026, Orrick’s Jeremy Sherer speaks with Axios on what this means for health care companies and other industry stakeholders.

• Why It Matters: While the extension is a relief for many, the long-term policy landscape remains uncertain. This ambiguity is shaping how investors and companies approach telemedicine, especially those in clinical verticals where controlled substances prescribing is commonplace (e.g., psychiatry).
• What It Means for Health Care Companies: Companies offering virtual treatment may need to fundamentally change their business models if in-person requirements return.
• Jeremy says “it’s possible that the DEA will require in-person exams, so companies should at least have hybrid workflows on the table as they plan for 2027 and beyond.”