How to Prescribe Controlled Substances to Patients During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

These policies are effective beginning March 31, 2020, and will remain in effect for the duration of the public health emergency, unless DEA specifies an earlier date. This decision tree summarizes policies adopted in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to allow DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe controlled substances without having to interact in-person with their patients the policies. This decision tree is for quick reference and does not provide a complete description of all requirements.