The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration extended temporary telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances through the end of 2026, according to MedCity News. The fourth extension maintains relaxed rules that enabled remote prescribing during the pandemic era. Telehealth and patient‑access advocates praised the move but pushed for permanent policy changes. The extension affects companies building virtual care platforms, digital therapeutics that require controlled prescriptions, and telepharmacy services that rely on remote clinician‑patient interactions.