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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Substance Use and Misuse in Rural Areas – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

Mar 24, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) further delaying the January 17, 2025, final rules titled "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients." These final rules will now be effective December 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 18, 2025 -

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) regarding opioid use. The renewal extends the PHE for 90 days. Outlines federal coordination allowed by the PHE and highlights recent successes in decreasing overdose deaths.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Feb 19, 2025 - Notice from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) delaying the January 17, 2025, final rules titled "Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter" and "Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients" in accordance with the January 20, 2025, presidential memorandum titled "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review." These final rules will now be effective March 21, 2025. Comments regarding the delayed effective date are due by February 28, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Last Updated: 3/21/2025