Telehealth Prescribing Rules by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether telehealth prescribing is permitted, whether an in-person visit is required first, and the rules governing controlled-substance prescribing via telehealth.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Telehealth Allowed	In-Person First	Controlled Substances
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed w/ DEA
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	No	Limited Schedule II
Yes	No	Limited Schedule II
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes (Schedule II)	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No (post-COVID)	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes (controlled)	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed
Yes	Yes	Limited
Yes	No	Allowed

The federal Ryan Haight Act generally requires an in-person exam before prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine, with COVID-19 flexibilities extended by the DEA through December 2025. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact streamlines cross-state telehealth practice in participating states.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.