[Gulf Telehealth](/)
- [Texas](/states#texas)
- [Louisiana](/states#louisiana)
- [Mississippi](/states#mississippi)
- [Alabama](/states#alabama)
- [Florida](/states#florida)
[Storm continuity](/storm-continuity) [Prescribing rules](/controlled-prescriptions)
[Gulf Telehealth](/) / Controlled prescriptions
# A federal extension leaves state questions open
One federal rule doesn’t settle the whole prescription. The date, state and kind of visit matter too.
Rules as of October 2026. A controlled substance is a medicine with extra legal controls. “Schedules” are the numbered legal categories. We keep three questions in view: the federal rule, the state's rules and whether the actual visit meets their conditions.
## Keep December 31, 2026 in view
HHS says the federal telemedicine flexibility [runs through December 31, 2026](https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/prescribing-controlled-substances-via-telehealth). Under its conditions, a practitioner registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, can prescribe Schedule II–V controlled medicines remotely without an earlier in-person medical evaluation.
The [fourth temporary extension](https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html) covers January 1 through December 31, 2026. We don't assume what happens after that. A plan reaching into the next year needs another rule check, rather than this year's answer carried forward.
The [temporary rule leaves other federal and state requirements in place](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-31/html/2025-24123.htm). Its general route uses video and audio. There are separate, specific audio-only treatment provisions; they aren't permission to turn any failed video visit into a phone prescription.
## Two state limits show why the layers matter
Alabama and Florida set different limits on telehealth prescribing.
Alabama's physician rules include an in-person encounter within the previous 12 months and a legitimate medical purpose established in that period among the conditions for controlled prescribing by telehealth. The [Board also describes an assisted video option](https://www.albme.gov/resources/licensees/telemedicine/): someone licensed by Alabama's medical or nursing board must be physically with you. A video call alone doesn't meet that condition. These state conditions still need checking alongside the federal extension.
Florida limits telehealth prescribing of Schedule II medicines, with four specified exceptions: treatment of a psychiatric disorder, hospital inpatient treatment, hospice services and nursing home residents. The [Florida Department of Health explains the restriction](https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/faqs/). This particular limit concerns Schedule II, not every prescription.
### Keep three answers separate
Can the doctor practice here? Can they prescribe this medicine? Does this visit meet the conditions? A yes to the first question doesn't settle the other two.
## After a move, check the whole plan
In our hypothetical evacuation, a stay in Alabama means bringing Alabama's encounter rules into the conversation. We'd do that even with the same doctor. Familiarity doesn't replace the check, and the federal date stays part of a longer plan.
Medicine supply is another question. This guide can't guarantee a refill, a transfer or an emergency supply. The prescriber and pharmacist are the people to discuss what's lawful and possible for your situation.
The [Alabama](/states#alabama) and [Florida](/states#florida) chapters cover the licensing piece. Our [storm example](/storm-continuity) shows where these questions arise during a move. None of those pages decides whether a particular prescription can be issued or filled.
We follow this coast in a guide; we don’t provide care, fill prescriptions or sell anything.
[About](/about) [References](/references) [Contact](/contact) [State lines](/state-lines)
© 2026 Gulf Telehealth