ADHD Medication by Telehealth After December 2026: What Maryland Patients Should Know

October 20, 2026

Adult discussing ADHD medication with a Black psychiatric provider during a telehealth visit

Medically reviewed by Ben Ekwe, PhD, PMHNP-BC. Last updated October 2026.

Right now, you can start and continue most ADHD medications through telehealth without ever visiting an office. That’s thanks to temporary federal rules that are set to expire on December 31, 2026.

What happens after that date is still being decided. If you take a stimulant for ADHD, or you’re thinking about starting one, here’s what we know, what we don’t, and what you can do now so your care isn’t interrupted.

Why ADHD medication has special telehealth rules

Most common ADHD medications are stimulants. Federal law classifies them as Schedule II controlled substances because they can be misused. That includes amphetamine-based medications (like Adderall and Vyvanse) and methylphenidate-based medications (like Ritalin and Concerta).

Before 2020, a federal law called the Ryan Haight Act generally required at least one in-person medical evaluation before a provider could prescribe a controlled substance over telehealth.

When COVID hit, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) relaxed that requirement so patients could keep getting care from home. Those “telemedicine flexibilities” were supposed to be temporary. Instead, they’ve been extended four times.

The most recent extension, as reported by Telehealth.org, lets DEA-registered clinicians prescribe Schedule II through V medications by telehealth, without a prior in-person visit, through December 31, 2026.

Where things stand right now

The DEA has been working on a permanent set of rules for years.

In January 2025, it proposed a “special registration” system. According to a summary from law firm Hall Render, the proposal would create separate registrations for telehealth prescribing, with a higher tier needed for Schedule II medications like ADHD stimulants. It also included extra steps, such as checking prescription monitoring databases.

Then, on August 25, 2026, the DEA sent a final version of the rule to the White House for review. Becker’s Behavioral Health reports that it would set up a permanent pathway for prescribing controlled medications by telehealth, including ADHD medications.

The final text hasn’t been made public yet. So no one outside the government knows exactly what it says or how it will compare to the 2025 proposal.

Three ways this could play out

1. A permanent rule takes effect. Providers who prescribe ADHD stimulants by telehealth may need a new registration and may have to follow extra steps. For patients, care could look about the same, with a bit more paperwork on the provider’s side.

2. Another extension. The DEA has extended the flexibilities four times already. If the final rule isn’t ready, a fifth extension would keep things as they are for now.

3. The flexibilities end with nothing to replace them. Given the history of extensions, this seems unlikely. But if it happened, the older in-person requirement would generally apply again for new controlled prescriptions by telehealth.

We’ll update this post as soon as there’s news.

What this does not affect

It helps to know what isn’t changing.

ADHD evaluations. You can still be assessed and diagnosed by telehealth.
Non-stimulant medications. Options such as atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), and extended-release guanfacine or clonidine aren’t controlled substances. These rules don’t apply.
Therapy and coaching. Behavioral strategies, therapy, and skills work aren’t affected. Our post on therapy for adolescents with ADHD covers some of the options.
In-person care. If you see your prescriber in person, these telehealth rules don’t stand in the way.

What Maryland and DC patients can do now

You don’t need to panic. But a little planning before the end of the year can save you a gap in treatment.

Keep your follow-up appointments. Regular visits keep your prescription current and your records up to date. If anything changes in January, an established patient with recent visits is in the best position. Here’s more on why regular check-ins matter.

Consider one in-person visit. Under the long-standing federal rule, an in-person evaluation with your prescriber has generally been enough to allow ongoing telehealth prescribing afterward. If you live near Prince George’s County, a visit to our Lanham office before December could be a simple safeguard. Ask your provider whether it makes sense for you.

Don’t stop or stretch your medication on your own. Skipping doses to “save” pills can bring symptoms back and make it harder to judge how well treatment is working. Talk to your provider first.

Refill on time. Request refills a few days before you run out, especially around the holidays when pharmacies get busy.

Ask about your options. If you’re worried about access, it’s a good time to talk about whether a non-stimulant, or a mix of medication and behavioral strategies, could work for you. If you’re already noticing problems with your current plan, these signs you may need help with medication management are worth a look.

How we’re handling this at Balanced Life

[Confirm with Dr. Ekwe before publishing. Suggested wording:] We’re following the DEA updates closely. Current patients will hear from us directly if anything about their prescriptions needs to change. In the meantime, telehealth visits continue as usual across Maryland and Washington, DC, and in-person visits are available at our Lanham office for anyone who wants one.

New to ADHD treatment?

If you think you might have ADHD, the rule changes shouldn’t stop you from getting evaluated. A diagnosis can be made by telehealth, and there are effective treatments both with and without stimulants.

At Balanced Life Behavioral Health, Dr. Ben Ekwe, PhD, PMHNP-BC, offers ADHD evaluation and treatment by telehealth anywhere in Maryland and Washington, DC, and in person in Lanham. He’ll take the time to understand your history, explain your options clearly, and build a plan with you.

Not sure what a first visit involves? Here’s what to expect at Balanced Life.

We accept most insurance, including Maryland Medicaid, Medicare, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Tricare. We’re open 11 AM to 5 PM.

Book an appointment or call (240) 791-6150.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still get ADHD medication through telehealth in Maryland?

Yes, through at least December 31, 2026. Current federal rules allow ADHD stimulants to be prescribed by telehealth without a prior in-person visit until that date.

Will I lose my prescription on January 1, 2027?

Not necessarily. A permanent rule or another extension could keep telehealth prescribing available. Your provider will let you know if anything about your care needs to change.

Does this affect non-stimulant ADHD medications?

No. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, viloxazine, and extended-release guanfacine aren’t controlled substances, so these rules don’t apply to them.

Can a nurse practitioner prescribe ADHD medication in Maryland?

Yes. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners in Maryland can diagnose ADHD and prescribe ADHD medications, including stimulants, when appropriate.

Should I schedule an in-person visit before the deadline?

It may be a smart safeguard, especially if you live near our Lanham office. Ask your provider whether it makes sense for you.

Where can I follow official updates?

The DEA Diversion Control Division posts official rule changes. We’ll also update this post when there’s news.

This article is for general education and is not legal or medical advice. Rules may change after publication. Talk with your provider about your specific treatment.