DEA and Telemedicine Prescribing Policy

FemmeKare is a telehealth service operated by SDKare LLC and is not a separate legal entity. 

This DEA and Telemedicine Prescribing Policy explains the requirements governing prescription medications, including controlled substances, through FemmeKare. It addresses provider prescribing authority, federal and state telemedicine requirements, controlled-substance restrictions, medication renewals, patient responsibilities, and pharmacy dispensing. 

FemmeKare is committed to safe, responsible, and clinically appropriate prescribing practices. 

Healthcare providers must hold the applicable professional licenses and prescribing authority for the jurisdictions in which they provide care. Providers prescribing controlled substances must maintain the required Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and comply with applicable federal and state laws. 

This Policy also establishes FemmeKare’s internal 28-day restriction on controlled-substance prescriptions and medication changes. 

Nothing in this Policy permits prescribing contrary to applicable law or removes the professional responsibilities of licensed healthcare providers. 

1. Prescription Decisions Are Made by Licensed Providers

Prescriptions are issued only when the treating healthcare provider determines, following an appropriate clinical evaluation, that the medication is medically necessary or appropriate and legally permitted. 

Booking or paying for a FemmeKare appointment does not guarantee: 

• A prescription. 

• A controlled-substance prescription. 

• A particular medication. 

• A specific dosage. 

• A medication refill or subsequent prescription. 

• An early medication replacement. 

• A medication change. 

• Continuation of a prescription issued by another provider. 

The treating healthcare provider exercises independent professional judgment and may recommend alternative treatment, request additional information, require further evaluation, or decline to prescribe medication when clinically or legally appropriate. 

The appointment fee covers the professional evaluation and services provided during the consultation, not a guaranteed prescription or treatment outcome. 

2. Controlled Substances and DEA Registration

Certain prescription medications are classified as controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act. 

Controlled substances are categorized into Schedules II through V for commonly prescribed controlled medications, with different prescribing and dispensing restrictions based on their legal classification. 

Healthcare providers may prescribe controlled substances through FemmeKare only when: 

• The provider holds the required professional license and prescribing authority. 

• The provider maintains applicable DEA registration. 

• The prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose. 

• The prescription is issued in the usual course of professional practice. 

• The medication is clinically appropriate for the patient. 

• The prescription complies with applicable federal and state requirements. 

• All applicable telemedicine prescribing conditions are satisfied. 

Possession of a DEA registration does not automatically authorize a provider to prescribe every controlled medication in every jurisdiction. 

Controlled-substance prescribing remains subject to the treating provider’s professional judgment and FemmeKare’s prescribing restrictions. 

3. Current Federal Telemedicine Prescribing Rules

The DEA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have extended certain federal telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through December 31, 2026. 

Under the temporary rules currently in effect, qualifying DEA-registered healthcare practitioners may prescribe Schedule II through Schedule V controlled substances through telemedicine without first conducting an in-person medical evaluation, provided all applicable federal and state requirements are satisfied. 

For prescribing conducted under the applicable general telemedicine flexibilities, a real-time, two-way audio-video consultation is generally required unless a specific federal rule permits another method. 

Certain limited exceptions permit audio-only telemedicine for qualifying treatment circumstances under applicable federal requirements. 

These federal flexibilities do not eliminate: 

• Professional licensing requirements. 

• Applicable state prescribing laws. 

• DEA registration requirements. 

• Requirements for legitimate medical prescribing. 

• Relevant clinical standards of care. 

• Prescription monitoring requirements. 

• FemmeKare’s internal controlled-substance prescribing restrictions. 

The availability of federal telemedicine prescribing flexibility does not guarantee that a particular medication can or will be prescribed to an individual patient. 

4. No Automatic Right to Controlled-Substance Prescribing

Federal telemedicine prescribing rules do not establish an automatic patient right to receive controlled-substance medications. 

A healthcare provider may determine that additional evaluation or in-person care is necessary based on: 

• Presenting symptoms. 

• Medical and mental health history. 

• Current and previous medications. 

• Prior treatment records. 

• Potential medication interactions. 

• Risk of misuse, dependence, or diversion. 

• Applicable state and federal requirements. 

• Relevant professional standards. 

• The provider’s clinical judgment. 

A provider may decline, delay, or modify a treatment recommendation when medically or legally appropriate. 

FemmeKare may also restrict controlled-substance prescribing to comply with patient safety standards, applicable law, and its internal prescribing policies. 

5. Patient Location and Provider Licensure

Telehealth prescribing requirements depend in part on the patient’s physical location at the time of the consultation. 

Patients must accurately disclose their location during telehealth appointments. 

Healthcare providers must be appropriately licensed, registered, or otherwise legally authorized to provide care and prescribe medication in the jurisdiction where the patient is located. 

If a provider is not authorized to provide services in the patient’s jurisdiction, the appointment may need to be rescheduled with an eligible provider or addressed in another legally appropriate manner. 

Patients should notify FemmeKare before an appointment if they are traveling or will be located in a different state. 

6. State Prescribing Requirements

Federal DEA telemedicine rules do not override applicable state prescribing laws. 

Depending on the jurisdiction, additional requirements may apply to: 

• Telemedicine prescribing. 

• Controlled-substance prescriptions. 

• Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. 

• Patient identification and evaluation. 

• In-person examinations. 

• Prescription quantity and duration. 

• Medication renewals. 

• Clinical documentation. 

• Specific medication classes. 

• Electronic prescribing. 

FemmeKare providers must comply with all applicable federal and state requirements. 

Where state law imposes stricter requirements than the federal telemedicine rules, the applicable stricter legal requirements must be followed. 

7. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Where required by law, a healthcare provider must review the applicable Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before prescribing or continuing a controlled substance. 

A provider may also conduct a PDMP review when clinically appropriate and legally permitted. 

PDMP information may include a patient’s controlled-substance prescription history and may be considered when evaluating medication safety, prescribing appropriateness, and potential duplication of therapy. 

A provider may decline, delay, or modify prescribing based on information identified during an appropriate PDMP review. 

Patients must provide accurate information about controlled medications prescribed by other healthcare professionals. 

8. Additional Clinical Evaluation and Documentation

Before prescribing, renewing, or continuing medication, a FemmeKare provider may require additional information or evaluation. 

This may include: 

• Medical records. 

• Previous prescription history. 

• Pharmacy dispensing records. 

• Patient identity verification. 

• Laboratory testing. 

• Vital signs. 

• Diagnostic evaluation. 

• PDMP review. 

• Consultation with another healthcare professional. 

• An in-person medical examination. 

• Follow-up appointments. 

The evaluation required depends on the patient’s clinical circumstances, medication involved, professional standards, and applicable law. 

Submission of medical records or completion of an additional evaluation does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. 

9. Controlled-Substance Prescriptions, Renewals, and the 28-Day Rule

FemmeKare follows a strict 28-day controlled-substance prescribing policy established by SDKare LLC. 

The policy applies to all controlled-substance medications and is intended to promote patient safety, consistent prescribing practices, and appropriate medication management. 

9.1 The 28-Day Controlled-Substance Rule 

FemmeKare does not permit routine early renewals, replacement prescriptions, or changes to another controlled medication within the same therapeutic category before 28 days have elapsed from the previous pharmacy fill date. 

The restriction applies to all controlled-substance prescriptions, regardless of their therapeutic category or controlled-substance schedule. 

Under this Policy: 

• Patients may not obtain an early controlled-substance prescription renewal during the restricted 28-day period. 

• Patients may not switch to another controlled medication within the same therapeutic category during that period. 

• The restriction applies even if the patient requests a different medication or dosage within the same therapeutic category. 

• Lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced medication does not create an automatic exception. 

• A patient’s request, previous diagnosis, or prior prescription does not guarantee approval of a new controlled-substance prescription. 

This 28-day interval is an internal FemmeKare prescribing restriction. It is not a universal DEA requirement applicable to every healthcare practice. 

9.2 When the 28-Day Period Begins 

The 28-day period is calculated from the date the previous controlled-substance prescription was filled by the pharmacy. 

It is not calculated from: 

• The date the prescription was written. 

• The date the patient requested the prescription. 

• The date of the previous consultation. 

• The date the prescription was transmitted to the pharmacy. 

For example, if a qualifying controlled medication was filled on October 1, the 28-day period would elapse on October 29. 

Completing the 28-day period does not automatically authorize another prescription. A new prescription remains subject to provider evaluation and applicable prescribing requirements. 

9.3 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Medication 

FemmeKare does not authorize early controlled-substance replacement prescriptions solely because medication has been lost, stolen, damaged, misplaced, or otherwise become unavailable to the patient. 

These situations do not create an exception to the standard 28-day restriction under the confirmed company policy. 

Patients should not obtain controlled medications from unauthorized sources or use medication prescribed to another person. 

Patients concerned about interruption of treatment should seek timely advice from an appropriately licensed healthcare professional. 

9.4 Medication Changes Within the Same Therapeutic Category 

Requests to change from one controlled medication to another within the same therapeutic category are subject to the 28-day restriction. 

A request to change medication because of preference, perceived effectiveness, side effects, availability, or another reason does not automatically permit an early controlled-substance prescription. 

Patients should inform their treating healthcare provider about adverse effects, changes in symptoms, or medication concerns promptly. 

Clinical evaluation and recommendations may occur when appropriate, but such evaluation does not guarantee an early controlled-substance prescription or an exception to the established 28-day restriction. 

9.5 Medication Safety and Emergency Situations 

Patients experiencing medication-related side effects, adverse reactions, possible withdrawal symptoms, or other clinical concerns should seek timely medical evaluation. 

Patients should not independently increase, decrease, discontinue, or substitute prescribed controlled medications without appropriate medical guidance. 

FemmeKare does not provide emergency medication replacement services. 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. 

Emergency warning signs may include severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, seizures, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms. 

The 28-day prescribing policy does not prevent patients from seeking emergency treatment, receiving clinical evaluation, or obtaining other medical care permitted by law. 

9.6 Legal Requirements and Provider Responsibilities 

The 28-day restriction does not override applicable federal or state law or the professional responsibilities of licensed healthcare providers. 

A provider remains responsible for evaluating clinical safety concerns and determining an appropriate treatment plan. 

FemmeKare’s internal policy does not guarantee early controlled-substance prescribing in any exceptional circumstance. 

Any prescribing decision must comply with applicable law, professional standards, and the provider’s authorized scope of practice. 

9.7 Controlled-Substance Schedule Requirements 

Different controlled-substance schedules have different federal and state prescribing requirements. 

Under federal law, Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled. Continued treatment involving Schedule II medication generally requires a new prescription issued in compliance with applicable law. 

Schedule III through V medications may be subject to different refill limitations and other legal requirements. 

FemmeKare’s 28-day internal restriction applies in addition to, and does not replace, these legal requirements. 

9.8 Follow-Up Appointments and Ongoing Monitoring 

Controlled-substance prescriptions are not automatically renewed when the 28-day period has elapsed. 

A provider may require a follow-up consultation or additional monitoring before issuing another prescription. 

The provider may evaluate: 

• Treatment effectiveness. 

• Current symptoms. 

• Side effects. 

• Medication adherence. 

• Changes in medical history. 

• Other prescribed medications. 

• Potential misuse or diversion concerns. 

• Applicable prescribing and monitoring requirements. 

Continuation of medication previously prescribed by FemmeKare or another healthcare provider is not guaranteed. 

10. Existing Prescriptions and Transfer of Care

Patients previously diagnosed or treated by another healthcare professional may submit relevant medical and prescription records for review. 

An existing diagnosis or previous prescription does not require a FemmeKare provider to continue the same medication, dosage, or treatment plan. 

The provider will conduct an appropriate evaluation and make an independent clinical determination. 

Controlled-substance prescribing through FemmeKare remains subject to: 

• Applicable federal and state laws. 

• The provider’s professional judgment. 

• Relevant patient safety requirements. 

• FemmeKare’s 28-day controlled-substance policy. 

Patients transferring care should disclose relevant controlled-substance prescription history, including recent pharmacy fill dates. 

11. Pharmacy Dispensing and Availability

A prescription issued by a FemmeKare provider does not guarantee that a pharmacy will dispense the medication. 

Independent pharmacies are responsible for dispensing decisions and compliance with applicable federal and state laws. 

Factors outside FemmeKare’s control may include: 

• Medication availability. 

• Pharmacy inventory. 

• Pharmacy-specific policies. 

• Pharmacist professional judgment. 

• Prescription verification requirements. 

• Controlled-substance dispensing restrictions. 

• Manufacturer supply limitations. 

Patients should contact the pharmacy directly regarding medication availability, dispensing status, or pharmacy-specific requirements. 

Pharmacy availability issues do not automatically create an exception to FemmeKare’s 28-day controlled-substance prescribing restriction. 

12. Patient Responsibilities

Patients must provide accurate and complete information relevant to prescribing decisions. 

This includes information about: 

• Current medications. 

• Previous prescriptions. 

• Recent controlled-substance pharmacy fill dates. 

• Medication allergies. 

• Medical and mental health conditions. 

• Relevant substance use. 

• Previous adverse medication reactions. 

• Other healthcare providers involved in treatment. 

Patients must not: 

• Provide false or misleading information to obtain medication. 

• Improperly seek duplicate controlled-substance prescriptions from multiple providers. 

• Share prescribed controlled medications with another person. 

• Use medications contrary to prescribing instructions. 

• Alter or falsify prescriptions. 

• Misrepresent the circumstances of a lost, stolen, or unavailable medication. 

Suspected fraud, diversion, misuse, or unsafe medication use may affect clinical and prescribing decisions and will be addressed in accordance with applicable law. 

Patients should promptly communicate medication safety concerns to an appropriately licensed healthcare professional. 

13. No Guarantee of a Specific Medication

FemmeKare does not guarantee that patients will receive a particular medication, dosage, prescription, refill, or treatment simply because it has been requested. 

A healthcare provider may determine that: 

• Medication is not medically indicated. 

• A non-controlled medication is more appropriate. 

• An alternative treatment should be considered. 

• Additional evaluation is necessary. 

• An in-person examination is appropriate or legally required. 

• The requested medication presents a clinical safety concern. 

• The requested prescription is inconsistent with applicable prescribing restrictions. 

Payment for a consultation covers the healthcare provider’s professional evaluation and does not constitute payment for a guaranteed prescription. 

Completed consultation fees are governed by FemmeKare’s Refund Policy. 

14. Federal Telemedicine Rules After December 31, 2026

The temporary DEA and HHS telemedicine prescribing flexibilities currently in effect are scheduled to continue through December 31, 2026. 

Federal requirements may change after that date as permanent or additional telemedicine prescribing regulations are developed or implemented. 

SDKare LLC will adjust FemmeKare’s prescribing practices as necessary to comply with applicable federal and state laws. 

Patients should not assume that the temporary prescribing requirements in effect during 2026 will remain unchanged after their scheduled expiration. 

Any subsequent legal changes will take precedence over inconsistent provisions of this Policy. 

15. Non-Controlled Prescription Medications

The DEA requirements described in this Policy primarily concern medications classified as controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act. 

Non-controlled prescription medications are not subject to FemmeKare’s 28-day controlled-substance restriction unless another applicable clinical or legal requirement governs their prescribing. 

Non-controlled prescriptions remain subject to: 

• Professional licensing requirements. 

• Applicable state prescribing laws. 

• Telehealth requirements. 

• Relevant clinical standards. 

• Provider evaluation and professional judgment. 

A prescription is not guaranteed merely because a medication is not classified as a controlled substance. 

16. Emergency Medical Care

FemmeKare is not an emergency medical service. 

Patients should not use scheduled appointments, website forms, email, messaging, or routine Patient Support channels to request emergency medical assistance. 

For a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. 

Patients in the United States experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts may call or text 988 for crisis support. 

Patients experiencing serious medication reactions, suspected overdose, or potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance. 

FemmeKare’s controlled-substance policies do not replace emergency medical evaluation or treatment. 

17. Changes to This Policy

SDKare LLC may revise this Policy to reflect changes in: 

• DEA regulations. 

• HHS requirements. 

• Federal or state prescribing laws. 

• Telemedicine prescribing requirements. 

• Clinical safety standards. 

• Operational or prescribing procedures. 

The Last Updated date at the beginning of this Policy identifies the most recent approved revision. 

Where applicable law requires notice or consent concerning material changes, SDKare LLC will comply with those requirements. 

Patients are encouraged to review the current policy, particularly because federal telemedicine prescribing requirements may change after December 31, 2026. 

18. Contact FemmeKare

Questions about this Policy or FemmeKare’s telemedicine prescribing process may be directed to: 

FemmeKare, operated by SDKare LLC 

Email: support.contact@femmekare.com 

Phone: (520) 800-6043 

Questions concerning whether a particular medication, treatment, or prescription is clinically appropriate should be discussed directly with the treating healthcare provider. 

Routine support communications are not a substitute for emergency medical care.