US Medical Term · regulatory
Ryan Haight Act
Ley Ryan Haight
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Ryan Haight Act |
| Spanish (Español) | Ley Ryan Haight |
| Chinese (中文) | 瑞安·海特网络药房法 |
| Korean (한국어) | 라이언 하이트 법 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đạo luật Ryan Haight |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Ryan Haight Act |
| Portuguese (Português) | Lei Ryan Haight |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กฎหมาย Ryan Haight |
| Japanese (日本語) | ライアン・ハイト法 |
What it means
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 prohibits providers from prescribing controlled substances—such as opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines—via the internet or telehealth without first conducting an in-person medical evaluation. The law was named after Ryan Haight, who died after obtaining prescription drugs online illegally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the DEA issued emergency waivers allowing controlled substance prescribing via telehealth without a prior in-person visit. The telemedicine exception continues these waivers under specific DEA conditions. Whether your telehealth provider can prescribe a controlled substance depends on which medications are covered and current DEA rules.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
RY-un HYT akt
Ley Ryan Haight
Also called the 'Online Pharmacy Act' or 'Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Act'
También llamada 'Ley de Farmacias en Línea Ryan Haight'
Providers say: 'The Ryan Haight Act requires an in-person visit before prescribing this'
'La Ley Ryan Haight requiere una visita en persona antes de recetar esto'
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026