How

The new training requirement starts June 27, 2023 and applies to all DEA certificate holders (except veterinarians). Upon initial or renewal registration, healthcare practitioners will be asked to attest to at least eight hours of training on the management and treatment of patients with opioid or other substance abuse disorders.

What

The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act was included in the omnibus spending bill passed by Congress in 2022. Effective June 27, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requires healthcare practitioners to complete substance use disorder training before applying for or renewing their DEA registration certificate. Practitioners self-attest to completion of the required education on their application. There are substantial penalties for false information on an application including imprisonment for not more than four years and a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.

When

This is a one-time requirement that starts on June 27, 2023. A DEA prescriber license is active for a three year period.

Why

The MATE Act is intended to address the opioid crisis in the country by strengthening the infrastructure around addiction treatment. With an overarching goal of standardizing and increasing access to addiction treatment medications, this training will equip clinicians to recognize and treat addiction in their medical practice.