Compliance with the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act

August 9, 2023

Licensed Professionals

CE Broker

Millions of licensed practitioners nationwide have an active Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license in addition to their state-specific professional licenses. Effective June 27, 2023, the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requires all initial or renewing DEA license holders to complete training focusing on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.

This article is meant to help practitioners understand the MATE Act requirement. However, it is recommended that a practitioner always personally review the law and regulations regarding satisfaction of and/or waiver of any part of this requirement.

Who is responsible for satisfying the MATE Act training requirement?

All initial or renewing DEA-registered practitioners who prescribe Schedules II through V drugs, excluding veterinarians, must fulfill the MATE Act training requirement.

How many hours of training does the MATE Act require?

Practitioners must complete a one-time, eight-hour training on treating and managing patients with opioid and substance use disorders.

It is important to note that states may supplement this requirement with additional requirements for practitioners in their state of licensure.

What training formats may be accepted to satisfy the MATE Act requirement?

The training can be completed through various sessions and formats, such as classroom settings, seminars at professional society meetings, or virtual offerings. Past training completed before the enactment of the MATE Act may also count towards the eight-hour requirement. The training can also be satisfied through board certification in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry or recent graduation from qualifying U.S. schools.

What practitioners may have already satisfied the MATE Act training requirement?

Board Certification in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry Licensed professionals who are board-certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Addiction Medicine, or the American Osteopathic Association are deemed to have satisfied the training requirement.
Recent Graduates from U.S. Medical, Dental, PA, or Advanced Practice Nursing Schools- Licensed professionals who graduated in good standing from a medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, physician assistant, or advanced practice nursing school in the United States within five years of June 27, 2023, and completed a comprehensive curriculum that included at least eight hours of training on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, or safe pharmacological management of dental pain and screening, brief intervention, and referral for appropriate treatment of patients with or at risk of developing opioid and other substance use disorders, are considered to have met the training requirement.
Practitioners who previously completed training that satisfies the DATA-2000 waiver training requirement.

How will practitioners report completion of the MATE Act training?

Practitioners are required to check a box on their digital DEA initial or renewal registration form. By checking this box, practitioners confirm they have completed the MATE Act training requirement.

What is the deadline for satisfying the MATE Act training requirement?

DEA licenses renew every three years. All initial DEA registrations require compliance with the MATE Act before issuance of an initial DEA license. Current DEA license holders must complete the MATE Act training by their next renewal.

What accredited groups provide training that meets the MATE Act requirement?

The MATE Act recognizes several accredited organizations that offer training on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. These organizations include:

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or any AOA-accredited organization for Continuing Medical Education
American Dental Association (ADA)
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
American Psychiatric Association (APA)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR)
Organizations approved or accredited by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, ACCME, or CCEPR.