New Eight-Hour Training Requirement from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Removal of DATA Waiver (or X-Waiver) Requirement
The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act removes the federal requirement for practitioners to submit a Notice of Intent (have a waiver) to prescribe medications, like buprenorphine, for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Effective immediately, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will no longer be accepting NOIs (waiver applications).
All practitioners who have a current DEA registration that includes Schedule III authority, may now prescribe buprenorphine for OUD in their practice if permitted by applicable state law. SAMHSA encourages them to do so.
Resources:
- Letter to DEA Registrants Regarding Elimination of X-waiver Program
- SAMHSA List of Frequently Asked Questions
New DEA Education Requirement on Opioid or other Substance Use Disorders
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time requirement. Beginning June 27, 2023, DEA license holders, upon initial registration or renewal, will be required to complete at least eight hours of training in the treatment or management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.
Resources:
MMA’s recommendations for members who need to complete this training:
- If you already completed the MMA’s Best Practices in Prescribing Opioids and Other Controlled Substances, you can apply the two hours of credit earned toward the eight-hour requirement. This course was available from January 22, 2020 – December 31, 2022. If you need evidence of completion, you may contact the MMA.
- You can complete Taking Responsibility in Minnesota: A Physician’s Toolkit to Reverse the Drug Overdose Epidemic (one CME credit). This course was developed via a partnership between the Minnesota Medical Association and the American Medical Association. You can take it for free by going to Taking Responsibility in Minnesota: A Physician's Toolkit to Reverse the Drug Overdose Epidemic.
- You can access additional educational activities that meet the DEA mandate via the AMA Ed HubTM: Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Education to Meet New DEA Requirements.