DEA MATE Act
Disclaimer: Pennsylvania's requirement in pain management, identification of addiction, or the practices of prescribing opioids is separate from the federal DEA MATE Act requirement. Practitioners who hold a DEA registration may be subject to both requirements. Some educational activities may satisfy both, but learners are responsible for confirming that all applicable state licensure and federal DEA requirements have been met.
What is the DEA MATE Act?
The DEA MATE Act is a federal requirement for additional training for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered physicians and practitioners—specifically, a one-time eight-hour training requirement on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. The DEA outlined how DEA-registered physicians and practitioners can meet the new requirements.
Who must complete the DEA MATE Act training?
The requirement applies to most DEA-registered practitioners, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, and other practitioners authorized to prescribe controlled substances. Practitioners who are solely veterinarians are exempt.
Are there any online modules available to meet the DEA MATE Act requirement?
The CCEHS provides content designed to meet the DEA MATE Act, Click Here. Many of these modules will also meet the pain management/opioid requirement.
Is this a recurring requirement?
No. The DEA MATE Act training requirement is a one-time federal requirement. Once you have met the requirement and attested to its completion, you do not need to repeat the 8-hour training for future DEA registration renewals under current federal requirements.
Do the 8 hours need to be completed in a single course?
No. The required 8 hours may be accumulated through multiple qualifying educational activities and do not need to be completed in one session.
Can the same activity count toward both the DEA MATE Act and Pennsylvania licensure requirements?
In many cases, yes. Educational activities covering opioid prescribing, pain management, addiction, and substance use disorders may satisfy both the federal DEA MATE Act training requirement and Pennsylvania continuing education requirements, provided the activity meets the requirements of each applicable authority. Licensees are responsible for ensuring compliance with all licensing and DEA requirements.
Does previous count?
Possibly. Certain previously completed training may satisfy all or part of the requirement. In addition, some practitioners are deemed to have already satisfied the requirement based on specific qualifying education or board certification criteria established by federal law
Does the DEA collect my certificates?
No. Practitioners attest to having completed the training during the DEA registration process. However, you should maintain documentation of completed training for your records.