The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act is a guideline by the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) which was enacted on June 27th 2023. Its goal is to enhance training for healthcare practitioners when dealing with substance use disorders (SUDs), to stem the existing opioid crisis.
The MATE Act requires all DEA-registered healthcare providers to complete a one-time, 8-hour DEA MATE training on safe prescribing of controlled substances. This applies to both initial and renewal registrations.
Who Is Affected?
The Act applies to all DEA-registered practitioners, including those prescribing controlled substances (Schedules II, III, IV, and V).
Who is Exempted from Training?
Practitioners who are solely veterinarians are not required to fulfill the MATE Act training requirement.
DEA-MATE Requirements
Training Requirement For New And Existing DEA Registrants
All healthcare providers must complete a one-time, 8-hour training on the treatment and management of patients who abuse opioids and other substances. This includes those renewing their licences as well as those seeking DEA registration for the first time.
How to meet the requirement?
The 8 hours of training can be broken down into multiple sessions, provided they cumulatively cover the mandatory 8 hours. In-person or virtual training is accepted.
Who Is Allowed to Provide the Training?
Training must be provided by:
- Accredited medical organizations e.g., the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) or the American Medical Association (AMA)
- Continuing education (CE) providers approved by organizations such as the ACCME, ACPE, or ANCC
- Federal agencies like SAMHSA, HHS, or VA
Note:
- Do background checks before engaging a training provider to ensure they meet the MATE Act requirements.
- Look up the DEA's Diversion Control Division Webpage for more information.
Proof of Compliance
Practitioners must attest that they have met the MATE Act training requirements when submitting their DEA registration forms.
Although no certificate submission is required, practitioners are advised to retain proof of training in case of an audit.
Content Of The Training
The training should cover topics related to the safe prescription of controlled substances. Specifically, the training covers:
- Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- Safe pharmacological management of pain
- Effective treatment of SUDs and co-occurring disorders
- Identification and management of opioid misuse and overdose
- Legal framework governing opioid prescribing and safety enhancements.
Why DEA-MATE Training Matters
This requirement equips medical practitioners to:
- Identify signs of substance misuse
- Safely care for patients with pain and SUD
- Mitigate the risks of opioid misuse and overdose in their communities
Where To Find Training Resources?
The Grayken Center for Addiction TTA and other organizations offer free trainings on topics related to the MATE Act. The DEA Diversion Control Division webpage and SAMHSA offer additional information and resources related to the MATE Act.
Previous Training
Participation in past trainings on similar topics can satisfy the 8-hour requirement, even if completed before the MATE Act's enactment.
Summary
- The 8-hour training requirement is a one-time requirement, not an ongoing requirement.
- Previously completed training hours can be used to meet the DEA's requirements.
- Visit the DEA's Diversion Control Division Webpage for the latest information and guidance.
- For additional information on DEA requirement-related content requirement, please visit samhsa.gov.
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