March 24, 2023

Starting June 2023, There's a New Education Requirement for DEA Registration or Renewal

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 requires a new training for physicians, physician assistants, and health care professionals who need U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration registration as a condition of employment or to prescribe controlled substances in Schedule II-V.

Starting in June, upon registration with the DEA or renewal of a DEA number, physicians will be required to complete an eight-hour training on substance use disorder treatment. The DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration are in the process of creating and releasing guidance around this new requirement.

The American Medical Association reviewed these changes and submitted a comment letter to the DEA and SAMHSA outlining various concerns. With a focus on patient access, the AMA raised concerns that physicians and health care professionals may struggle meeting the new training requirement in such a short timeframe, resulting in a potentially dangerous lapse in patient care. In addition, the AMA called on the DEA and SAMHSA to allow for broad interpretation of SUD training and provide a one-year grace period for physicians to fulfill the new requirement.

The WSMA will keep you apprised of updates to help you understand and comply with this new federal requirement, which goes into effect on June 21. With any questions or comments please email policy@wsma.org.