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The DEA MATE Act 8-Hour Training

Since mid-2023, most practitioners registering or renewing with the DEA have had to attest to a one-time 8-hour training on substance use disorders.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. General information, not legal or compliance advice.

The requirement in brief

The MATE Act, passed as part of federal appropriations legislation at the end of 2022, requires practitioners who register with the DEA, or renew a registration, to have completed a total of 8 hours of training on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. The requirement took effect for registrations submitted on or after June 27, 2023, and it is a one-time total rather than a repeating annual requirement.

Who is deemed compliant

The law treats certain practitioners as having met the requirement, including those who are board certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, and recent graduates of a medical, dental, physician assistant, advanced practice nursing or similar program whose curriculum included the training. Veterinarians are outside the requirement. Confirm the exact categories on the DEA Diversion Control Division website.

What counts

The training must come from specified types of organizations, such as accredited CME providers and certain professional associations. The 8 hours can be accumulated from several courses. Keep the certificates.

How it differs from state rules

This is a federal requirement tied to the DEA registration. States may separately require opioid or pain CME, and a course that satisfies one does not automatically satisfy the other. See opioid CME by state.

Use the planner

The opioid CME planner shows the federal training alongside the state rules you choose.

Limits of this guide

Rules and fees change, and this guide is general information, so confirm the details with the relevant board or agency before you act.