Can I Get My DEA MATE Act CME Online?

Key Takeaways

• As of 2023, healthcare workers who prescribe controlled substances are required by federal law to obtain 8 hours of DEA MATE Act CME.  

• Online controlled substance training allows busy learners to avoid taking time off work and align their training schedule with existing obligations.  

• The top online options are nationally accredited and can be bundled with unlimited memberships to course libraries and ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications.  

If you’re a clinician who prescribes controlled substances, federal law requires you to complete DEA MATE Act training for controlled substances to maintain your license. Despite the fact that it’s a one-time requirement, these courses typically require a full day off work to complete—time many physicians simply don’t have.  

Fortunately, online options for getting those crucial DEA MATE Act CME hours can give busy healthcare professionals extraordinary flexibility when completing this mandatory work. These courses are typically self-led, let you to stop and start at your convenience, and you can access certifications with the touch of a button.  

So what separates a decent DEA MATE course from a great option that makes it as easy as possible to meet your professional obligations? Here’s what you need to know to get your DEA MATE Act CME online.  

Understanding DEA MATE Act Requirements

The Medication Access and Training Expansion Act (MATE Act) of 2023 was a response to the growing opioid epidemic in the United States. At the time of its passage, studies have revealed that 8.6% of people prescribed opioids were misusing them, and 76% of fatal overdoses—resulting in 80,000 deaths annually—were caused by opioid abuse.

To combat the cycle of prescription and abuse, healthcare workers who hold a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration must complete a one-time, 8-hour CME requirement before their next renewal.  

• Who needs it: DEA-registered prescribers of schedule II–V controlled substances, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, and others.  

• What it covers: Education on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including safe prescribing and pain management practices.

• When it must be completed: Before your initial or next DEA registration renewal (every 3 years). You’ll attest to completing it as part of the online DEA application process.

What to Know About DEA MATE Act CME Coursework

The DEA allows this training to be completed in any accredited format, including 100% online courses, live webinars, in-person training, and combinations of online activities totaling at least eight hours. This means that, depending on the CME provider you choose, you can likely complete the requirement online at your own pace.

The drawback to many formats that aren’t self-paced is the need to be present at a scheduled time or a particular location. These options are also completed in a single session, meaning that learners have to block out an entire workday.  

On the other hand, online coursework is geared toward efficient learning around customizable schedules. Better still, the top online providers often bundle DEA MATE training with professional memberships to their entire course library, and often include deals for certifications like ACLS, BLS, and PALS.  

Roadmap to Completing Your MATE Act CME Online

Completing your MATE Act CME requirements is fairly straightforward, but there are a few important details to consider. Here’s how to ensure you avoid any issues.  

1. Check Your Current Credits

This requirement has been in place since 2003, so before enrolling in a course, verify whether you’ve already done training that qualifies. Whether you track your CMEs online or keep them in a folder on your desktop, it’s worth reviewing to see if you have credits that already count toward completion.

2. Choose Accredited Online Activities

When selecting online CME, make sure your courses are nationally accredited and cover the required content. There are definitely options out there that appear to deliver DEA training but aren’t properly accredited, so take an extra minute to verify the details.

Along with a clear mention of accreditation, you should see the following:

• Dedicated 8-hour online MATE Act-compliant courses

• A collection of online CME activities that total eight hours

• ACCME, ANCC, and other nationally recognized accreditations

• A compliance guarantee  

3. Complete the Training

Many online platforms allow you to stop and start training, and that’s a huge advantage for busy learners. While you won’t have to block out 8 hours of your time, just remember that there is no credit for partial completion. It may be helpful to create an informal schedule for yourself that ensures you’ll be on track.  

4. Save Your Certificates

Many online learning platforms, like Premiere, offer instant CE reporting. But if your provider doesn’t, make sure to download and save your CME certificates. These serve as documentation in the event of an audit.  

Even though the DEA only requires you to attest to completion on the application, it’s important to keep proof.

5. Attest During DEA Application or Renewal

When you apply for or renew your DEA registration online, you’ll see a checkbox where you attest that you have completed your MATE Act CME. That’s when you officially satisfy the requirement.  

Just remember that this is a legally mandated requirement, and checking that box will make you liable if you have not fully completed your DEA coursework at that time. Falsifying information exposes you to up to 4 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and possible loss of your license.  

Do NOT do this.  

Fulfilling Online MATE Act CME the Easy Way

Renewing licenses and complying with legal mandates are a part of being a healthcare professional, but that doesn’t mean they have to be stressful. Completing your DEA MATE Act CME online lets you pace out your learning and avoid facing awkward deadlines with unfortunate professional consequences.  

Premiere’s award-winning CME coursework lets busy physicians meet their professional obligations with nationally accredited online training. Our DEA Controlled Substance Training Package is an all-in-one option that ensures you can complete this important obligation on a timeline that matches your busy schedule.  

And for the best possible deal, Premiere’s DEA course can be bundled with an unlimited membership to our complete library of CME coursework plus ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification. All of Premiere’s online courses are created by industry experts and make it easy to develop your career while meeting all of your professional requirements.  

FAQs

What is the MATE Act training for opioid prescribers?

Passed in 2023, the DEA MATE Act requires all opioid prescribers to complete 8 hours of legally mandated training. This is a one-time requirement, but failure can jeopardize your ability to practice.

How often do physicians renew their DEA licenses?

Physicians renew their DEA registration every three years. If they have not done so already, all physicians must complete their 8-hour DEA MATE training before their next renewal.

Do all doctors need a DEA number?

No. However, most do. Exemptions exist for doctors who don’t prescribe schedule II–V controlled substances.

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