GetRegisteredTX
The former ‘buprenorphine waiver’ (or X-Waiver) mandated all DEA-registered providers complete an 8-hour training (or 24 hours for advanced practice providers) to treat patients with opioid use disorders (OUD) with buprenorphine. Thus, GetWaiveredTX was launched in 2019 to deliver high-quality buprenorphine training and technical assistance to healthcare providers across Texas requiring the waiver.
However, with the passage of the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act the buprenorphine waiver was eradicated, as well as patient caps. The MATE Act requires all new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) applicants, or those seeking renewal, to participate in eight hours of training related to the treatment and management of patients with opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders (SUD). Read the official DEA letter for an overview of the new regulations.
GetRegisteredTX will help providers maintain their DEA registration with the necessary SUD training. These requirements will go into effect on June 21, 2023.
To learn more about how to complete training, review our FAQ section below.
Do you need the DEA 8-hour buprenorphine training?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to complete the new training requirements?
All DEA-registered practitioners except for veterinarians.
If you meet the following criteria, you are exempt from completing training:
1. Board certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Medical Specialties, American Board of Addiction Medicine, or the American Osteopathic Association.
2. Graduation within the last five years from a U.S.-based school, that included at least 8 hours of an opioid or other substance use disorder curriculum.
3. A prior buprenorphine waiver.
When will I be asked to report I satisfied this new training requirement?
Beginning June 27, 2023, registrants will be required to check a box on the online DEA registration form, whether a registrant is completing their initial registration application or renewing their registration. Providers will not have to submit training-related documentation, but should be able to reference it in the event of an audit.
How do I complete the training?
The one-time training requirement can be completed over multiple sessions, in person or virtually, through cumulative continuing medical education (CME) hours. See the following organizations who provide DEA-approved training online:
• UT Health Science Center at San Antonio CME Office (free)
• American Medical Association (AMA) (free)
• Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) (free)
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) (free for members, $149-$199 for non-members)
To review the entire list of professional organizations that are accredited to provide the training, click here.
Can I start prescribing buprenorphine now, even if I never held an X-Waiver?
The waiver is no longer required to begin treating patients with buprenorphine, however the 8 hours of DEA-required training is, with some exceptions for emergencies. However, if you previously completed buprenorphine waiver training, are certified in addiction medicine, or graduated in the last five years (with 8 hours of SUD training), you can continue or begin prescribing.
I never officially applied for the X-Waiver, but I received the training. Does it matter how long ago I took the training?
Technically no, but practitioners should be able to screen for substance use disorders, prescribe opioids responsibly, successfully induct a patient on buprenorphine, prevent substance misuse and diversion, and have knowledge of where to refer patients for psychosocial or behavioral services as needed. You should retain documentation of previous buprenorphine waiver instructions for the DEA if needed.
Need additional technical assistance to ensure you are meeting these training requirements?
C-STAT’s GetRegisteredTX program is available for technical assistance for providers seeking more information on meeting the DEA’s new training requirements. For additional assistance, please send an email to: cstat@uthscsa.edu, or complete the C-STAT technical assistance request form.
