Staying compliant with federal regulations is essential for pharmacists who prescribe or manage controlled substances. The Federal MATE Act and recent federal legislation expanding pharmacist roles in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment create new opportunities and responsibilities for pharmacists in patient care. Understanding these changes is critical for maintaining DEA registration and providing safe, life-saving care.
What is the Federal MATE Act?
The Medication Addiction Treatment Expansion (MATE) Act requires healthcare providers, including DEA-registered pharmacists in states where they are authorized to prescribe controlled substances, to complete 8 hours of accredited training on substance use disorders before obtaining a new DEA license or renewing an existing license.
Effective June 27, 2023, the MATE Act emphasizes prevention, recognition, and treatment of substance use disorders, particularly in patients with pain or co-occurring psychiatric or medical conditions.
Pharmacists’ Expanded Role in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
In December 2025, federal legislation was signed into law that allows pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder following specialized accredited training. This law ensures pharmacists can participate more fully in OUD treatment while maintaining DEA registration.
This milestone aligns with the goals of the MATE Act by expanding pharmacist involvement in substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Pharmacists completing the required 8-hour continuing pharmacy education (CPE) can now gain the training needed to prescribe buprenorphine safely and effectively, increasing access to life-saving therapy.
Who Needs to Complete MATE Act Training?
Pharmacists who are:
- DEA-registered
- Licensed in states that allow them to prescribe controlled substances. Based on the current state‑level scope of practice, pharmacists may need to complete the MATE Act training if they are DEA‑registered and practice in:
- California
- New Mexico
- Oregon
…are required to complete this one-time training. Pharmacists who do not prescribe controlled substances generally are not required to fulfill this mandate. Pharmacists should verify their individual responsibilities based on their specific license type, prescriptive authority, and DEA registration status.
What Topics Are Covered in DEA MATE Act CE for Pharmacists?
DEA-approved MATE Act training courses cover topics critical for pharmacists, including:
- Recognizing and managing substance use disorders
- Pain management strategies that minimize the risk of misuse
- Care for patients with co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions
- Developing effective treatment plans for patients on controlled substances
These courses help pharmacists confidently integrate substance use disorder care into their practice while ensuring safe, evidence-based use of medications.
How Can Pharmacists Complete MATE Act Training?
Pharmacists can fulfill the MATE Act requirement by completing a one-time accredited CE course approved by the DEA.
Pharmacist’s Letter offers an 8-hour, ACPE-accredited course that meets the Federal MATE Act requirement. This comprehensive program covers substance use disorders, pain management, and safe prescribing practices. With Pharmacist’s Letter, pharmacists can:
- Easily complete the required CE online
- Track CE progress for DEA compliance
- Gain practical insights for managing patients with substance use disorders
- And so much more
Why Choose Pharmacist’s Letter for MATE Act CE?
Pharmacist’s Letter is designed specifically for pharmacists and provides:
- Accredited CE that meets DEA MATE Act requirements
- Concise, practical guidance for daily pharmacy practice
- Easy online access and progress tracking
- Resources to integrate safe prescribing and patient management strategies
Completing your MATE Act training with Pharmacist’s Letter ensures you remain compliant, provide optimal patient care, and maintain your DEA registration without hassle.
Take Action
Don’t wait until your DEA license renewal. Complete your MATE Act training today with Pharmacist’s Letter and stay ahead in compliance and patient safety.
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