Why Your DEA Opioid Training Needs To Evolve

The opioid crisis continues to be a major societal challenge, and healthcare providers are on the front lines of this battle. As the situation evolves, so do the policies and regulations designed to address it. The DEA has introduced opioid training requirements for new and renewing registrants, and staying updated on these changes is essential. But it doesn’t stop there.

Understanding the Training Requirements

What Happened?

In 2023, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) along with the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act were implemented with a clear goal: to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to prescribe and manage opioids responsibly, as well as ensure that prescribers understand the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders (SUDs). 

Who Was Affected? 

Any practitioner (with the exception of veterinarians) who applies for a new DEA registration or wants to renew an existing registration. 

How Does It Work?

When completing the DEA registration application for the first time, or renewing an existing registration, practitioners will answer the following only once:

• Do you hold a board certification in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry?
• Have you graduated in good standing from an accredited medical (allopathic or osteopathic)/dental/nursing school within the United States in the past five (5) years, and successfully completed a curriculum that included not less than eight (8) hours of training on managing patients with opioid or other SUDs (including use of medications to treat SUDs)?
• Have you completed at least eight (8) hours of training (inclusive or incremental) with respect to the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other SUDs by a certified association?

How To Satisfy the Requirement? 

There are options for completing this new training requirement in order attest truthfully. If past training, credentialing, or educational requirements were not sufficient, then the training can be completed any time prior to the next renewal of registration. 

When it comes to training courses, however, don’t bother contacting DEA:  the law does not require the agency to provide training, and they are prohibited from recommending, approving or endorsing training programs. The best bet is to contact state or national professional associations. 

TITAN Tip:  While DEA will not require proof or a record of the training, keep certificates and other records for future reference. Be aware that providing a false statement on the form – that you completed training when you did not – could be considered a punishable offense.

Why Your Team’s Controlled Substance Training Is Non-Negotiable

While the new requirements focus on prescribers, smart registrants don’t stop there. Other team members vital to their success – nurses, techs, medical assistants and others – all need to understand the requirements for legally storing, handling, managing, and keeping complete and accurate records for controlled substances at the practice. You end up helping them and yourself (a smarter staff means fewer potential problems with DEA and state regulatory agencies). 

Consider the leading cause of DEA investigations and significant penalties: improper recordkeeping. Quality training could reduce the practice’s risk from this common pitfall. (For another angle on training benefits, check out our article on how effective training can help prevent drug diversion in your pharmacy.)

TITAN Tip: It’s not just about compliance. Ongoing, updated training can contribute to improved patient experiences, reduced liability, improved team dynamics, and developing employees who could take on more responsibilities in the practice. 

Elements for Successful Training 

• Assess What You Have: Take a close look at the content, delivery methods, and outcomes of your existing training. Are there gaps in knowledge or areas that need improvement? Does your content need updating? Are there industry training standards to follow?  Can’t do it yourself? Reach out to TITAN for help. 
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Build a training program covering a wide range of topics (e.g., federal and state-specific opioid prescribing guidelines, pain management issues, spotting diversion, and safe handling of controlled substances). Are there topics that address unique challenges in your practice?
• Interactive and Engaging Learning: Nobody wants to sit through hours of PowerPoint lectures. Use case studies, role playing, simulations, or even well-designed online training to enhance engagement and information retention. 
• Choosing the Right Training Resources:  Look for high-quality materials and platforms from reputable providers to ensure that your training is effective and up-to-date. This is especially important when dealing with the complexities of opioid management and controlled substance regulations. (Be sure to check out TITAN’s training page -- https://titangroupdea.com/dea-compliance-training -- it may have just what you’re looking for.)
• Keep Going:  Controlled substance training is not a “one-and-done” task. Regularly reviewing and updating your training program is essential for maintaining a high level of care and avoiding potential legal issues. By committing to ongoing education and improvement, you can safeguard your practice while continuing to deliver quality care to patients. 

What Can TITAN Group Do for You?

In today’s healthcare environment, evolving your controlled substance training is more important than ever. Staying compliant with new DEA regulations, enhancing your skills, and ensuring the safety of your patients are all critical reasons to update your training program.  Why not have a Titan expert evaluate your program? 

Whether you need re-energized training, stronger practice policies, or a new suite of standard operating procedures (SOPS), TITAN’s team is ready to help you get it done. Why not reach out to TITAN Group today