DEA Finalizes Rule Implementing Key Changes to Medication-Assisted Treatment and Controlled Substance Prescribing
Last updated 2026-06-10 · Source: DEA
Primary source: DEA: DEA Finalizes Rule Implementing Key Changes to Medication-Assisted Treatment and Controlled Substance Prescribing
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a final rule adopting provisions from the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 (SUPPORT Act) and the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022. This rule eliminates the DATA-waiver program for prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) and implements a new one-time training requirement for all controlled substance prescribers. It also codifies provisions allowing pharmacies to deliver certain controlled substances to a practitioner's registered location for maintenance or detoxification treatment.
What this means for your practice
This final rule represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for controlled substance prescribing, particularly for practitioners involved in treating opioid use disorder (OUD). The elimination of the DATA-waiver program removes a long-standing administrative barrier to prescribing buprenorphine for MAT, potentially increasing access to care. However, it is replaced with a new, broader one-time training requirement that applies to all practitioners who prescribe controlled substances. Healthcare businesses, including telehealth platforms, medspas, dental practices, and chiropractic offices, must ensure all their prescribing practitioners are aware of and comply with this new training mandate. Telehealth providers, who often facilitate access to MAT, should pay close attention to the implications of the DATA-waiver removal and the new training for their clinicians. Additionally, practices administering MAT should understand the updated provisions regarding pharmacy delivery of controlled substances to a registered location. Non-compliance with the new training requirement could lead to enforcement actions, impacting licensure and DEA registration.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published a final rule, effective July 9, 2026, to update its regulations concerning the dispensing and administering of controlled substances for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid use disorder (OUD). This rule codifies amendments made by two significant pieces of federal legislation: the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 (the SUPPORT Act) and the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.
Background on the SUPPORT Act and Subsequent Amendments
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), specifically 21 U.S.C. 823(h), has historically required practitioners dispensing narcotic drugs for maintenance or detoxification treatment to obtain a separate annual registration. The SUPPORT Act, enacted on October 24, 2018, aimed to expand the conditions under which practitioners could provide MAT for OUD and broadened the criteria for physicians to be considered
Key Facts
| Detail | Value | |---|---| | Effective Date | July 9, 2026 | | Legislation Implemented | SUPPORT Act of 2018 and Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 | | Key Change 1 | Eliminated the DATA-waiver program (21 U.S.C. 823(h)(2)) | | Key Change 2 | Implemented a one-time training requirement for all prescribers of controlled substances (21 U.S.C. 823(m)) | | Key Change 3 | Allows pharmacy delivery of certain controlled substances to a practitioner's registered location for MAT (21 U.S.C. 829a) | | Affected CFR Parts | 21 CFR Parts 1300, 1301, and 1306 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this DEA final rule?
This final rule updates DEA regulations to align with the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 (SUPPORT Act) and the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, particularly regarding medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and controlled substance prescribing.
What happened to the DATA-waiver program for prescribing buprenorphine?
The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, implemented by this rule, eliminated the DATA-waiver program by striking 21 U.S.C. 823(h)(2) in its entirety.
Is there a new training requirement for practitioners who prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 added a one-time training requirement for prescribers of controlled substances, now codified in 21 U.S.C. 823(m).
Can pharmacies deliver controlled substances directly to a practitioner's office for MAT?
Yes, the rule adopts provisions from the SUPPORT Act that allow a pharmacy to deliver prescribed controlled substances to a practitioner's registered location for the purpose of maintenance or detoxification treatment, to be administered under certain conditions by a practitioner (21 U.S.C. 829a).
When does this final rule become effective?
This final rule is effective on July 9, 2026.