A new law requires prescribers of controlled substances in schedule II, III, IV, and V to complete a one-time eight-hour training prior to their first registration or renewal of their DEA license, beginning Tuesday, June 27.

The required training for physicians focuses on “treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, or the safe pharmacological management of dental pain and screening, brief intervention, and referral for appropriate treatment of patients with or at risk of developing opioid or other substance use disorders.”

The American Academy of Family Physicians new webpage reflects this new requirement and associated agency guidance as of March 2023. Related state laws and regulations still apply.