What Are the DEA Opioid Education Requirements Described on UF CME?

As described on UF CME (cme.ufl.edu), new or renewing DEA licensees must complete at least 8 hours of training on opioid or other substance use disorders and the appropriate treatment of pain, beginning June 27, 2023. This is a one-time education requirement for renewals after that date. UF CME lists this under its required-courses section for license renewal, alongside Florida Board of Medicine requirements such as controlled substance prescribing.

The MATE Act Requirement in Plain Terms

The page states that the MATE Act requires new or renewing DEA licensees, as of June 27, 2023, to have completed a total of at least 8 hours of training on opioid or other substance use disorders and the appropriate treatment of pain in order to obtain a new DEA license or renew a current DEA license.

Two details matter for planning:

• Who it applies to: anyone applying for a new DEA license or renewing an existing one on or after June 27, 2023.
• How often: the page describes it as a one-time education requirement for renewals after June 27, 2023 — not an annual or per-cycle obligation.

The 8 hours are counted as a total, so training can be assembled from more than one activity rather than a single course.

How This Differs From Florida License Renewal Requirements

The DEA training requirement and Florida Board of Medicine renewal requirements are separate obligations that can appear on the same page. The table below reflects what UF CME lists:

The controlled substance prescribing course is described as approved by the Florida Board of Medicine to fulfill the renewal requirements outlined in section 456.0301. Note that satisfying the Florida controlled substance prescribing course does not by itself equal the 8-hour DEA training total — they are distinct requirements with different hour counts.

Using UF CME to Meet the Requirement

UF CME states that it works with UF College of Medicine departments to identify educational opportunities and to design, implement, and evaluate professional development programs, and it offers online learning and upcoming CME events. For the license-renewal courses it lists, the access pattern described on the page is:

1. Click the registration link for the course you need.
2. Enter your UFL email at the bottom of the page to gain access to the course.
3. Complete the course to earn the associated credit hours.

For the Florida renewal courses specifically, the page instructs users to enter a UFL email address to gain access. If you do not have a UFL email, that access route as described may not apply to you, and you would need to check directly with UF CME about eligibility.

Checking Whether a Course Counts Toward the 8 Hours

The page does not itemize which specific UF CME activities carry the 8-hour MATE Act training. To confirm before enrolling:

• Look for courses explicitly addressing opioid or other substance use disorders and pain treatment.
• Verify the credit type and hours awarded, since the requirement is measured in total hours.
• Confirm with UF CME or the course listing whether the activity is intended to satisfy the DEA training requirement, rather than only a Florida renewal category.

Common Points of Confusion

• Assuming the requirements are interchangeable. The 2-hour Florida controlled substance prescribing course and the 8-hour DEA training are listed as separate items with different hour requirements.
• Treating it as recurring. The page describes the DEA training as a one-time requirement for renewals after June 27, 2023.
• Overlooking the date. The requirement is tied to applications and renewals on or after June 27, 2023, not to licenses issued earlier.
• Assuming open access. The listed renewal courses direct users to enter a UFL email for access, so availability may depend on your affiliation.

For the most current course list, hour values, and eligibility, consult the required-courses and featured online learning sections on cme.ufl.edu directly, since offerings and access conditions can change.