APMA Formally Expresses Concern to SAMHSA over DEA MATE Act Omissions

Last week, APMA submitted formal comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), expressing our ongoing concerns related to the DEA MATE Act, and following up our meeting on April 28.

APMA noted the following concerns:

• Podiatric physicians were the only 4-4-3 model physician provider type of DEA-licensed providers who routinely prescribe opioids or other controlled substances that lead to substance use disorders who were omitted from the legislation.
• Podiatric physicians do not receive education from ACCME-approved organizations. Most, if not all, continuing education podiatric physicians receive is via CPME-approved entities.
• It will take time to obtain a technical correction from Congress.

APMA strongly urged SAMHSA to take action and recognize APMA and CPME as approved entities to provide this education.

To read this letter in full, visit www.apma.org/commentletters. Members are also encouraged to visit the DEA MATE Act Compliance Resource Page for information on where to get training and more. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the APMA Health Policy and Practice department at healthpolicy.hpp@apma.org.