Guidance sought on MATE Act

The Omnibus Bill of 2022 included the Restoring Hope for Mental Health Well Being Act, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (MAT Act), and the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act (MATE Act). Of note, the MATE Act mandates that most practitioners – including oral and maxillofacial surgeons – licensed to prescribe controlled substances or who hold DEA licenses will be required to complete eight hours of coursework on either the treatment of substance use disorders or on the safe pharmacological management of dental pain with a referral for the treatment of substance use disorders. The eight hours is a one-time requirement. The requirement is set to be implemented on June 21. AAOMS participated in a listening session in Feb.  about the Act with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). Participants lamented the lack of details sufficient to implement the necessary coursework as well as insufficient time for compliance. AAOMS submitted a letter to SAMHSA expressing similar concerns.