Congress eliminates DATA-Waiver Program

February 2023

As of December 29, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has announced that there is no longer a requirement for an X-Waiver (or DATA 2000 Waiver) to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) due to the signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (the Act). The Act applies when the practitioner:

• Holds an active DEA license to prescribe controlled substances
• Is allowed to prescribe under their state nursing practice act and regulation

All practitioners who have a current DEA registration can prescribe buprenorphine for OUD if permitted by applicable state law without limits to the number of patients to which a practitioner can prescribe. Prescriptions aid in sustaining recovery and preventing overdoses. With the elimination of the X-Waiver, access to buprenorphine for those in need will safely increase.

The DEA and SAMHSA are developing further guidance and new training requirements beginning in June 2023. APNA is monitoring this issue and will keep you updated on any developments. Learn more about the advancement in prescribing medication and the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

>>> Prescribing for OUD? Take advantage of APNA Medication for Addictions Treatment Training for Nurses

Register now for these 2 FREE courses on medications for addictions treatment (MAT) and receive 24 NCPD Pharmacology contact hours. By completing these trainings, you’ll:

• Receive 24 hours of education to help you prescribe buprenorphine for OUD
• Develop a foundation in practices to decrease opioid use and opioid-related deaths.
• Explore issues you might encounter when assessing and providing MAT to persons with opioid use disorders.
• Understand how current regulations affect your role and responsibilities as a provider.

Register and expand your knowledge today!

Note that these are two standalone courses which will each come with a CE certificate.

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About APNA: The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is a national professional membership organization committed to the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing and wellness promotion, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders. APNA’s membership is inclusive of all psychiatric-mental health registered nurses including associate degree, baccalaureate, advanced practice (comprised of clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners), and nurse scientists and academicians (PhD). APNA serves as a resource for psychiatric-mental health nurses to engage in networking, education, and the dissemination of evidence. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.