Breaking News: The X-Waiver Gets “X’d”
Anand Swaminathan and Alister Martin
- On December 29th, 2022, President Biden signed a federal spending bill into law which included the end of the X-waiver required by clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine.
- As a result, all clinicians with a DEA license are able to prescribe buprenorphine during a 6-month grace period.
- After the grace period, all clinicians applying for their DEA license will be required to complete a one-time, 8-hour training on opiates and opiate use disorder.
- Unaddressed Questions:
- If a clinician has been previously X-waivered, will they be exempt from the one-time training? (This is likely but unclear at this time).
- What will qualify for the 8-hour training? Currently, a small number of organizations have been named that can provide the training including the AMA. However, there is a provision that accredited CME in this area will qualify (we will have to stay tuned for updates here).
- Those clinicians that have graduated from residency or medical school within the last 5 years will be exempt from the training if their institution provided training in the area.
EM:RAP 2018 September Strayerisms – Opioid Abuse and Buprenorphine
Marc V B., P.A. - February 4, 2023 9:11 AM
does EMRAP have a plan to develop a 8 hour course?
Mel H. - February 4, 2023 10:03 AM
Yep - we are waiting for the Pds to give more guidance but we will provide a way to do this fast and fun!
Michelle M. - February 6, 2023 12:36 PM
Does this new law vary at all state to state? I have read some articles alluding that this is the case but cannot find any specific information to support or refute this.
Anand S. - February 6, 2023 12:37 PM
Michelle - this is nationwide as it's federal law. Requirements should be the same regardless of which state you practice in.