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DEA Requirements for DATA Waived Physicians (DWPs)

On October 17, 2000, Congress passed the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) which permits qualified physicians to treat narcotic dependence with schedules III-V narcotic controlled substances that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that indication.

The legislation waives the requirement for obtaining a separate Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration as a Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) for qualified physicians administering, dispensing, and prescribing these specific FDA approved controlled substances. Physicians registered with the DEA as practitioners who apply and are qualified pursuant to DATA are issued a waiver (DWP) and will be authorized to conduct maintenance and detoxification treatment using FDA approved drug products. DATA waivers are only granted to qualified physicians. Hospitals and mid-level practitioners do not qualify under the DATA.

DATA waived physicians may treat 30 or 100 patients at any one time, dependent on individual authorization from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Physicians who submitted the notification for initial authorization at least one year prior may submit a second notification of the need and intent to increase the patient limit from 30 patients up to 100 patients. Upon authorization by CSAT, DEA will issue a new DEA certificate of registration with a business activity code to identify whether the physician is authorized to treat 30 or 100 patients.

Under the authority of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 822 (f)), DEA is authorized to conduct periodic on-site inspections of all registrants. DWPs are also subject to on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the DATA and its implementing regulations.

Physicians authorized to prescribe, administer, or dispense approved schedule III-V controlled substances for maintenance and detoxification should refer to the following Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sections:

DWPs should also refer to the following websites for additional information:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Website: www.buprenorphine.samhsa.gov
  • DEA Website: www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov

Questions regarding the DATA and other narcotic addiction treatment issues may be addressed to the Office of Diversion Control, Liaison and Policy Section, at (202) 307-7297.

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