The licensing of physicians is one of the key aspects of the nation's state medical boards in the U.S. State medical boards use licensing to ensure that all practicing physicians have received appropriate education and training and that they adhere to recognized standards of professional conduct while supporting their patients.
Obtaining a license to practice medicine in the United States is a difficult process. Those seeking to enter the profession must meet predetermined qualifications such as medical school graduation, postgraduate training, and passing a comprehensive national medical licensing examination that tests their expertise in health and disease management, as well as effective patient care. Applicants must provide proof of their education and training, as well as information about their work history. They must also disclose information that could jeopardize their ability to practice, such as their health status, malpractice judgments/settlements, and criminal convictions. Only those who meet a state's requirements are permitted to practice medicine in that state.
The state medical and osteopathic board regulations on continuing medical education (CME) for licensure registration are listed below. States with no information have no regulations governing CME.
States | CME/Year | Hours/Year | Duration (Years) | AMA/ACOG/AAFP/AOA | Equivalent Certificates | State-mandated CME |
Alabama | 12 | 12 | 1 | 12 | ABMS | |
Alaska | 50 | 25 | 2 | 50 | AMA PRA, ABMS, GME | |
Arizona | 40 | 20 | 2 | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, ABMS, GME | ||
Arizona DO | 20 | 20 | 1 | 12/yr (AOA 1-A) | AOA, ABMS, GME | 12 AOA 1-A credits/year |
Arkansas | 20 | 20 | 1 | Not specified | AMA PRA, AOA, GME | |
California* | 100 | 25 | 4 | 100 | AMA PRA app, ABMS, SMS, | Pain management, Elderly care, end-of-life care |
California DO* | 150 | 50 | 3 | 60 (AOA 1-A or B) | AOA, AAFP, CMA, CAFP | Pain management, geriatric medicine, end-of-life care; AOA cert. accepted if accompanied by AOA registration |
Colorado | 2 | 2 | 1 | Opioidprescribing, recognition of substance use disorders, referral of patients with substanceuse disorders for treatment, and use of the Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. | ||
Connecticut | 50 | 25 | 2 | Infectious disease, sexual assault, risk management, domestic violence | ||
Delaware | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA app | |
D.C. | 50 | 25 | 2 | 50 | AMA PRA app, AOA, GME | |
Florida* | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA, GME | HIV/AIDS, TB, end-of-life palliative care, domestic violence, med error |
Florida DO | 40 | 20 | 2 | 20 (AOA Category 1-A) | AMA PRA app, GME | HIV/AIDS, risk management, domestic violence, FL rules/laws, use of controlled substances, 2 hrs prevention of med errors |
Georgia | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA app, GME | |
Guam | 100 | 50 | 2 | 25 | AMA PRA app, AOA, NSS, ACEP | Ethics (2 credits every 2 years) |
Hawaii | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA, SMS, NSS, GME | |
Hawaii DO | AMA PRA, SMS, NSS, GME | |||||
Idaho | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, AOA, ABMS, GME | |
Illinois | 150 | 50 | 3 | 60 | AMA PRA, SMS, NSS, GME | SMS, NSS if ACCME-accredited |
Indiana | ||||||
Iowa | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA, ABMS (cert andrecert), GME | Training for identifying and reporting abuse is required every 5 years for EM, FM, FP, IM, OB/GYN, Psych, & primary care service |
Kansas | 50 | 50 | 1 | 20 | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, ABMS, SMS, GME | |
Kentucky | 60 | 20 | 3 | 30 | AMA PRA, AOA, NSS, GME | HB 1 requires a minimum of 4.5 hours every licensing cycle for physicians who are authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances. Primary care physicians should complete a 3-hour domestic violence training course within 3 years of the date of initial licensure |
Louisiana | 20 | 20 | 1 | 20 | AMA PRA | One-time board orientation course |
Maine | 100 | 50 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, ABMS, SMS, GME | |
Maine DO | 100 | 50 | 2 | 40 (AOA 1-A or B) | ||
Maryland | 50 | 25 | 2 | 50 | AMA PRA app, ABMS+ | Partial credit for ABMS. |
Massachusetts | 100 | 50 | 2 | 40 (40 AOA 1-A for DOs) | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, ABMS, SMS | Risk management |
Michigan | 150 | 50 | 3 | 75 | AMA PRA app | 75 Category 1 AMA PRA |
Michigan DO | 150 | 50 | 3 | 60 (AOA 1-A or B) | ABMS, GME | 60 hours Category 1-A or 1-B |
Minnesota | 75 | 25 | 3 | 75 | AMA PRA, ABMS, MOCOMP | ABMS cert/recertification accepted |
Mississippi | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 (DOs: AOA 1-A) | AMA PRA app, ABMS*, GME | Initial certification only (not renewal); for DOs, all credit must be AOA 1-A. |
Missouri | 50 | 25 | 2 | 50 | ABMS, GME | Complete50 hoursofAMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, AOA Category 1-A or 2-A credits, or AAFP |
Montana | No CME required | |||||
Nebraska | 50 | 25 | 2 | 50 | AMA PRA, AOA | |
Nevada | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA app, GME | Ethics (2 credits), 20 credits in the specialty; other 18 hrs can be any in Category 1; 4 credits in WMD/bioterrorism (new applicants only) |
Nevada DO | 35 | 35 | 1 | 10 (AOA 1-A) | AMA PRA app, AOA, ABMS | |
New Hampshire | 150 | 50 | 3 | 60 | AMA PRA, ABMS, GME | Credits reported to NH Med Society; CME reporting cycle to 2 years |
New Jersey | 100 | 50 | 2 | 40 | GME | Cultural Competence;The 6 credits for cultural competence are in addition to the 100-hour requirement for physicians. For newly licensed physicians, the Board requires attendance at an orientation program; no CME is provided for this. |
New Mexico | 75 | 25 | 3 | 75 | AMA PRA, ABMS, GME | |
New Mexico DO | 75 | 25 | 3 | 75 | AMA PRA, ABMS, USMLE | Active membership in AOA may replace 75 hours of CME |
New York | ||||||
North Carolina | 150 | 50 | 3 | 60 | ||
North Dakota | 60 | 20 | 3 | 60 | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, ABMS, MOCOMP | |
North Mariana Islands | 25 | 25 | 1 | |||
Ohio | 100 | 50 | 2 | 40 (DOs: AMA 1-A or B) | AMA PRA app, AOA | All CME must be OSMA or OOA certified |
Oklahoma | 60 | 20 | 3 | 60 | AMA PRA, ABMS, GME+ | +50 hours for each year of GME |
Oklahoma DO | 16 | 16 | 1 | 16 (AOA 1-A or B) | 1 credit on prescribing controlled substances (every 2 yrs) | |
Oregon | 120 | 60 | 2 | 1-hour pain management & end-of-life care; Minimum 6 CME credit hours. Alzheimer's education, cultural competency, & suicide risk assessment | ||
Pennsylvania | 100 | 50 | 2 | 20 | SMS, GME | 12 hrs patient safety or risk management |
Pennsylvania DO | 100 | 50 | 2 | 20 (AOA 1-A) | 12 hrs patient safety or risk management | |
Puerto Rico | 60 | 20 | 3 | 40 | AMA PRA | |
Rhode Island | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, AOA, ABMS, SMS, NSS, GME | 2 credits: pain management, end of life, universal precautions, bioterrorism, OHSA, or ethics |
South Carolina | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | ABMS, GME | 75% specialty education (30 credits every 2 years) |
South Dakota | No CME required | |||||
Tennessee | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | AMA PRA | Appropriate prescribing (1 credit every 2 years) |
Tennessee DO | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 (AOA 1-A or 2-A) | Appropriate prescribing (1 credit every 2 years) | |
Texas | 24 | 24 | 1 | 12 (12 AOA 1-A for DOs) | AMA PRA, ABMS, GME | Of 12 Category 1 credits, at least 1 in ethics and/or professional responsibility |
Utah MDs and DOs | 40 | 20 | 2 | 40 | GME | |
Vermont | ||||||
Vermont DO | 30 | 15 | 2 | AMA PRA | At least 12 of 30 hours in osteopathic medical education | |
Virgin Islands | 25 | 25 | 1 | 25 | ||
Virginia | 60 | 30 | 2 | 30 | AMA PRA app, GME | |
Washington | 200 | 50 | 4 | Not specified | AMA PRA, ABMS, SMS, NSS | |
Washington DO | 150 | 50 | 3 | 60 (AOA 1-A or B) | AMA PRA, AMA PRA app, ABMS, SMS, GME | CME certification from medical practice academies and original certification or recertification within 6 years by the specialty board |
West Virginia | 50 | 25 | 2 | 50 | AMA PRA | One-time requirement for two credits in end-of-life care, and pain management, and 30 credits forthephysician's designated specialty |
West Virginia DO | 32 | 16 | 2 | 16 (AOA 1-A or B) | One-time requirement for two credits in end-of-life care, and pain management, and 30 credits forthephysician's designatedspecialty | |
Wisconsin | 30 | 15 | 2 | 30 | AMA PRA | |
Wyoming | 60 hrs | 20 | 3 | 60 | AMA PRA, ABMS |
Reference:
Federation of State Medical Boards
State-specific Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements have become widespread throughout the US, affecting physicians applying for initial licensure or renewal. These stipulations require doctors to complete CME hours on topics deemed important by state boards. While intended to enhance physician knowledge, these requirements present several challenges.
State boards have prioritized various CME topics, often focusing on public health concerns. The most common requirement is CME related to safe prescribing, particularly opioids, pain management, end-of-life care, and addiction. For instance, Colorado mandates two hours of CME on substance abuse prevention and treatment every renewal period.
Other states emphasize different topics, including:
Some states have specific mandates, such as Connecticut's requirement for CME on HIV/AIDS within the broader infectious disease category or Nevada's four-hour CME on bioterrorism for initial licensure. Additionally, a few states require CME on current public health priorities, which may change every renewal period.
According to the 2018 FSMB Census of Licensed Physicians, over 20% of US-licensed physicians hold more than one medical license. These physicians must track various state-specific CME requirements, including:
Failure to comply can lead to ineligibility for renewal or penalties, potentially causing superb doctors to lose their licenses over trivial CME credits.
State-specific CME requirements also hinder the adoption of telemedicine. Effective telemedicine practice often necessitates multiple state licenses, but additional CME requirements deter physicians from obtaining these licenses, limiting patient access to telehealth services.
State-mandated CME topics undermine physician autonomy and self-directed lifelong learning. Physicians are highly motivated and capable professionals, and mandatory CME on specific topics can be seen as patronizing. Moreover, this approach sets a precedent that CME on any important topic is necessary for competency.
States often implement CME topic requirements in response to systemic problems, such as the opioid crisis. This places the burden on physicians to address these issues, allowing states to claim they are taking action without addressing underlying problems.
Ambiguity in state-specific continuing medical education online requirements poses a risk of noncompliance. Some states encourage CME on certain topics, leading to confusion. For instance, Texas encourages CME on tick-borne diseases for physicians treating such conditions, but the lack of clarity on what constitutes "treating" these diseases can lead to scrutiny by the board during license renewal.
Physicians can help curb the trend of state-specific CME requirements by getting involved with their state or local medical society, voting against resolutions leading to mandatory CME topics, and staying informed about their home-state medical board's activities. Serving on the board can also influence regulations.
Becoming a telemedicine advocate by joining organizations like the American Telemedicine Association can help create regulations that allow for the use of telemedicine without unnecessary red tape.
Physicians holding multiple state licenses should establish a system to track continuing medical education online requirements and credits, preventing last-minute scrambles to meet renewal criteria.
While state-specific CME requirements aim to enhance physician knowledge and address public health concerns, they present several challenges. By staying involved, advocating for telemedicine, and maintaining an organized tracking system, physicians can navigate these requirements more effectively while advocating for more flexible CME regulations. For more details, connect with the Credidocs team today.
The medical licensure process can be intricate and demanding, making it essential for physicians to gather comprehensive information about specific state medical boards before applying. Questions about application rejection rates, adherence to posted timelines, and requests for additional information are common. At Credidocs, our licensing experts are well-versed in the nuances of various state medical boards, guiding physicians through potential pitfalls to avoid frustrating delays.
Regardless of the state, the quality and accuracy of your application are crucial. It is essential to understand the documentation requirements and compile the necessary information as early as possible. Missing required information can lead to significant delays. Additionally, adhering to deadlines is vital, as many states will void incomplete applications. Attention to detail is paramount when applying for a medical license.
The most effective way to get a physician license in any state is to make use of the services of an expert medical licensing firm like Credidocs. Clients are paired with a dedicated licensing specialist who manages the application process from start to finish. Credidocs ensures that applications are complete and accurate, minimizing the physician's involvement. An accelerated program is available, where professionally prepared applications and credential verification requests are shipped within 24 hours, offering the fastest route to obtaining a medical license.
Our extensive experience with medical boards across all 50 states has enabled us to identify the top ten states where the licensure process is typically smoothest for our clients:
Instead of navigating the complex and time-consuming medical license application process alone, leverage our expertise. Our experienced licensing professionals compile and manage your application efficiently. To begin with, get in touch with our team to complete an online intake form. Your dedicated licensing specialist will gather the necessary information to ensure your eligibility and prepare your application paperwork. Once you finalize the paperwork, we submit it to the medical board for processing.
Avoid the hassle of dealing with medical boards over minor errors or oversights. Engaging a physician licensing service ensures that your application is thorough, complete, and accurate from the outset. At Credidocs, our licensing experts realize the necessities of each state medical board, making sure that your application proceeds smoothly.
By working with a physician licensing service, you avoid common pitfalls such as missing required information, overlooking important deadlines or fees, and including inaccuracies in your application. Our specialists are detail-oriented and apply their extensive experience to every application. This diligence prevents delays and the need for resubmission, which often incurs additional fees.
Rather than spending significant time familiarizing yourself with the intricacies of the medical license application process, take advantage of the expert knowledge offered by Credidocs. Our licensing experts have a deep understanding of every medical licensing requirement and serve as an ideal source for every client. They work closely with physicians to compile credentials, verifications, and documentation, which are securely stored for future applications or physician license renewals.
For physicians holding medical licenses in multiple states, keeping up with varying licensure requirements and physician license renewal deadlines can be challenging. A professional licensing service, with comprehensive knowledge of each state's requirements, can manage these elements efficiently. Your dedicated licensing specialist tracks all details, making multi-state licensure easier to obtain and maintain.
Entrusting your medical license application to professionals increases the likelihood of approval. At Credidocs, we conduct a pre-qualification analysis, cross-referencing your credentials with state requirements to ensure eligibility. We collect your data via a simple intake form, prepare the necessary forms, and guide you through the application process. We facilitate direct-source verification of your credentials, track all components of the application, and maintain contact with board reviewers until your license is granted. These efforts ensure a smooth application process and a high probability of approval. For a hassle-free medical licensing process, call us today.
As a physician, your journey in learning doesn't cease upon graduation from medical school. Keeping pace with advancements in healthcare is essential for delivering the highest standard of care to your patients. One of the primary ways to achieve this is through Continuing Medical Education (CME). In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the significance of accredited CME, the types of credits physicians require, understanding medical license renewal in conjunction with CME, and strategies to navigate these requirements effectively.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) encompasses educational activities designed for healthcare professionals to maintain, enhance, or develop their skills. Accredited CME is approved by recognized bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). These activities are essential for physicians to stay abreast of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring they possess the most current information and practices in their respective fields.
To be accredited, CME activities must meet stringent criteria set by accrediting bodies, ensuring integrity, independence, and alignment with established policies. This rigorous review process guarantees that the information provided is accurate and reflects the latest best practices in medicine.
Physicians require various types of CME credits to fulfill their continuing education requirements. These credits cover a broad spectrum of topics, including infectious diseases, pain management, public health, pharmacology updates, and addiction awareness. Accredited sources like AACME, AOA, CFPC, and DHP offer formal CME activities relevant to licensure needs.
Moreover, some clinicians may need Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits in addition to traditional CME credits to maintain licensure. MOC credits ensure ongoing competence and proficiency in specialized areas of medicine.
Renewing a medical license is vital for physicians to uphold their professional standards and continue practicing medicine. CME credits play a pivotal role in this process, quantifying and tracking physicians' education and training to maintain and enhance their medical knowledge and skills.
Physicians can earn CME credits through various approved activities such as conferences, webinars, seminars, online training, and self-directed learning. These credits are typically acquired on an hour-for-hour basis, with Category 1 activities being formal, pre-approved courses, and Category 2 activities being self-designated credits that meet specific criteria.
Specialty-specific CME requirements by state dictate the number of credits needed for license renewal, with proof of completion often required during the renewal process. It's crucial to stay informed about renewal timelines and begin the process well in advance to avoid any disruptions to practice.
To ensure recognition by state medical boards, physicians must obtain CME credits from accredited sources. Accredited providers adhere to strict standards set by accrediting bodies, guaranteeing the quality and relevance of educational activities.
Beyond fulfilling mandatory requirements, physicians can benefit from attending CME events tailored to their well-being and mental health. These sessions focus on addressing burnout, stress management, and other issues affecting physician wellness.
Meeting CME requirements amidst a busy schedule can be challenging, but several strategies can help streamline the process:
Continuing Medical Education is indispensable for physicians striving to deliver optimal patient care and maintain professional competence. By understanding the significance of accredited CME for Physician Assistants and doctors, navigating license renewal requirements, and adopting effective strategies, physicians can ensure they remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and practice. With proactive planning and commitment to ongoing education, physicians can confidently meet their CME requirements while advancing their careers and enhancing patient outcomes.
Are you interested in simplifying the CME journey? Connect with the Credidocs team to know how we can revolutionize your overall experience of career development.
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