LLR-BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Approved by the Board: October 18-21, 1998 Board meeting

Amended by the Board: May 6-8, 2002 Board meeting

Service Area: Licensure, Physicians

Subject: Continuing Medical Education Requirement

Beginning January 2000, every currently licensed physician must begin to acquire at least 40 hours of category I CME every two (2) calendar years in order to reregister his or her license. Physicians will be required to report CME completion biennially during license re-registration. Compliance will initially be monitored through random audits beginning in 2002.

POLICY:

Applicants for medical re-registration must complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved continuing medical education (CME) during the previous two consecutive calendar years.

CONSIDERATIONS:

1. What constitutes "approved" CME?

Category I CME accredited by the AMA or AOA or its equivalent sponsored by a specialty board. Documented journal club participation or more innovative formats, for example, a practitioner-designed program offered in the office or hospital setting. The reading of journal articles is not acceptable due to the lack of an accountable monitor.

2. Will retired physicians be required to participate?

Yes, if the physician is retired but has an active license, then he/she must comply with CME requirements. Retired physicians without an active license are exempt from CME.

3. Will the CME be specialty specific?

Yes, in that 75 percent, or 30 of the 40 hours required every two years, must be directly related to the type of patient care the licensee renders.

4. What action will be taken if the applicant does not meet the requirement?

Penalties will be imposed as provided by Board policy. (Click here to view policy)