STATE MANDATED
All of Your California CME/CE Needs In One Place
Meet your California CME/CE credit requirements with our curated selection of primary care courses and conferences. Discover CME/CE sessions tailored for California physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Create your free account in less than a minute to start earning credits and keep your medical license up to date.
California CME/CE Requirements
(12) hours of CME on pain management and the appropriate care and treatment of the terminally ill (one-time requirement to be completed by 2nd license renewal, or within four years).
The 12 units may be divided in any way that is relevant to the physician's specialty and practice setting, and must also include the risks of addiction associated with the use of Schedule II drugs. As an alternative, a physician may complete a one-time CE course of 12 credit hours in the subjects of treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients, including 8 hours of training in buprenorphine treatment or other similar medicinal treatment for opioid use disorders (to be completed by next license renewal date after licensure).
General internists and family physicians who have a patient population of which over 25 percent are 65 years of age or older: 20% of CME must be in geriatric medicine, the special care needs of patients with dementia, or the care of older patients.
(8) hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners (with the exception of DVM-only license holders), beginning with DEA initial or renewal registrations starting June 27, 2023.
For more information:
www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensees/Continuing_Education/
https://www.ombc.ca.gov
(1) hour on implicit bias, from BRN-approved provider (within first 2 years).
A nurse practitioner who provides primary care to a patient population of which over 25 percent are 65 years of age or older: at least 20% of CE hours must be in the field of gerontology, the special care needs of patients with dementia, or the care of older patients (NEW, approved in 2024).
(8) hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners (with the exception of DVM-only license holders), beginning with DEA initial or renewal registrations starting June 27, 2023.
For more information:
https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml#implicitbias
A physician assistant who provides primary care to a patient population of which over 25 percent are 65 years of age or older: at least 20% of CME must be in the field of gerontology, the special care needs of patients with dementia, or the care of older patients (NEW, approved in 2024).
(8) hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners (with the exception of DVM-only license holders), beginning with DEA initial or renewal registrations starting June 27, 2023.
For more information:
https://www.pab.ca.gov/licensees/cmeregs.shtml
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California CME/CE FAQs
The required number of CME/CE credits varies by state and profession. The best way to find your CME/CE credit requirements is to check with the California state licensing board. You can also refer to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website, which provides a comprehensive guide on CME/CE requirements by state.
Each state has its own specific requirements for CME/CE credits. Some states require a set number of hours per year, while others may have a biennial or triennial cycle. It's important to check with the California medical board or licensing authority to determine your specific requirements. Additionally, certain professions may have different requirements within the same state, so it's important to know what applies to you.
CME/CE topic requirements can vary from state to state, so it is advisable to check with the California licensing board or professional organization for the most up-to-date information.
The process of reporting completed California CME/CE credits may vary depending on your profession and the organization providing the credits. However, here are some general steps that can help guide you:
• Check with your professional board or organization: Before reporting your credits, it is important to check if they have any specific requirements or guidelines for reporting. This can usually be found on their website or by contacting them directly.
• Download certificate of completion: Upon completing a CME/CE activity, you should be given a certificate of completion that should include details about the activity, including credit information, completion date, and the name of the accredited provider.
• Submit your documentation: Some organizations may require you to submit proof of completion, such as certificates or transcripts. Make sure to follow their instructions and provide all necessary documents.
• Keep a copy of your report: It is important to keep a copy of your submitted report and any supporting documentation for your own records. At Pri-Med, we keep track of your credits and certificates—even ones you earned years ago—in a personal dashboard you can access at any time.
One of the primary reasons continuing education is essential is that it promotes lifelong learning. When professionals engage in ongoing education, they continually expand their knowledge and skills, making them better equipped to serve their patients.
Many states have recognized the importance of online education and allow for CME/CE requirements to be completed in a variety of formats, including online. However, it is essential to check with the California medical board or licensing authority before enrolling in an online CME/CE program as each state has its own specific requirements and regulations.
Some states allow for out-of-state conferences to count towards California mandated CME/CE, while others do not. However, it's important to note that even if your state does accept out-of-state conferences, there may be certain criteria that must be met for the credits to be counted. It's always a good idea to check with your state's medical board or licensing agency to see what their specific requirements are for out-of-state conferences.
Attending out-of-state conferences can be a great way to expand your knowledge and network with other healthcare professionals. Pri-Med hosts CME/CE conferences nationwide so you can attend one near you or travel to one and make a mini vacation out of it. For instance, many clinicians attended Pri-Med East in Providence, RI this year. Many participants live in New England, but others are coming from across the country to learn, earn credit, and enjoy all that Providence has to offer in the fall.
The best place to find the most up-to-date information on California CME/CE requirements is directly from the California medical board or licensing agency. This information can typically be found on their website, and it is important to check back periodically as requirements may change over time.
You can also reach out to your professional organization or medical society for guidance on California CME/CE requirements. These organizations often have resources and tools available to help you stay informed on the latest requirements.