Featured | Mar 10, 2025
Georgia's CME requirements for medical licensure include 40 hours biennially, with specific credits for opioids, pain management, and professional boundaries. Physicians must track progress through a CE app for efficient management.
Your Guide to Georgia's CME Requirements for Licensure
As healthcare evolves, Georgia’s CME requirements play a vital role in maintaining high standards in medical practice. In this dynamic field, where adaptability is key, Continuing Medical Education (CME) ensures healthcare providers stay informed and competent. This guide outlines Georgia’s medical license CME requirements for medical license renewal, providing a clear path for practitioners to meet their obligations and thrive in a diverse and challenging healthcare landscape.
Understanding Georgia's CME Requirements:
As a leader in medical advancements, the Georgia Composite Medical Board has set stringent yet essential guidelines to ensure that healthcare professionals remain well-equipped to provide optimal care to their patients. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements
https://rules.sos.state.ga.us/GAC/360-15-.01?urlRedirected=yes&data=admin&lookingfor=360-15-.01:
Here's How Your CE Tracking Progress Looks on the CE App
Profession: Medical Doctor and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- Profession: Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- CME Credits Required: 40
- Licensure Cycle: Every Two Years
- Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1, AAFP Prescribed credit, and ACOG Cognate Credits are required.
Special CME Requirements
- Opioids and Pain Management:20 hours every 2 years (If a physician does not hold a pain management or Palliative medicine certification)
- Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1 and AOA Category 1-A credits.
One-time CME requirements
- Professional Boundaries: 2 hours One-Time Only.
- Opioids: 3 Category 1 CME credits (AMA PRA Category 1 and AOA Category 1-A) are required by a physician who maintains an active DEA certificate and prescribes controlled substances.
Original Source
General CME Requirement for Georgia-Licensed Physicians
“Physicians licensed to practice medicine pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-34-26 shall complete Board approved continuing education of not less than 40 hours biennially.”
Opioids and Pain Management Requirement
“Physicians who do not hold a certification in pain management or palliative medicine, and whose opioid pain management patients comprise 50% or more of the patient population must demonstrate competence by biennially obtaining 20 (twenty) hours of continuing medical education ("CME") of pain management or palliative medicine.”
Controlled Substance Prescribing Requirement
“Every physician not subject to Rule 360-15-.01(3) who maintains an active DEA certificate and prescribes controlled substances, except those holding a residency training permit, shall complete at least one time three or more hours of AMA/AOAPRA Category 1 CME that is designed specifically to address controlled substance prescribing practices. “
Professional Boundaries Requirement
“On and after January 1, 2022, all physicians shall be required to receive one-time education training, for a minimum of two hours, regarding professional boundaries and physician sexual misconduct.”
More information on Georgia CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board
Track Your Progress On CE App
Supercharge your Continuing Medical Education with our cutting-edge CE App. Stay ahead of the curve, effortlessly track your CME credits, and access high-quality courses tailored to your specialization.
Your credential requirements
Georgia MD
Due: 31 Dec, 2025
progress
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What are the CME requirements for medical doctors in Georgia?
Medical doctors (MDs) in Georgia must complete 40 CME credits every two years. These credits must include AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1, AAFP Prescribed Credit, or ACOG Cognate Credits. Additional requirements apply for opioid prescribing and professional boundaries.
How many CME credits do medical doctors in Georgia need to maintain licensure?
Georgia requires MDs to complete 40 CME credits per two-year cycle. If a physician does not hold a certification in pain management or palliative medicine and treats a patient population where 50% or more require opioid pain management, 20 hours in pain management or palliative medicine CME are required.
What topics are included in the CME requirements for medical doctors in Georgia?
Georgia’s CME requirements include:
- 40 total CME credits every two years
- 20 CME credits in pain management or palliative medicine (if applicable)
- One-time 3 Category 1 CME credits on controlled substance prescribing (for DEA-registered physicians who prescribe controlled substances)
- One-time 2 CME credits on professional boundaries
How often do medical doctors in Georgia need to renew their CME credits?
Medical doctors in Georgia must renew their CME credits every two years, ensuring they complete 40 CME credits per cycle. Physicians prescribing opioids or controlled substances have additional one-time or ongoing requirements.
What are the CME requirements for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Georgia?
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Georgia must complete 40 CME credits every two years. Acceptable credits include AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1, AAFP Prescribed Credit, or ACOG Cognate Credits. DOs with active DEA registrations must also meet controlled substance prescribing requirements.
How many CME credits do Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Georgia need to maintain licensure?
DOs in Georgia are required to complete 40 CME credits per biennial cycle. If their patient population includes 50% or more requiring opioid pain management, they must complete 20 hours of pain management or palliative medicine CME every two years.
What topics are included in the CME requirements for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Georgia?
Georgia’s CME requirements for DOs include:
40 total CME credits every two years
20 CME credits in pain management or palliative medicine (if applicable)
One-time 3 Category 1 CME credits on controlled substance prescribing (for DEA-registered physicians who prescribe controlled substances)
One-time 2 CME credits on professional boundaries
How often do Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Georgia need to renew their CME credits?
DOs in Georgia must renew their CME credits every two years, ensuring compliance with the 40-credit requirement and any additional mandates related to opioids, controlled substances, or professional boundaries.
