Featured | Mar 20, 2025
Stay on top of Kentucky’s CME requirements for licensure renewal. This guide highlights the key CME guidelines, including the 60 credits required every three years, special CME courses in controlled substance prescribing and addiction medicine, and one-time requirements like pediatric abuse head trauma. Track your progress using the CE app for a smooth experience.
Your credential requirements
Kentucky MD
Due: 31 Dec, 2025
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Frequently
Asked
Questions
What are the CME requirements for medical doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Kentucky?
Medical doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Kentucky must complete 60 CME credits every three years. Of these, at least 30 credits must be Category 1 CME credits (AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, or AOA Category 1-B).
How many CME credits do physicians in Kentucky need to maintain licensure?
Kentucky requires physicians (MDs and DOs) to complete 60 total CME credits per three-year licensure cycle. A minimum of 30 credits must be in Category 1 CME.
What topics are included in Kentucky’s CME requirements for medical doctors and osteopathic physicians?
Kentucky’s CME requirements include:
- 60 total CME credits every three years
- At least 30 hours of Category 1 CME (AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B)
- 4.5 hours in controlled substance prescribing (for those authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances)
- 12 hours in addiction medicine (for DEA-licensed prescribers of buprenorphine-containing medications)
- One-time CME requirements: Domestic violence and pediatric abusive head trauma (for certain specialists)
How often do physicians in Kentucky need to renew their CME credits?
Physicians in Kentucky must renew their CME credits every three years, ensuring they complete 60 total credits within each cycle.
What are the CME requirements for controlled substance prescribing in Kentucky?
Any Kentucky-licensed physician authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances must complete at least 4.5 CME hours every three years. These hours must cover topics such as KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting), pain management, and addiction disorders.
What are the CME requirements for addiction medicine in Kentucky?
Physicians with a DEA license to prescribe buprenorphine-containing medications must complete 12 CME hours in addiction medicine every three years.
Are there any one-time CME requirements for physicians in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky has two one-time CME requirements:
- Domestic Violence CME: All licensed physicians must complete a one-time CME course on domestic violence.
- Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma CME: Physicians practicing in pediatrics, radiology, family medicine, emergency medicine, or urgent care must complete 1 hour of CME on recognizing and preventing pediatric abusive head trauma.
Where can I find official information on Kentucky’s CME requirements?
For up-to-date details on Kentucky CME requirements, visit the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure website: https://kbml.ky.gov/.
