Featured | Mar 10, 2025

Louisiana CME Requirements for Licensure

Louisiana requires MDs and DOs to complete 20 CME credits annually, including AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B, and AAFP credits. First-time license renewals for controlled substance prescribers require 3 credits in Louisiana-controlled substances.

Your Guide to Louisiana's CME Requirements for Licensure

As healthcare evolves, Louisiana’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 Louisiana’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 Louisiana's CME Requirements:

The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners governs the licensure and regulation of physicians in the state, including the establishment of CME requirements. These requirements are carefully crafted to ensure that healthcare professionals continue to enhance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements-

https://a.storyblok.com/f/150540/2c856dd1c1/physicians-july-2021rev2.pdf

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Louisiana MD

Due: 31 Dec, 2025

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20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AOA Category 1-A, Category I, AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), ACOG Category 1 Credit(s), ACCME Category 1 Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 Every year

0 more credits needed

3 Credits in LA Pre Approved CDS Prescribing Every year

0 more credits needed

Profession: Medical Doctor and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Profession: Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
CME Credits Required: 20
Licensure Cycle: Annual
Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B and AAFP Prescribed Credits are required.

One-time CME requirement

Controlled substance prescribers must complete 3 credit hours in Louisiana Controlled Substances in the first renewal.

Original Source

General CME Requirement for Louisiana-Licensed Physicians

“Every physician seeking the renewal or reinstatement of licensure shall annually evidence and document, in a manner specified by the board, the successful completion of not less than 20 hours of board-approved CME.”

One- time CME requirement

“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Part, every authorized prescriber seeking the renewal of a license for the first time on and after January 1, 2019, shall, as part of the CME required by this Part, and as a condition prerequisite to licensure renewal, successfully complete three hours of CME approved by the board on CDS prescribing practices (the CME requirement).”

More information on Louisiana CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board.

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

What are the CME requirements for medical doctors (MDs) in Louisiana?: Medical doctors (MDs) in Louisiana must complete 20 CME credits annually. These credits must be in AMA PRA Category 1™, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B, or AAFP Prescribed Credits. Physicians prescribing controlled substances must also complete a one-time 3-hour course on Louisiana Controlled Substances for their first renewal.
How many CME credits do medical doctors in Louisiana need to maintain licensure?: Medical doctors in Louisiana must complete 20 CME credits per year to maintain an active medical license. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners enforces this requirement for all renewing physicians.
Are there any special CME requirements for controlled substance prescribers in Louisiana?: Yes. Physicians who prescribe controlled substances must complete a one-time, 3-hour CME course on Louisiana Controlled Substances. This requirement applies to physicians renewing their license for the first time on or after January 1, 2019.
What types of CME credits are accepted for Louisiana medical license renewal?: Louisiana accepts the following CME credit types for licensure renewal:
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
AOA Category 1-A & 1-B Credits (for DOs)
AAFP Prescribed Credits
Physicians must ensure their CME credits are board-approved and meet Louisiana’s renewal criteria.
How often do medical doctors in Louisiana need to renew their CME credits?: Louisiana requires medical doctors to renew their CME credits annually. Each physician must provide proof of completion of at least 20 board-approved CME credits per year to maintain an active license.
What are the CME requirements for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Louisiana?: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in Louisiana follow the same CME requirements as MDs:
20 CME credits annually
Accepted credit types include AMA PRA Category 1™, AOA Category 1-A & 1-B, and AAFP Prescribed Credits
A one-time, 3-hour course on controlled substances for first-time renewals
Where can I find more information about Louisiana’s CME requirements?: For the most up-to-date information on Louisiana CME requirements, visit the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners’ website or refer to official state guidelines.

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