Featured | Mar 10, 2025

New York CME Requirements for Licensure

New York requires MDs and DOs to complete CME every two years, including 1 credit in infection control every 4 years and 3 credits in controlled substance and pain management every 3 years. Additionally, a one-time 2-credit child abuse training is required.

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Your Guide to New York's CME Requirements for Licensure

As healthcare advances, New York’s CME requirements serve as a cornerstone in upholding high standards in medical practice. In this dynamic field, where progress is constant, Continuing Medical Education (CME) ensures healthcare providers remain at the forefront of medical knowledge. This guide explores New York's CME requirements for medical license renewal, offering healthcare practitioners a roadmap to meet their obligations and excel in a demanding, innovative environment.

Understanding New York's CME Requirements: 

In New York, the Department of Health oversees the licensure of medical professionals. The requirements for CME in New York are designed to ensure that healthcare providers maintain high standards of care and stay abreast of new developments in medicine. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements Office of the Professions :Training

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New York MD

Due: 31 Dec, 2025

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3 Credits in NY Pain Management, Palliative Care & and Addiction Every 3 years
0 more credits needed
2 Credits in NY Child Abuse Reporting Every 3 years
0 more credits needed
1 Credits in Infection Control & NY Infection Control Every 4 years
0 more credits needed
1 Credits in NY Infection Control Every 3 years
0 more credits needed

Profession: Medical Doctor (MD) 

  • Profession:  Medical Doctor
  • Licensure Cycle: Every Two Years

Special CME Requirements

  • Infection Control: 1 credit hour in Infection Control every 4 years.
  •  New York-Specific Controlled Substance and Pain Management education : 3 credit hours every 3 years.

One-time CME Requirement:

  • Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting: 2 credit hours are required.

Profession:  Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

  • Profession:  Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
  • Licensure Cycle: Every Two Years

Special CME Requirements

  • Infection Control: 1 credit hour in Infection Control every 4 years.
  •  New York-Specific Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education: 3 credit hours every 3 years.

One-time CME Requirement:

  • Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting: 2 credit hours are required.

Original Source

Infection Control Requirements

“Coursework or training in infection control practices. 

 (a)Every physician, physician assistant, and specialist assistant practicing  in  the  state  shall,  on  or  before  July 1,  nineteen   hundred ninety-four  and  every  four  years thereafter, complete course work or training, appropriate to the professional's practice,  approved  by  the  department  regarding infection control, which shall include sepsis, and  barrier precautions, including engineering and work  practice  controls,  in accordance with regulatory standards promulgated by the department in consultation   with   the   department  of  education,  to  prevent  the transmission of HIV, HBV, HCV and infections that could lead  to  sepsis  in the course of professional practice.”

One-Time CME Requirement: Child Abuse Training

“Effective January 1, 1989, Education Law requires certain individuals, when applying initially for licensure or a limited permit, to provide documentation of having completed two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment. This is a one-time requirement and once taken does not need to be completed again. “

Controlled Substance and Pain Management Requirements

“Pursuant to Public Health Law §3309-a(3), prescribers licensed under Title 8 of the Education Law in New York to treat humans and who have a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances, as well as medical residents who prescribe controlled substances under a facility DEA registration number, are required to complete at least three (3) hours of course work or training in pain management, palliative care, and addiction by July 1, 2017, and once every three (3) years thereafter.”

More information on NewYork CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

Medical Doctors (MDs) in New York must complete continuing medical education (CME) to maintain licensure. While there is no general CME credit requirement for license renewal, MDs must complete specific mandated courses, including:

  • Infection Control: 1 credit hour every 4 years
  • New York-Specific Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education: 3 credit hours every 3 years
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting: A one-time 2-hour training requirement

Check with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Office of the Professions for the latest requirements.

 

New York does not have a general CME hour requirement for MDs but mandates specific training in infection control, controlled substances and pain management, and child abuse reporting. These requirements must be completed within their respective timeframes for compliance.

MDs in New York must complete CME courses covering:

  • Infection Control (1 hour every 4 years)
  • Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education (3 hours every 3 years)
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting (one-time 2-hour training)

Additional training may be required based on professional specialty or workplace policies.

CME renewal depends on the specific training requirement:

  • Infection Control: Every 4 years
  • Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education: Every 3 years
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting: One-time requirement

MDs should verify compliance deadlines with the New York State Office of the Professions.


 

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in New York follow the same CME requirements as MDs. This includes:

  • Infection Control: 1 credit hour every 4 years
  • New York-Specific Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education: 3 credit hours every 3 years
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting: A one-time 2-hour training requirement

There are no additional general CME hour requirements for licensure renewal.


 

DOs in New York do not have a set CME credit requirement but must fulfill the mandated training in infection control, controlled substances and pain management, and child abuse reporting.


 

DOs must complete training in:

  • Infection Control (1 hour every 4 years)
  • Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education (3 hours every 3 years)
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting (one-time 2-hour training)

These requirements align with those for MDs in New York.


 

DOs must complete:

  • Infection Control training every 4 years
  • Controlled Substance and Pain Management Education every 3 years
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting training once upon initial licensure

Compliance deadlines should be confirmed with the New York State Education Department and Office of the Professions.


 

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