Featured | Jul 5, 2025
Rhode Island physicians must complete 40 CME credits every two years, including public health topics. One-time training in opioid use disorder and Alzheimer’s care is also required for compliance.
Embarking on the journey to medical licensure in Rhode Island is akin to navigating a complex sea, with Continuing Medical Education (CME) acting as the compass guiding physicians through the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Understanding Rhode Island's CME requirements is paramount for medical professionals seeking to chart their course toward licensure. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of Rhode Island's CME requirements, offering clarity and direction for those navigating these regulatory waters.
The Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline mandates that physicians complete a certain number of CME credits to maintain licensure. Here's a breakdown of the CME requirements:
Your credential requirements
Rhode Island MD
Due: 31 Dec, 2026
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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-A, AOA Category 1-B, and AAFP Prescribed Credits are required.
Special CME Requirement:
One-Time CME Requirement
“Physicians are required to document to the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline that they have earned a minimum of forty (40) hours of American Medical Association (AMA) Category 1 or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Category 1a continuing medical education (CME) credits.”
Effective August 1, 2019, every physician has to complete one hour (per career) of CME training regarding Alzheimer’s disease.
“The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) reminds Rhode Island prescribers of the US Congress’ new one-time requirement that went into effect on June 27, 2023, requiring any new or renewing Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioners, with the exception of veterinarians, to complete at least eight hours of education on the treatment or management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorder.”
More information on Rhode Island CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board
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Medical doctors (MDs) licensed in Rhode Island must complete 40 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years. These hours must include AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ or equivalent credits such as AOA Category 1-A/1-B or AAFP Prescribed credits.
Additional required CME includes:
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health – CME Requirements
MDs are required to complete 40 CME credits per two-year licensure cycle, with:
One-time 1 credit on Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Topic-specific requirements include:
All CME must be Category 1 from AMA, AOA (1-A/1-B), or AAFP-approved sources.
MDs must complete CME every two years, aligned with their license renewal cycle. One-time topic requirements remain valid across renewals unless future legislation changes.
DOs must also complete 40 CME credits every two years, accepted as:
Mandatory topics include:
DOs must complete 40 CME credits every two years, with credit types approved by the AOA, AMA, or AAFP. Required subject areas are:
One-time 1-credit Alzheimer’s/dementia course.
Topics include:
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (1 credit, once).
Like MDs, DOs renew their CME every two years. One-time credit requirements remain valid across renewals unless updated by state or federal law.
