Featured | Jul 5, 2025

Rhode Island CME Requirements for Licensure

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.

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Your Guide to Rhode Island's CME Requirements for Licensure

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.

Understanding Rhode Island's CME Requirements

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:


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Rhode Island MD

Due: 31 Dec, 2025

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40 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 Every 2 years
0 more credits needed
8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 in Prescribing Schedule II Opioids Every 2 years
0 more credits needed
3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s), AAFP Prescribed Credit(s), Category 1 Credit(s) & Category 1 in Medical Marijuana Every 2 years
0 more credits needed
1 Credits in Cognitive Impairment Every 2 years
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: 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:

  • Public Health areas, such as Risk Management : 4 credit hours every 2 years.
     

One-Time CME Requirement

  • Controlled Substance Prescribing:  Prescribers of Schedule II opioids must complete 8 Category 1 credit hours.
  • Alzheimer's and Dementia: one credit hour is required.

Original Source

General CME Requirements

“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.”

Alzheimer's and Dementia CME Requirement:

Effective August 1, 2019, every physician has to complete one hour (per career) of CME training regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

Controlled Substance Prescribing CME Requirement

“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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Frequently
Asked
Questions

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:

  • 4 hours every two years in public health areas (e.g., risk management).
  • 8-hour one-time training on opioid or other substance use disorders, in compliance with the DEA requirement.
  • 1-hour one-time training on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

SourceRhode Island Department of Health – CME Requirements

MDs are required to complete 40 CME credits per two-year licensure cycle, with:

  • 4 credits in public health topics every cycle.
  • One-time 8 credits on substance use disorder education (for DEA-registered prescribers).

One-time 1 credit on Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Topic-specific requirements include:

  • Public health/risk management: 4 credits every two years.
  • Substance Use Disorders: 8 Category 1 credits (one-time, required by DEA).
  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia: 1 Category 1 credit (one-time).

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:

  • AOA Category 1-A or 1-B
  • AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • AAFP Prescribed Credit

Mandatory topics include:

  • 4 hours in public health/risk management per cycle.
  • One-time 8 hours on opioid/substance use disorder treatment.
  • One-time 1 hour on Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

SourceRhode Island DO Requirements – Department of Health

DOs must complete 40 CME credits every two years, with credit types approved by the AOA, AMA, or AAFP. Required subject areas are:

  • 4 public health-related credits (per cycle).
  • One-time 8-credit opioid/substance training (DEA-mandated).

One-time 1-credit Alzheimer’s/dementia course.

Topics include:

  • Risk management/public health (4 credits per cycle).
  • Opioid/Substance Use Disorder Treatment (8 credits, once).

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.


 

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