Featured | Jul 4, 2025
Washington requires MDs to complete 200 CME credits every 4 years and DOs to complete 150 every 3 years. Both must take one-time training in suicide prevention (6 hrs) and opioid prescribing (1 hr) for license compliance.
As healthcare advances, Washington’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 Washington's CME requirements for medical license renewal, offering healthcare practitioners a roadmap to meet their obligations and excel in a demanding, innovative environment.
Washington's CME requirements are designed to ensure that healthcare professionals maintain competency and stay current with advancements in medical knowledge and practice. The Washington State Medical Commission oversees licensure and sets forth the CME requirements for various healthcare practitioners, including physicians, physician assistants, osteopathic physicians, and others. Here’s the breakdown of the key requirements-https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/documents/657-128.pdf
https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/documents/657-127.pdf
Your credential requirements
Washington MD
Due: 31 Dec, 2026
progress
Profession: Medical Doctor (MD)
CME Credits Required: 200
Licensure Cycle: Every four Years
Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits are required.
Special CME Requirements:
Profession: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
CME Credits Required: 150
Licensure Cycle: Every three Years
Special CME Requirements:
One-time requirements
“Licensed physicians must complete two hundred hours of continuing education every four years as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7. “
“Beginning July 1, 2017, healthcare professionals required to complete a suicide prevention training must select a course from the Washington Model List. Starting July 2021, the following healthcare professions must take an advanced six-hour training for their second six-year continuing education requirement:
- psychologists
- marriage and family therapists
- mental health counselors
- advanced social workers
- independent clinical social workers
- social worker associates-advanced
- social worker associates-independent”
- “Licensed osteopathic physicians must report 150 hours of continuing education every three years. See WAC 246-853-070 and WAC 246-853-080 for content requirements and more information.
- Licensed osteopathic physicians must take a one-time training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. See WAC 246-863-065 for more information.
- Licensed osteopathic physicians must take a one-time continuing education course regarding best practices in the prescribing of opioids and the current opioid prescribing rules. See WAC 246-853-685 for more information.”
More information on Washington CME requirements for physicians on the state medical board
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Medical doctors (MDs) in Washington must complete 200 CME credits every four years. These must include AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. In addition, MDs are required to complete two one-time CME trainings: 6 hours in Suicide Prevention (from the state’s approved model list) and 1 hour in Opioid and Pain Management. For the most current information, consult the Washington State Medical Commission.
To maintain licensure, MDs in Washington must complete 200 CME credits every four years. Credits must be AMA PRA Category 1, and include one-time training in Suicide Prevention (6 hours) and Opioid Prescribing and Pain Management (1 hour).
Topics include:
MDs in Washington must complete 200 CME credits every four years. Additionally, they must complete two one-time trainings: 6 hours in Suicide Prevention and 1 hour in Opioid and Pain Management to remain compliant.
DOs in Washington must complete 150 CME credits every three years. Of those, 60 credits must be Category 1 CME (such as AOA Category 1-A or AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™). DOs must also complete two one-time CME requirements: 6 hours in Suicide Prevention Training and 1 hour on Controlled Substance Prescribing.
DOs must complete 150 CME credits every three years, including 60 Category 1 credits. DOs who prescribe opioids must complete 1 hour in Opioid Prescribing, and all DOs must complete a one-time 6-hour Suicide Prevention course approved by the state.
Required topics include:
1-hour one-time course on Opioid Prescribing and Pain Management
DOs must renew their CME credits every three years, completing 150 total credits, including 60 Category 1 credits. The Suicide Prevention (6 hours) and Opioid Prescribing (1 hour) courses are one-time requirements that do not recur every cycle.
