STATE MANDATED
All of Your Massachusetts CME/CE Needs In One Place
We've outlined your Massachusetts CME/CE requirements and curated a variety of primary care courses to help fulfill them. View Massachusetts CME/CE courses for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants below. Simply create your free account and begin earning credits today!
Massachusetts CME/CE Requirements
(10) hours on Risk Management;
(2) hours on Implicit Bias (may also be applied toward Risk Management requirement);
(3) hours on Opioids and Pain Management (if the physician prescribes controlled substances; may also be applied toward Risk Management);
(2) hours on End-of-Life Issues (one-time requirement);
(2) hours on Board Regulations;
(3) hours on Proficiency in Electronic Health Records (one-time requirement);
(1) hour on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (one-time requirement for those who serve adult populations);
Training - Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (one-time requirement);
Training - Recognizing and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse (one-time requirement).
(8) hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners (with the exception of DVM-only license holders), beginning with DEA initial or renewal registrations starting June 27, 2023.
For more information:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/borim-cme-requirements-pdf/download
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/renewal-requirement-for-alzheimers-disease-continuing-medical-education-cme
To renew your nursing license, The Board of Registration in Nursing requires all licensed nurses in Massachusetts to complete 15 contact hours.
To apply for prescriptive authority from MA Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR) and to renew your APRN authorization every two years, all prescribers must complete education relative to:
1. Effective pain management
2. The risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication
3. Identification of patients at risk for substance use disorders
4. Counseling patients about the side effects, addictive nature and proper storage and disposal of prescription medications
5. Appropriate prescription quantities for prescription medications that have an increased risk of abuse
6. Opioid antagonists, overdose prevention treatments and instances in which a patient may be advised on both the use of and ways to access opioid antagonists and overdose prevention treatments.
These prescriber training requirements are in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 94, Section 18. A minimum number of contact hours to comply with this education requirement is not specified.
Training on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (one-time requirement).
(8) hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners (with the exception of DVM-only license holders), beginning with DEA initial or renewal registrations starting June 27, 2023.
For more information:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mandatory-continuing-education-for-nurses
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-more-about-prescriptive-authority-requirements-and-practice-guidelines
Board laws and regulations, as defined in 263 CMR 3.05, requires completion of 100 contact hours with a minimum of 40 in Category 1 of continuing education for the current registration period.
Physician assistants who prescribe controlled substances must complete CMEs in the following topics:
1. Effective pain management
2. The risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication
3. Identification of patients at risk for substance use disorders
4. Counseling patients about the side effects, addictive nature and proper storage and disposal of prescription medications
5. Appropriate prescription quantities for prescription medications that have an increased risk of abuse
6. Opioid antagonists, overdose prevention treatments and instances in which a patient may be advised on both the use of and ways to access opioid antagonists and overdose prevention treatments.
These prescriber training requirements are in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 94, Section 18. A minimum number of contact hours to comply with this education requirement is not specified.
Training on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (one-time requirement).
(8) hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of a substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners (with the exception of DVM-only license holders), beginning with DEA initial or renewal registrations starting June 27, 2023.
For more information:
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-physician-assistant-license
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Massachusetts CME/CE FAQs
The number of CME/CE credits required varies by state and profession. The best way to determine your specific requirements is to check with your Massachusetts licensing board. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on what is needed for your particular profession.
In addition to state licensing boards, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website also provides a comprehensive guide on CME credit requirements for physicians. This resource can be especially helpful for those who hold multiple licenses in different states.
Each state has its own specific requirements for CME/CE credits. These requirements vary in terms of the number of hours required, the frequency of renewals, and which courses are accepted. Therefore, it's crucial to check with the Massachusetts medical/nursing board or licensing authority to determine your specific requirements. This will ensure that you stay compliant and avoid any potential penalties.
Each state has its own licensing boards or professional organization that sets the CME/CE topic requirements for healthcare professionals. These organizations take into consideration factors such as the state's medical landscape, specialty areas, and current issues in healthcare when determining the required topics.
The process of reporting completed Massachusetts CME/CE credits may vary depending on your profession and the organization providing the credits. However, here are some general steps that can help guide you:
• Check with your professional board or organization: Before reporting your credits, it is important to check if they have any specific requirements or guidelines for reporting. This can usually be found on their website or by contacting them directly.
• Download certificate of completion: Upon completing a CME/CE activity, you should be given a certificate of completion that should include details about the activity, including credit information, completion date, and the name of the accredited CME/CE provider.
• Submit your documentation: Some organizations may require you to submit proof of completion, such as certificates or transcripts. Make sure to follow their instructions and provide all necessary documents.
• Keep a copy of your report: It is important to keep a copy of your submitted report and any supporting documentation for your own records. At Pri-Med, we keep track of your credits and certificates—even ones you earned years ago—in a personal dashboard you can access at any time.
Continuing Medical Education is a critical aspect of professional development in the medical and healthcare fields. It allows healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their respective fields, maintain their skills, and provide high-quality care for patients.
Many states have recognized the value and convenience of online learning and accept various online CME/CE programs for their licensed healthcare professionals.
It is essential to check with your state's medical/nursing board or licensing authority before enrolling in any online program, if your intent is for the to ensure that the credits to count towards your continuing education requirements.
Like an in-state conference, an out of-state conference must be accredited by an approved credit provider. For physicians, this includes institutions or organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for the Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). You can easily check if a conference offers the credits you need by visiting the conference website.
The best place to find the most up-to-date information on Massachusetts CME/CE requirements is through the Massachusetts Medical Board and Board of Registration in Nursing websites. These boards are responsible for regulating the practices of medicine and nursing in the state of Massachusetts and provides valuable resources for healthcare professionals.