Resources & Information

Aug 23 2016

Controlled substances CME requirement approved

The NC Rules Review Commission has granted final approval to rule changes that will establish a new requirement for physicians and physician assistants (PAs) to earn continuing education hours in controlled substances prescribing.

The requirement applies to physicians and PAs who prescribe controlled substances. Physicians must earn three hours of continuing medical education (CME) in controlled substances prescribing during each three year CME cycle. PAs must earn two hours of CME in controlled substances prescribing during each two year cycle. Licensees who prescribed no controlled substances during their most recent CME cycles are not subject to the requirement. To count towards the requirement, CME hours must include instruction on controlled substance prescribing practices, recognizing signs of the abuse or misuse of controlled substances, and controlled substance prescribing for chronic pain management.

The new CME requirement will be in effect as of July 1, 2017.

Visit our Prescribing CME page to learn more

Read the final, approved physician CME rule

Read the final, approved PA CME rule