Physicians · Massachusetts · Continuing education
Massachusetts CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD/DO50 CME credits (Category 1 or 2) every 2 years, including 3 h opioid prescribing & pain management, 2 h implicit bias & cultural competency (once), 10 h prevention of medical errors & patient safety, 2 h end-of-life & palliative care (once); renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
How many hours do I still need?
Find conferences in Massachusetts →
Calculated in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
03 Requirements
Massachusetts MD/DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 50CME credits (Category 1 or 2)
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Category 1 or 2 (CME Pilot Program, Policy 17-05); Category 1 from ACCME, AOA, AAFP or ACCME-recognized state medical society providers (AMA PRA Category 1, AAFP Prescribed, AOA 1-A); most credits should relate to the licensee's area of practice
- New licensees
- Licenses renewing within one year need no CME; renewal period between one and two years requires half of the biennial requirement. One-time trainings (child abuse, domestic/sexual violence, EHR, implicit bias) are required at initial licensure.
- Audits & records
- Board says it is not currently running random CME audits (only linked to investigations). Keep CME records at least one full renewal cycle after earning them.
- Renew online
- www.mass.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementLicensees who prescribe controlled substances (opioid education and pain management; may count toward risk management) | 3 | every renewal |
| Implicit bias & cultural competencyCounts toward risk management | 2 | once |
| Domestic violenceDomestic violence and sexual violence training; only a DPH-approved course counts | — | once |
| Child abuse recognition & reportingRecognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect (mandated reporter training) | — | once |
| Prevention of medical errors & patient safetyRisk management study (patient safety, error prevention, ethics, medical-legal issues etc.); up to 7 credits in physician wellness/burnout may count | 10 | every renewal |
| End-of-life & palliative care | 2 | once |
| Dementia & Alzheimer's carePhysicians serving adult populations: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias | 1 | once |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Reading the Board regulations 243 CMR 1.00-3.00 (counts as 2 credits) | 2 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt: limited licensees, inactive status, residents/fellows in ACGME/AOA programs, first two years of non-accredited fellowships, military called to service in a national emergency. Partial waiver on request at least 30 days before renewal.
Good to know. One board licenses MDs and DOs. 243 CMR 2.06 still states 100 credits (40 Cat 1); since 2018 the Board's CME Pilot Program (Policy 17-05) requires 50 Cat 1 or 2. One-time: 3 credits EHR proficiency (unless proficient/waived).
Source: www.mass.gov · 243 CMR 2.06; M.G.L. c. 112, §2; Board Policy 17-05 (CME Pilot Program) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Massachusetts
-
In 31 days
Primary Care Pediatrics 2026
Hybrid
-
The Mass General Brigham Heart Failure & Shock Course 2027
Hybrid
-
Updates in General Internal Medicine for Specialists 2027
Hybrid
-
ISSTD 44th Annual Conference
from $199
-
Women's Health and Menopause 2027
Hybrid
-
NASS 42nd Annual Meeting
-
IDWeek 2027
-
ANESTHESIOLOGY 2027
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in Massachusetts?
Category 1 or 2 (CME Pilot Program, Policy 17-05); Category 1 from ACCME, AOA, AAFP or ACCME-recognized state medical society providers (AMA PRA Category 1, AAFP Prescribed, AOA 1-A); most credits should relate to the licensee's area of practice.
How do I verify a physician license in Massachusetts?
Use the license lookup of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine (mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-medicine); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do physicians need in Massachusetts?
50 CME credits (Category 1 or 2) every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in Massachusetts?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 3 h (every renewal); Implicit bias & cultural competency — 2 h (once); Domestic violence (once); Child abuse recognition & reporting (once); Prevention of medical errors & patient safety — 10 h (every renewal); End-of-life & palliative care — 2 h (once); Dementia & Alzheimer's care — 1 h (once); State laws & rules (jurisprudence) — 2 h (every renewal).
How do physicians report CE in Massachusetts?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in Massachusetts?
Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (2 years cycle).