NEW JERSEY - CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME)

1. What categories of medical education courses are recognized by the American Medical Association?

"Category I" and "Category II" mean the categories of medical education courses recognized by the American Medical Association as credited toward the Physician Recognition Award, and those categories of medical education courses recognized by the American Osteopathic Association or theAmerican Podiatric Medical Association.

2. How many hours of Continuing Medical Education are required each year?

A licensee applying for a biennial license renewal shall complete, in each biennial renewal period commencing with the biennial renewal period, 100 Continuing Medical Education credits in Category I or Category II courses,of which at least 40 of such credits shall be in Category I.

3. Are there any exemptions from Continuing Medical Education?

An applicant for initial licensure who has completed an accredited graduate medical education program within 12 months prior to licensure shall be exempt from the continuing medical education requirements of this section for the initial biennial period of licensure. Notwithstanding such exemption from the Continuing Medical Education requirements, the applicant, once licensed by the Board, shall complete, within 24 months of becoming licensed, an orientationcourse which is presented or approved by the Board.

4. How will the State Board of Medical Examiners know whether a physician has completed the necessary hours of CME?

A licensee shall certify on the application for biennial licensure renewal that he or she has completed the required number of Continuing Medical Education credits. The Board may conduct random audits to determine licenseecompliance with the continuing medical education requirements of this section.

5. What if a licensee completes Continuing Medical Education credits in excessof those required?

A licensee who completes credits in excess of the 100 continuing medical education credits required pursuant to this section may apply no more than 25 of the excess credits to the Continuing Medical Education requirements for the following biennialperiod only.

6. What are the requirements for inactive or retired licensees?

Licensees holding an inactive or retired license shall be exempt from Continuing Medical Education requirements, except that any licensee holding an inactive or retired license, or whose license is suspended or revoked, who applies to resume practice shall provide proof of having attained 50 credits of continuing medical education for each year out of practice in New Jersey. At least 50 credits shall have been obtained in the year preceding the application to resume practice. At the time of application to resume practice, the licensee shall provide proof of the completed Continuing Medical Education during the period while out of practice in New Jersey. The Board may accept such continuing medical education credits or require additional credits as a condition to return to practice.

7. Does the Board ever mandate specific courses that must be taken?

The Board may delineate specific topics of medical education which the Board deems necessary to address a particular issue or problem. Notification of the specific topic(s) shall be through the Board newsletter, the Division of Consumer Affairs website or by direct communication to licensees.

8. How are Continuing Medical Education credits reported by licensees?

To report Continuing Medical Education credits, a licensee shall:

1. Certify, on the application for biennial renewal, completion of the required number of continuing medical education credits; and

2. Maintain all evidence of verification of continuing medical education requirements for a period of six years after completion of the credits and submit such documentation to the Board upon request.

(i) The Board may extend the time period for completion of continuing medical education requirements or may waive continuing medical education requirements on an individual basis for reasons of hardship, such as severe illness, disability or military service, consistent with the following:

a. A licensee seeking an extension and/or waiver of the continuing medical education requirements shall apply to the Board in writing and set forth in specific detail the reasons for requesting the extension and/or waiver. The licensee shall submit to the Board all documentation in support of the extension and/or waiver;

b. A licensee shall apply for an extension and/or waiver within 60 days of the expiration of the biennial renewal period. All requests shall be sent to the Board office, by certified mail, return receipt requested; and

c. An extension and/or waiver granted pursuant to this section shall be effective for the biennial licensure period in which the extension and/or waiver is granted. If the condition(s) which necessitated the extension and/or waiver continues into the next biennial period, the licensee shall apply to the Board for the renewal of such extension and/or waiver for the new biennial period.

9. Must a licensee provide proof of compliance with Continuing Medical Education requirements?

Yes. A licensee shall provide verification and proof of compliance with continuing medical education requirements for the prior biennial renewal period when appearing before an investigative committee of the Board or the Medical Practitioner Review Panel, or when required to do so pursuant to a Board Order, Directive or request.

10. What are the penalties for failure to complete Continuing Medical Education or falsification of information related to same?

Failure to complete continuing medical education requirements or falsification of any information submitted on a renewal application shall provide cause for penalties and/or license suspension pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21.

(N.J.A.C. 13:35-6.15)

Copyright © Kern Augustine Conroy and Schoppmann, P.C. Used with permission.

Updated 2008