MDCMEOverview
The Alaska State Medical Board requires physicians to complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years (25 hours/year average). DEA-registered practitioners must complete 2 hours of opioid education. PAs simply need to maintain current NCCPA certification — no additional state hours required. Alaska uses random computer-generated audits after renewal.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
Alaska physicians must complete 50 AMA or AOA Category I Credits per 2-year cycle.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 hours per 2-year cycle (25/year average) |
| Category 1 | All 50 hours must be AMA or AOA Category I |
| Cycle | Biennial (expires December 31 of even-numbered years) |
| Audit | Random computer-generated selection after renewal |
Mandatory Opioid Education
Required for practitioners with valid DEA registration:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours minimum |
| Topics | Pain management, opioid use/addiction |
| Acceptable | AMA Category I, AOA Category 1 or 2, CPMR-approved |
| Frequency | Each renewal cycle |
| Exemption | Not required if no DEA registration |
First-Time Applicants
New license applicants must attest to opioid education to qualify for initial licensure.
CME Tracking Options
- CME Passport: Optional account to view credits reported by education providers
- ACCME PARS: CME Reporting System available for tracking
Documentation
- Licensees responsible for maintaining CME records
- Attestation of compliance required at renewal
- Proof required if selected for random audit
Physician Assistant Requirements
Alaska PAs have straightforward requirements — just maintain current NCCPA certification.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| State hours | None beyond NCCPA |
| Requirement | Current active NCCPA certification |
| Cycle | Biennial (2 years) |
| Board | Alaska State Medical Board (same as physicians) |
Opioid Education
Same as physicians if DEA registered:
- 2 hours minimum in pain management/opioid use
- Acceptable: NCCPA-approved, AMA Category 1, AOA 1-2, or CPMR-approved
Collaborative Practice
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Collaborative plan | Required to practice |
| Supervising physicians | Primary + at least one alternate |
| Filing | Must file with division within 14 days of effective date |
| Scope of practice | Derived through collaborative plan delegation |
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Alaska requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. AOA-approved education is accepted as equivalent to AMA-approved.
License Status Options
| Status | CME Required | Can Practice | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Yes (50 hrs) | Yes | Full renewal |
| Inactive | Yes | No | Reduced |
| Retired | No | No | One-time lifetime |
Reactivation from Retired Status
Requires:
- CME proof
- SPEX exam
- Credentials verification
- Board interview
Tips for Alaska Licensees
- December 31 deadline — Licenses expire at year-end in even-numbered years
- Opioid education — Required only if you have DEA registration
- Random audits — Keep your records; you may be selected after renewal
- PAs keep it simple — Just maintain NCCPA certification
- Retired = no CME — But reactivation is a significant process
Contact Information
Alaska State Medical Board
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (907) 269-8160 (Anchorage) or (907) 465-2550 (Juneau)
- Website: commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/StateMedicalBoard
Licensing Staff by Last Name:
- A-F: Alisa Perkins (907) 465-1077
- G-N: Jason Kaeser (907) 465-2566
- O-Z: Roger Casquejo (907) 465-6278
Governing Regulations
- 12 AAC 40.200 — General CME requirements
- 12 AAC 40.210 — Specific CME standards
- 12 AAC 40.220 — CME documentation and audit
- AS 08.64 — Alaska Medical Practice Act