Home → State CME Requirements → American Samoa

American Samoa Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

American Samoa has no mandatory CME requirements for physicians at the territorial level — one of the few U.S. jurisdictions without state-mandated continuing education. While the law allows the Board to establish CME requirements, none have been formally implemented. PAs must follow NCCPA national standards (100 hours every 2 years). Physicians often voluntarily pursue CME for board certification, specialty maintenance, or local health priorities.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

American Samoa physicians have no state-mandated CME requirements.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME None mandated at territorial level
Category 1 N/A
Cycle 2 years (license renewal)
Mandatory topics None

Board Discretion

Per American Samoa Code Annotated § 31.0428(b):

"The board may establish continuing education requirements as a condition for renewal of licenses under this section."

However, as of the current date, no specific CME hours have been established.

Voluntary CME

While not mandated, American Samoa physicians often pursue CME for:

Purpose Notes
Board certification Required by specialty boards
Specialty maintenance MOC requirements
Local health priorities Diabetes management, mental health
Professional development Best practices and new treatments

Physician Assistant Requirements

American Samoa PAs must follow NCCPA national standards — there are no additional territorial requirements.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 100 hours per 2-year cycle (NCCPA)
Category 1 At least 50 hours must be Category 1
State hours None beyond NCCPA
Cycle Biennial (2 years)

NCCPA Requirements (Mandatory for PAs)

Requirement Details
CME total 100 hours every 2 years
Category 1 minimum 50 hours
Recertification exam Required every 10 years
PANRE Required for certification maintenance

Important Note

American Samoa follows NCCPA national standards without additional territorial requirements. Verify current requirements directly with the American Samoa Board of Medical Examiners prior to renewal, as requirements may be subject to change.

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

American Samoa requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements — neither has mandatory territorial CME requirements. There is no distinction in regulations between MD and DO.

Key Differences: MD vs PA

Aspect Physicians (MD/DO) Physician Assistants
Total hours None mandated 100 hours (NCCPA)
Category 1 N/A 50 hours minimum
Cycle 2 years 2 years
Requirements source Territorial (none set) NCCPA national
Voluntary CME Common for board cert N/A (NCCPA required)

Exemptions

Since there are no mandatory CME requirements for physicians in American Samoa, exemption policies do not apply.

Tips for American Samoa Licensees

  1. Physicians: No territorial CME — But check specialty board requirements
  2. PAs: NCCPA is mandatory — 100 hours with 50 Category 1
  3. Verify before renewal — Requirements may change
  4. Voluntary CME recommended — For board certification and professional development
  5. Local health focus — Diabetes and mental health are priority areas
  6. 10-year PA exam — Don't forget NCCPA recertification cycle

Contact Information

American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board / Board of Medical Examiners

Note: No dedicated board website is currently available. Contact the American Samoa Department of Health Services for licensing inquiries.

Governing Regulations

  • American Samoa Code Annotated, Title 31, Chapter 04
  • Section 31.0428 — Term and Renewal of Licenses

Related Links