MDCMEOverview
Colorado is implementing its first-ever physician CME requirement effective with the 2027 renewal cycle. Prior to HB24-1153 (signed August 6, 2024), Colorado was one of the few states with no CME requirement for physicians. PAs already have a 100-hour biennial requirement aligned with NCCPA standards.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
Current Status (Through 2026)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CME Required | No (until 2027) |
| Status | Rulemaking in progress |
Future Requirements (Effective 2027)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | To be determined |
| Cycle | 2 years (anticipated) |
| Category 1 | To be determined |
| First renewal affected | 2027 renewal cycle |
Implementation Timeline (HB24-1153)
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| August 6, 2024 | HB24-1153 signed into law |
| November 21, 2024 | Initial draft of rules released |
| March 24, 2025 | Early stakeholder meeting |
| October 30, 2025 | Rules effective date |
| 2027 | First renewal cycle with CME requirement |
Stay Informed
The Colorado State Medical Board is conducting stakeholder meetings to develop the new CME rules. To stay updated:
- Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Medical/CE
- Updates signup: GovDelivery subscription
Physician Assistant Requirements
Unlike physicians, Colorado PAs already have CME requirements that align with NCCPA standards.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 100 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Category 1 | 50 hours minimum |
| Special topics | 2 hours substance use disorder training |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years |
| Current deadline | January 31, 2026 |
NCCPA Alignment
Colorado's PA CME requirement directly aligns with NCCPA certification maintenance standards:
- 100 CME hours per 2-year cycle
- 50 hours must be Category 1
- Maintains consistency with national standards
Additional PA Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| NCCPA certification | Must maintain current certification |
| Prescriptive authority mentorship | 750 hours with physician mentor |
| Collaboration agreements | Required for practice |
Historical Context
Colorado has historically been one of the most permissive states regarding physician CME:
| State | Previous Status |
|---|---|
| Colorado | No requirement (until 2027) |
| New York | No requirement |
| Montana | No requirement |
| South Dakota | No requirement |
With the passage of HB24-1153, Colorado will join the majority of states in requiring physician CME.
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Colorado DO physicians are regulated by the same Colorado State Medical Board as MDs. Both will be subject to the same new CME requirements once implemented in 2027.
Key Differences: MD vs PA (Current)
| Aspect | Physicians (MD/DO) | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| CME required | No (until 2027) | Yes |
| Total hours | N/A | 100 hours |
| Category 1 | N/A | 50 hours |
| SUD training | N/A | 2 hours |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years | 2 years |
Note: This disparity will change once physician CME requirements take effect in 2027.
Tips for Colorado Licensees
- Physicians: Monitor rulemaking — Sign up for updates at the GovDelivery link
- Physicians: Start building habits now — Even without requirements, CME benefits your practice
- PAs: Continue NCCPA compliance — Your requirements are already established
- PAs: Don't forget SUD training — 2 hours required each cycle
- Watch for 2027 changes — First CME renewal cycle for physicians
Contact Information
Colorado State Medical Board
- Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
- Phone: (303) 894-7800
- Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Medical
- CME Information: dpo.colorado.gov/Medical/CE