MDCMEOverview
The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires physicians to complete 50 contact hours of CME every 2 years with six mandatory topics that must be completed at first renewal and every six years thereafter. PAs follow NCCPA requirements plus 1 hour of controlled substances/pain management CME.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
Connecticut physicians must complete 50 contact hours of CME per 24-month period.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 contact hours per 2 years |
| Credit type | Must reflect practice area and professional needs |
| Cycle | 24 months (preceding period) |
| Record retention | 6 years minimum |
Six Mandatory Topics
Each topic must be completed during first renewal and not less than once every six years:
| Topic | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Infectious Diseases (including AIDS/HIV) | 1 hour |
| Risk Management (controlled substances, pain mgmt, inflammatory breast cancer screening, GI cancers) | 1 hour |
| Sexual Assault | 1 hour |
| Domestic Violence | 1 hour |
| Cultural Competency | 1 hour |
| Behavioral Health (incl. veteran mental health since 1/1/2016) | 2 hours (first renewal) |
Total mandatory topics: 7 hours every 6 years (minimum)
Approved Providers
Connecticut accepts CME from:
- AMA, AOA
- Connecticut Hospital Association
- Connecticut State Medical Society
- County medical societies
- Hospital/health care institution offerings
- Regionally accredited academic institutions
- State/local health departments
First-Time Renewal Exemption
Physicians renewing for the first time are exempt from CME requirements until their next registration period.
Physician Assistant Requirements
Connecticut PAs follow NCCPA requirements with one state-specific addition.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary requirement | NCCPA certification maintenance (100 hrs/2yr) |
| State addition | 1 hour minimum on controlled substances/pain management |
| Cycle | 2 years |
| Submission | Attestation only (self-certification) |
Controlled Substances/Pain Management
All PAs must complete 1 hour minimum in the preceding 2-year period covering:
- Controlled substances prescribing
- Pain management
Minimal Documentation
Connecticut takes a self-attestation approach:
- No submission of NCCPA certification verification required
- No submission of pain management training verification required
- Attest (self-certify) that requirements are met at renewal
Key Differences: MD vs PA
| Aspect | Physicians (MD/DO) | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Total hours | 50 contact hours | NCCPA (100 hrs) |
| Cycle | 2 years | 2 years |
| Mandatory topics | 6 topics (7+ hours) | 1 topic (1 hour) |
| Documentation | Attestation + 6-yr retention | Attestation only |
| First renewal | Exempt | Per NCCPA |
Documentation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Submission at renewal | No — attestation only |
| Upon request | Must submit proof within 45 days |
| Record retention | 6 years following year completed |
| Non-compliance | Subject to disciplinary action |
Exemptions & Waivers
| Exemption | Details |
|---|---|
| First-time renewal | Exempt until next registration period |
| Inactive practice | May apply with notarized application |
| Medical disability | May apply with notarized application |
| Board service | Up to 10 hours waived for Medical Examining Board or hearing panel service |
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Connecticut requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both fall under the physician/surgeon licensure category with the same 50-hour and mandatory topic requirements.
Tips for Connecticut Licensees
- Track the 6-year topics — Mandatory topics cycle every 6 years, not every renewal
- First renewal is free — Physicians exempt from CME until second renewal
- Keep records 6 years — Longer than most states
- PAs: Minimal state add-on — Just 1 hour beyond NCCPA
- Attestation-based — But keep documentation for 45-day audit response
- Behavioral health is 2 hours — More than the other mandatory topics
Contact Information
Connecticut Department of Public Health
- Address: 410 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06134
- Phone: (860) 707-1931
- Email: [email protected]
Physicians
- Website: portal.ct.gov - Physician
Physician Assistants
- Website: portal.ct.gov - PA