MDCMEOverview
The DC Board of Medicine requires physicians and PAs to complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years. DC is notable for its mandatory LGBTQ cultural competency training — 2 hours required for all licensees. Both physicians and PAs have identical requirements. DC participates in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and offers a DMV Reciprocity Pathway.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
DC physicians must complete 50 CME hours per 2-year cycle.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Cycle | Biennial (2 years) |
| Mandatory topic | 2 hours LGBTQ cultural competency |
LGBTQ Cultural Competency
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours (included in 50 total) |
| Topic | LGBTQ cultural competency training |
| Frequency | Every renewal cycle |
DC Health CME Resources
DC Health offers CME resources:
- CME portal: dchealth.dc.gov/dcrx
- Pharmacology/prescribing CME available through DC Health provider
Physician Assistant Requirements
DC PAs have identical requirements to physicians — 50 hours per 2-year cycle.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Mandatory topic | 2 hours LGBTQ cultural competency |
| Cycle | Biennial (2 years) |
| Board | DC Board of Medicine |
| Regulations | DC Municipal Regulations Chapter 17-49, Section 17-4906 |
Online Renewal
Available at: doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
DC requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements.
Licensing Pathways
DC offers multiple pathways to licensure:
| Pathway | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | Direct application to DC Board |
| IMLC | Interstate Medical Licensure Compact |
| DMV Reciprocity | For MD and PA applicants from DC/Maryland/Virginia area |
Criminal Background Check
Required for all license applications.
Recent Changes
License renewal windows changed effective June 16, 2024. Verify current renewal dates with the Board.
2025 Public Health Priorities
DC Health Director has published 2025 Public Health Priorities for CE — check DC Health website for current focus areas.
Tips for DC Licensees
- LGBTQ competency is mandatory — 2 hours required every cycle
- Same requirements for MDs and PAs — Both need 50 hours
- Online renewal available — Use the DC Health renewals portal
- DMV reciprocity — Streamlined pathway for DC/MD/VA practitioners
- Check renewal windows — Changed in June 2024
Contact Information
DC Board of Medicine
- Phone: (877) 672-2174 (Processing Center)
- Email: [email protected]
- TTY: 711
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM (except holidays)
- Website: dchealth.dc.gov/service/board-medicine
PA Licensing:
- Website: dchealth.dc.gov/node/166752
Governing Regulations
- DC Municipal Regulations Chapter 17 — Physicians
- DC Municipal Regulations Chapter 17-49 — Physician Assistants
- Section 17-4906 — PA licensing regulations