MDCMEOverview
The Maryland Board of Physicians requires both physicians and PAs to complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years. Maryland emphasizes pharmacology training and has a mandatory implicit bias training requirement. Non-compliance carries a $100 per credit penalty.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
Maryland physicians must complete 50 CME hours per biennial renewal cycle.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Category I minimum | 25 hours |
| Category II maximum | 25 hours |
| Renewal cycle | July 15 – September 30 |
| Renewal fee | $512 ($436 + $50 rehab/peer review + $26 MHCC) |
Mandatory Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Implicit Bias Training | Required (effective April 1, 2022) |
| New Physician Orientation (NPO) | Required before first renewal |
| PDMP Registration | Mandatory for prescribing controlled substances |
| Medical Liability Insurance | Must confirm on renewal form |
First Renewal Exemption
Physicians are exempt from CME for their first license renewal after initial licensure. However, New Physician Orientation (NPO) is still required.
Renewal Process
- Online only — No paper applications accepted
- No grace period — License expires at deadline
- Renewal window: July 15 through September 30 at 11:59 PM EST
Interstate Compact Licensees
Two-step process required:
- Complete Compact renewal ($25 fee)
- Complete Maryland renewal separately
Physician Assistant Requirements
Maryland PAs must complete 50 hours of Category 1 CME with a pharmacology focus.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 hours Category 1 |
| Pharmacology minimum | 8 hours |
| Renewal cycle | June 30 in odd-numbered years |
| Renewal fee | $401 ($375 + $26 MHCC) |
| License prefix | "C" |
Alternative: NCCPA Certification
PAs may substitute current NCCPA certification maintenance for the 50-hour CME requirement.
First Renewal Exception
First-time PA renewers have reduced requirements:
- Must complete: 8 hours pharmacology
- Exempt from: Remaining 42 hours
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Documentation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Record retention | 6 years |
| Submission at renewal | No (unless selected for audit) |
| Audit | Board may audit |
| COMAR reference | 10.32.01.10 (physicians), 10.32.03.09 (PAs) |
Key Differences: MD vs PA
| Aspect | Physicians (MD/DO) | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Total hours | 50 (Cat I + II) | 50 (Cat 1 only) |
| Category I minimum | 25 hours | All 50 hours |
| Pharmacology | Not specified | 8 hours minimum |
| Renewal deadline | September 30 | June 30 (odd years) |
| Renewal fee | $512 | $401 |
| First renewal | Exempt (NPO required) | 8 hrs pharm only |
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Maryland requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both must complete 50 hours biennial with the implicit bias training requirement.
Legal References
- Implicit Bias: Maryland Code Annotated, Health Occupations Article §14-508
- Physician CME: COMAR 10.32.01.10
- PA CME: COMAR 10.32.03.09
Tips for Maryland Licensees
- Budget for fees — $512 (MD) and $401 (PA) are among the higher state fees
- Complete implicit bias training — It's mandatory since 2022
- PAs: 8 hours pharmacology is non-negotiable — Plan for it every cycle
- Keep records 6 years — Long retention requirement
- Don't miss the deadline — No grace period; license expires immediately
- Online only — Paper applications not accepted
- First renewal has exemptions — But not from NPO (physicians) or pharmacology (PAs)
Contact Information
Maryland Board of Physicians
- Address: 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
- Phone: (410) 764-4777
- Website: mbp.state.md.us