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Michigan Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

Michigan requires physicians to complete 150 hours of CME every 3 years, making it one of the highest-requirement states in the nation. Notably, Michigan does not require state-specific CME for physician assistants — PAs only need to maintain NCCPA certification.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

Michigan physicians must complete 150 CME hours per 3-year renewal cycle under MCL 333.17033.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 150 hours per 3-year cycle
Credit type Category 1 (from Board-approved courses)
Renewal cycle 3 years
Grace period 60 days for late renewal

Mandatory Topics

Topic Requirement
Pain and symptom management Required (hours per administrative rules)
Medical ethics Required as part of approved courses
Human trafficking Required for all health professionals

Human Trafficking Training: As of 2016, all Michigan health professionals must complete human trafficking training as part of their renewal requirements.

Course Approval

All CME courses must be approved by the Michigan Board of Medicine. Courses should include content on:

  • Pain and symptom management
  • Medical ethics
  • Other clinical topics relevant to practice

Physician Assistant Requirements

Michigan PAs have no state-specific CME requirements beyond maintaining NCCPA certification.

What's Required

Requirement Details
State CME hours None
Primary requirement Maintain current NCCPA certification
Renewal cycle 3 years
Competency Licensee responsible for maintaining, but not required to demonstrate

Key Point

Per Michigan statute and administrative rules, PAs are responsible for maintaining their professional competence but do not have to demonstrate it as a condition for license renewal. NCCPA certification is the primary requirement.

Human Trafficking Training

All Michigan health professionals — including physicians and PAs — must complete human trafficking training. This requirement:

  • Became effective in 2016
  • Applies to all renewals
  • Is separate from the physician 150-hour CME requirement

Important Notice: Interstate Compact

Documentation Requirements

Requirement Details
Course approval Must be Board-approved courses
Submission Required at renewal
Record retention Not specified in statute

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

Michigan requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements — the same 150-hour triennial requirement applies.

Comparison to Similar States

State Hours Cycle Notes
Michigan 150 3 years Pain mgmt required
Illinois 150 3 years 60 formal minimum
Pennsylvania 100 2 years Patient safety focus

Michigan ties with Illinois for the highest CME requirement among major states.

Tips for Michigan Licensees

  1. Plan for 50 hours/year — 150 hours over 3 years is substantial
  2. Complete mandatory topics early — Pain management and ethics are required
  3. Don't forget human trafficking — Separate requirement for all health professionals
  4. PAs: Maintain NCCPA — That's your only real requirement
  5. Use the 60-day grace period wisely — But don't rely on it
  6. IMLC physicians: Check status — Compact withdrawal effective March 2026

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