MDCMEOverview
The Montana Board of Medical Examiners regulates physicians and PAs with a minimal-enforcement approach to CME. Unlike most states, Montana's published administrative rules (ARM 24.156) do not specify CME hour requirements for physicians. PAs follow standard NCCPA requirements. This suggests CME may be voluntary, optional, or managed through the renewal portal rather than published regulations.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
Montana's administrative rules do not specify CME hour requirements for physicians.
What We Know
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CME hours | Not specified in administrative rules |
| Cycle | Biennial (2 years) |
| Renewal date | March 31 |
| Governing rules | ARM 24.156.615 (Renewals) |
Important Note
Montana appears to take one of these approaches:
- CME is voluntary/optional for physicians
- CME requirements are managed through the online renewal portal rather than published rules
- State relies on federal/specialty board CME requirements
Contact the board directly to confirm current requirements before assuming no CME is needed.
CME Contact
For CME-specific questions:
- Phone: (406) 444-5696
- Email: [email protected]
Physician Assistant Requirements
Montana PAs follow standard NCCPA requirements with no additional state-specific hours.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| State hours | None beyond NCCPA |
| NCCPA requirement | 100 CME credits per 2-year cycle |
| Category 1 | 50 hours minimum (per NCCPA) |
| Cycle | Biennial (2 years) |
| Renewal date | October 31 |
| Governing rules | ARM 24.156.16 (PA Scope of Practice) |
NCCPA Requirements (Apply in Montana)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 100 credits per 2-year cycle |
| Category 1 | Minimum 50 credits |
| Category 2 | Up to 50 credits |
| Audit | NCCPA randomly audits Category 1 submissions |
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Montana requirements for DO physicians are governed by the same board (ARM 24.156) with no specified differences from MDs.
License Renewal
Renewal Dates
| License Type | Renewal Date |
|---|---|
| Physicians (MD/DO) | March 31 |
| Physician Assistants | October 31 |
Grace Period
Montana allows a 45-day grace period for lapsed licenses (per ARM 24.101.408).
Military Spouse Provisions
Special provisions exist for military spouses — see board website for details.
Tips for Montana Licensees
- Verify with the board — CME requirements not published in rules; confirm directly
- March 31 deadline — Physician renewal date
- October 31 for PAs — Different deadline than physicians
- PAs: NCCPA is your guide — No additional state requirements found
- 45-day grace period — Available if license lapses, but avoid if possible
Contact Information
Montana Board of Medical Examiners
- Mailing: PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513
- Physical: 301 S. Park Ave, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620
- Website: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/medical-examiners/
Contact by Topic:
| Topic | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| CME Questions | (406) 444-5696 | [email protected] |
| Executive Officer | (406) 841-2360 | [email protected] |
| General Inquiries | (406) 444-6880 | [email protected] |
Governing Regulations
- ARM 24.156 — Board of Medical Examiners regulations
- ARM 24.156.615 — Renewal requirements
- ARM 24.156.16 — Physician Assistant Scope of Practice
- ARM 24.101.408 — Grace period provisions