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Nebraska Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

The Nebraska Board of Medicine and Surgery requires physicians to complete 50 hours of Category 1 CME every 2 years. Nebraska accepts only Category 1 credits for physicians. PAs have a unique choice: complete 50 state-approved hours OR maintain NCCPA certification. Nebraska also recently enacted the PA Compact (2024), which will streamline interstate practice.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

Nebraska physicians must complete 50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per 2-year cycle.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 50 hours per 2-year cycle
Category 1 All 50 hours must be Category 1 AMA approved
Cycle Biennial (2 years)
Renewal date October 1 of even years
Rollover Not specified

CME Guidance Available

Nebraska provides guidance on:

  • Patient Safety legislation
  • Controlled substance management

New Applicant Requirements

Initial licensure applicants must document 50 hours Category 1 CME within 3 years prior to application.

Documentation

  • CME documentation must be available at renewal
  • Must verify completion of 50 hours Category 1

Physician Assistant Requirements

Nebraska PAs have a unique choice — they can fulfill CME requirements through either path:

Option 1: State CME Path

Requirement Details
Total CME 50 hours Category 1
Approved providers ACCME, AOA, or AAPA
Timeframe Within 24 months preceding renewal
Rollover Yes — up to 25 hours may carry over

Option 2: NCCPA Path

Requirement Details
Certification Meet NCCPA re-registration requirements
Timeframe Within 24 months preceding renewal
Hours 100 hours per NCCPA (50 Category 1)

Key Points for PAs

  1. Choose your path — Either state CME (50 hrs) OR NCCPA compliance
  2. Rollover benefit — State path allows 25 hours carryover (NCCPA doesn't)
  3. October 1 renewal — Licenses expire in odd-numbered years
  4. Supervision required — Scope of Practice Agreement with approved physician

Temporary License

Available for PAs:

  • Expires in 1 year or upon permanent licensure (whichever first)
  • Available before PANCE completion
  • Must pass PANCE within required timeframe

Governing Authority

  • Title 172 NAC 90 (Physician Assistants and Certification to Supervise PAs)

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

Nebraska requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both are regulated together under the Board of Medicine and Surgery with the same 50-hour biennial requirement.

PA Compact (2024)

Nebraska enacted the Physician Assistant Compact law in 2024 (LB 1215):

Detail Status
Law enacted 2024
Operational timeline 12-18 months from signing
Benefit Streamlined interstate PA practice

Tips for Nebraska Licensees

  1. Category 1 only — Nebraska accepts no Category 2 for physicians
  2. October 1 deadlines — Even years for MDs, odd years for PAs
  3. PAs have options — Choose state path (50 hrs with rollover) or NCCPA path
  4. Rollover for PAs — Up to 25 hours if using state CME path
  5. PA Compact coming — Will simplify multi-state practice soon

Contact Information

Nebraska DHHS Medical Office

Physician Licensure

PA Licensure

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