MDCMEOverview
The New Mexico Medical Board (NMMB) requires physicians to complete 75 hours of Category 1 CME every 3 years — one of the few states with a triennial cycle. Like Mississippi and Minnesota, New Mexico accepts only Category 1 credits (no Category 2). PAs follow standard NCCPA requirements with no additional state hours.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
New Mexico physicians must complete 75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per 3-year cycle.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 75 hours per 3-year cycle |
| Category 1 | All 75 hours must be Category 1 (100%) |
| Category 2 | Not accepted |
| Cycle | Triennial (3 years) |
| Deadline | October 1st of renewal year |
| Rollover | Yes — credit rollover permitted |
| Tracking | CE Broker available |
Important Deadlines
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Failure to complete by deadline | License suspension until completed |
| Late completion | Fees/fines required; same CME hours cannot be reused |
Special Programs
New Mexico offers the ECHO program for opioid-related training:
- Focus on opioid overdose epidemic
- Synthetic fentanyl emphasis
- Pain management education
Emergency Deferrals
Available for:
- Major illness
- Catastrophic circumstances
- Must apply through NMMB
Documentation
- Must maintain documentation of CME completion
- Proof of 75 hours Category 1 required with renewal application
Physician Assistant Requirements
New Mexico PAs follow standard NCCPA requirements with no additional state-specific hours.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 100 hours per 2-year cycle (NCCPA) |
| Category 1 | 50 hours (per NCCPA) |
| State additions | None |
| Cycle | 2 years (aligned with NCCPA) |
| Board | NMMB (same as physicians) |
Practice Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervision | Direct supervision by approved physician |
| Accessibility | Must have access to supervisor by phone, text, email, or electronic means |
| Documentation | Supervising Physician Statement of Responsibility Form required |
| Form change fee | $25 |
| Prescriptive authority | Schedule II-V controlled substances within established formulary |
Quality Assurance
New Mexico requires a Quality Assurance program for review of PA medical services.
Governing Authority
- Title 16, Chapter 10, Part 15 of NM Medical Board Rules
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
New Mexico requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both are regulated under the same board with the same 75-hour triennial requirement.
License Status Options
New Mexico offers multiple license statuses:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Active | Full practice privileges |
| Inactive | Not practicing in NM |
| Retired | No longer practicing |
| Voluntary Lapsed | Voluntarily allowed to lapse |
Reinstatement After 2+ Years
Requires:
- 75 hours Category 1 CME
- Reinstatement application
- Applicable fees
Tips for New Mexico Licensees
- Triennial cycle — Plan for 75 hours over 3 years (25/year average)
- Category 1 only — No Category 2 accepted
- October 1st deadline — Don't miss it; license suspension is automatic
- Rollover allowed — Excess hours can carry forward
- ECHO program — Good option for opioid-related CME
- PAs: NCCPA only — No additional state requirements
Interstate Compact
New Mexico has endorsed joining the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which may simplify licensure for physicians practicing across state lines.
Contact Information
New Mexico Medical Board (NMMB)
- Phone: (505) 476-7220
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: nmmb.state.nm.us