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Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Health Care Professions Licensing Board requires both physicians and physician assistants to complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years. CNMI requires all physician CME to be Category 1 from ACCME-accredited providers. Both MD/DO and PA requirements are identical in total hours but differ slightly in credit type specifications. Documentation must be submitted with renewal applications.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

CNMI physicians must complete 50 hours of Category 1 CME 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 PRA or equivalent)
Cycle Biennial (2 years)
Mandatory topics None
Documentation Required with renewal application

Credit Requirements

Accepted Credits Details
AMA PRA Category 1 Accepted
AOA Category 1-A Accepted (DO equivalent)
ACCME-accredited providers Preferred

Documentation

Requirement Details
Submission timing At renewal
Records required Evidence of completion (certificates)
Submission method With renewal application

Physician Assistant Requirements

CNMI PAs must complete 50 hours of CME per 2-year cycle — the same total as physicians.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 50 hours per 2-year cycle
Credit type Hours justifiable or online
In-person credits Instructor signature required
Cycle Biennial (2 years)

Additional PA Requirements

Requirement Details
DEA Registration Valid and current DEA certification required
Practice Agreement Required with supervising physician
NPRB Report Required if practicing in island

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

CNMI requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. There is no distinction between MD and DO in CNMI regulations. Both must complete 50 Category 1 hours every 2 years.

Key Differences: MD vs PA

Aspect Physicians (MD/DO) Physician Assistants
Total hours 50 hours 50 hours
Cycle 2 years 2 years
Category 1 All 50 hours Hours justifiable/online
In-person requirement None specified Instructor signature required
Additional requirements None DEA, Practice Agreement

Online Renewal

Online renewal is available through the CNMI licensing portal at tax.localgov.org.

Tips for CNMI Licensees

  1. 100% Category 1 for physicians — All CME must be from accredited providers
  2. Documentation at renewal — Must submit evidence with application
  3. PAs: Keep DEA current — Valid registration certification required
  4. PAs: Practice Agreement required — Maintain agreement with supervising physician
  5. Same hours for MD and PA — Both need 50 hours per cycle
  6. ACCME-accredited preferred — Use recognized CME providers

Contact Information

Northern Mariana Islands Health Care Professions Licensing Board (HCPLB)

  • Phone: (670) 664-4808/4809
  • Fax: (670) 664-4814
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 502078, Saipan, MP 96950
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Weekends/Holidays: CLOSED)
  • Website: cnmilicensing.gov.mp

Governing Regulations

  • Part 4200 — Physician/Doctor of Osteopathy regulations
  • Part 4100 — Physician Assistant regulations

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