MDCMEOverview
The State Medical Board of Ohio requires physicians to complete 50 hours of CME every 2 years. Ohio has a unique mandatory "Duty to Report" training requirement and offers credit for volunteer healthcare services to underserved populations.
Physician (MD/DO/DPM) Requirements
Ohio physicians must complete 50 CME hours per two-year registration period.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 50 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Credit type | Category 1 CME (or approved alternatives) |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years |
| Mandatory topic | Duty to Report (1 hour) |
| Audit | Random audits conducted |
Mandatory Topic: Duty to Report
All Ohio physicians must complete 1 hour of "Duty to Report" training. The State Medical Board of Ohio provides a free course to fulfill this requirement.
This training covers mandatory reporting obligations for physicians in Ohio.
Alternative Credit Options
Ohio allows some alternatives to traditional Category 1 CME:
| Alternative | Credit Rate |
|---|---|
| Accredited internships/residencies/fellowships | 1 hour per week of participation |
| Volunteer healthcare services | 1 hour per 5 hours of service (max 10 hours) |
Volunteer Service Credit: Physicians providing care to uninsured or indigent persons can earn up to 10 hours of CME credit (requires 50 hours of volunteer service for maximum credit).
Physician Assistant Requirements
Ohio PAs are regulated by the same State Medical Board and have two license types.
License Types
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 50 | Practice only (no prescriptive authority) |
| Type 50RX | Practice with prescriptive authority |
CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary requirement | Maintain current NCCPA certification |
| State hours beyond NCCPA | None for Type 50 |
| Pharmacology (Type 50RX only) | 12 hours every 2 years from accredited institution |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years |
| Renewal fee | $200 |
Prescriptive Authority (RX) Requirements
PAs with prescriptive authority (Type 50RX) have additional requirements:
- 12 hours of pharmacology CME every 2 years from a Board-recognized accredited institution
- Initial 500 hours with RX authority requires onsite supervision by supervising physician
- Must certify access to State Board of Pharmacy drug database if prescribing opioid analgesics or benzodiazepines
Supervision Requirements
- PAs must have supervision agreement with physician
- Agreement no longer filed with Board (kept in physician's records)
Documentation & Audits
Record Keeping
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Retention period | 2 years after end of registration period |
| Submission | CME hours reported through renewal application |
| Audit response | Must respond within timeframe stated on audit notice |
Random Audits
Ohio conducts random audits of physician CME compliance. If selected:
- You'll receive an audit notification
- Must submit supporting documentation
- Response required within specified timeframe
- Failure to respond may affect license status
Special Situations
Non-Practicing/Out-of-State Physicians
Important: Physicians not residing in Ohio or not currently practicing must still complete CME requirements to maintain their Ohio license.
License Restoration
Applicants seeking license restoration must demonstrate they met CME requirements during the 24 months preceding their application.
No State Reciprocity
Ohio does not have CME reciprocity with other states. CME earned elsewhere counts toward Ohio requirements, but Ohio won't accept another state's determination of compliance.
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Ohio requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. All MD, DO, and DPM physicians follow the same 50-hour biennial CME rules.
Tips for Ohio Licensees
- Complete Duty to Report first — It's mandatory and the Board offers it free
- Track volunteer hours — Up to 10 CME hours available through service
- PAs with RX: Don't forget pharmacology — 12 hours required every cycle
- Keep records 2+ years — Random audits can occur after renewal
- Out-of-state? Still comply — Ohio requires CME regardless of where you practice
- Respond to audits promptly — Deadlines are strictly enforced