MDCMEOverview
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) requires physicians and PAs to complete 40 hours of CME every 2 years. Utah has a strict Category 1 requirement (85% of hours) and offers a unique volunteer service credit option. Both MDs and PAs are regulated by the same division with nearly identical requirements.
Physician (MD/DO) Requirements
Utah physicians must complete 40 CME hours per 2-year renewal cycle, with a strong emphasis on Category 1 credits.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 40 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Category 1 | Minimum 34 hours (85%) must be ACCME Category 1 |
| Remaining 6 hours | From Division-approved sources |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years (expires January 31 of even years) |
| Records retention | 2 years after end of licensure cycle |
| Audit | Random audits performed |
Volunteer Service Credit
Utah offers a unique credit option:
| Credit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Volunteer services | Up to 15% of total (6 hours max) |
| Calculation | 1 CME credit per 4 documented volunteer hours |
| Documentation | Must be documented and verifiable |
Mandatory Training
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| MATE Training | 8 hours one-time for DEA-registered practitioners |
| Controlled Substance CME | Required per Utah Code 58-37-6.5 |
| Suicide Prevention | Optional (three 0.5-hour online trainings available) |
Governing Authority
- Utah Code 58-67 — Physicians and Surgeons
- R156-67 — Administrative Rules
- Utah Code 58-37-6.5 — Controlled Substance Requirements
Physician Assistant Requirements
Utah PAs are regulated by the same division (DOPL) and have identical CME requirements to physicians.
CME Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CME | 40 hours per 2-year cycle |
| Category 1 | Minimum 34 hours (85%) |
| NCCPA note | Current NCCPA certification fulfills the 34-hour Category 1 requirement |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years (expires May 31 of even years) |
| Board | Utah DOPL (same as physicians) |
Approved CME Sources
- AAPA-approved programs
- Nationally recognized healthcare accredited agencies related to PA practice
- ACCME-accredited activities
Volunteer Service Credit
Same as physicians:
- Up to 15% of total hours from volunteer services
- 1 CME credit per 4 documented volunteer hours
Mental Health Specialty
PAs specializing in mental health have additional requirements:
- Must maintain CAQ in psychiatry under 58-70a-501.1(5)
- Must collaborate with board-certified psychiatrist
Governing Authority
- Utah Code 58-70a — Physician Assistants
- R156-70a — Administrative Rules
DO (Osteopathic) Physicians
Utah requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both must complete 40 hours per 2-year cycle with the same Category 1 minimums.
Key Dates
| Profession | Renewal Date |
|---|---|
| Physicians (MD/DO) | January 31 of even years |
| Physician Assistants | May 31 of even years |
Tips for Utah Licensees
- 85% Category 1 — Utah has one of the strictest Category 1 requirements (34 of 40 hours)
- Volunteer credit is unique — Take advantage of up to 6 hours from documented volunteer work
- MATE training is one-time — Complete it once for DEA registration
- NCCPA helps PAs — Current NCCPA certification fulfills the Category 1 requirement
- Different renewal dates — MDs renew in January, PAs in May (both even years)
- Keep records 2 years — Required for potential random audits
Contact Information
Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
- Website: commerce.utah.gov/dopl
- Physicians: commerce.utah.gov/dopl/physician-and-surgeon/
- PAs: commerce.utah.gov/dopl/physician-assistant/