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Washington Physician & PA CME Requirements

Overview

The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) requires physicians to complete 100 hours of CME every 4 years, with at least 80 hours in Category I. Physician assistants have a more intensive requirement: 100 hours every 2 years. Washington actively audits CME compliance — failure to report renders your renewal invalid.

Physician (MD/DO) Requirements

Washington physicians must complete 100 CME hours per 4-year renewal cycle under WAC 246-919-430.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 100 hours per 4-year cycle
Category I minimum 80 hours (accredited activities)
Category II maximum 20 hours (non-accredited)
Renewal cycle 4 years (48 months)
Rollover No — credits must be earned in 48-month period
Audit Active audits conducted; non-compliance = non-renewable license

Category I Activities (Minimum 80 Hours)

Category I credit requires accredited sponsorship from:

  • Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
  • Washington Medical Commission
  • Other approved accrediting agencies

Category II Activities (Maximum 20 Hours)

Non-accredited activities and substantive learning experiences:

Activity Maximum Credit
Teaching physicians/allied health professionals Up to 80 hours
Books, papers, publications, exhibits Up to 80 hours
Self-directed activities Up to 80 hours

Self-directed activities include:

  • Independent reading of scientific journals
  • Self-instruction programs
  • Specialty board examination preparation
  • Quality of care audits
  • Utilization review

Note: Medical editing cannot be accepted for credit in any category.

Category V: Publications & Exhibits

Credits for books, papers, publications, and exhibits may only be earned during the 48-month period following presentations or publications.

Physician Assistant Requirements

Washington PAs have a more intensive requirement than physicians — double the annual rate.

CME Breakdown

Requirement Details
Total CME 100 hours per 2-year cycle
Category I Required (accredited activities)
Category II Teaching, publications, presentations allowed
Renewal cycle 2 years
NCCPA Must maintain current NCCPA certification

Key Difference from Physicians

Licensee Hours Cycle Annual Rate
Physicians (MD/DO) 100 hours 4 years 25 hrs/year
Physician Assistants 100 hours 2 years 50 hrs/year

PAs must complete CME at twice the annual rate of physicians.

Supervision Requirements

Per WAC 246-854-180, PAs must:

  • Work under supervision and control of a licensed physician
  • Maintain current NCCPA certification
  • Ensure CME aligns with collaborative practice requirements

Limited PAs

Limited physician assistants have no CME requirements.

Audit Policy

What's Required

  • Report CME hours at time of renewal
  • Maintain written documentation of dates and hours
  • Be prepared to provide proof of compliance
  • Sign affidavit of compliance if required by Commission

Documentation Requirements

Requirement Details
Reporting CME hours reported at renewal
Documentation Written records of dates and hours required
System HELMS (Health professions Education and Licensing Management System)
Affidavit May be required on renewal notice

Course Approval

The Washington Medical Commission:

  • Does not pre-approve CME coursework
  • Evaluates courses based on content and appropriateness
  • Reviews integrity of CME programs
  • Courses must directly relate to defined CME categories

Exemptions

Exemption CME Required
Limited license physicians No
Limited physician assistants No
Standard MD/DO/PA licenses Yes

DO (Osteopathic) Physicians

Washington requirements for DO physicians are identical to MD requirements. Both are regulated by the Washington Medical Commission with the same 100-hour, 4-year requirement.

Approved CME Providers

Washington accepts CME from:

  • Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
  • Washington Medical Commission
  • American Medical Association (AMA)
  • American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
  • Other approved accrediting agencies and organizations

Legal References

Regulation Applies To
WAC 246-919-430 Physician CME Requirements
WAC 246-914-160 PA Regulations
WAC 246-854-180 PA Supervision/CME

Tips for Washington Licensees

  1. Prioritize Category I — You need at least 80 of your 100 hours from accredited sources
  2. PAs: Plan for 50 hrs/year — Your requirement is twice the physician rate
  3. No rollover — All credits must be earned in your current 48-month cycle
  4. Document everything — Written records required; audits are active
  5. Don't miss reporting — Failure to report = invalid renewal = non-renewable license
  6. Limited licenses exempt — But standard licenses must comply fully
  7. No pre-approval — Commission evaluates courses after the fact

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