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Rhode Island · Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant CME requirements in Rhode Island

Medium confidenceLast verified June 4, 2026

Requirements at a glance

Licensing board
Renewal cycle
Every year (by June 30)
Total CME hours
25 hrs AMA PRA Category 1 every year OR maintain active NCCPA certification
Accepts NCCPA in lieu
Yes

State-mandated CME topics

  • Opioid prescribing: 8 hrs — One-time, Category 1, for Schedule II opioid prescribers.

Sources

Every figure on this page is compiled from the primary board and national certification sources below, cross-checked against reputable aggregators. Requirements change often and some boards publish only in PDFs or login-walled portals — confirm current rules directly before relying on them for renewal.

Rhode Island licensing boardRI Dept. of Health, Board of Medical Licensure & Discipline
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/maintain-certification/continuing-medical-education
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/news/panre-la
NCCPA certification (national)nccpa.net/maintain-certification
DEA MATE Act (federal)samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/statutes-regulations-guidelines/mate-act
DEA MATE Act (federal)dea.gov
Verify with RI Dept. of Health, Board of Medical Licensure & Discipline

How this fits the national picture

Independent of Rhode Island, every PA maintains NCCPA certification — 100 CME credits every two-year cycle (at least 50 Category 1) plus a recertification exam by year 10. Many states accept that in place of separate state CME; this page notes whether Rhode Island does.

Keep exploring

Frequently asked questions

How many CME hours do physician assistants need in Rhode Island?

25 hrs AMA PRA Category 1 every year OR maintain active NCCPA certification. Renewal cycle: Every year (by June 30).

Does Rhode Island accept NCCPA certification in lieu of state CME?

Yes.

What topic-specific CME does Rhode Island require for physician assistants?

Opioid prescribing: 8 hrs — One-time, Category 1, for Schedule II opioid prescribers.

Informational only, not legal or compliance advice. Continuing education rules change frequently. Confirm current requirements with the RI Dept. of Health, Board of Medical Licensure & Discipline and your certifying body before relying on any figure here.