If you hold a Louisiana medical license (MD or DO), the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners requires at least 20 hours of board-approved continuing medical education every year. Most hours can be in any AMA PRA Category 1 subject relevant to your practice, and the Board accepts AOA Category 1-A/1-B and AAFP Prescribed credit as well. Physicians who hold a Controlled Dangerous Substance license also have a one-time 3-hour prescribing course to complete. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
20 hours / year
Twenty board-approved CME hours each calendar year for renewal.
Controlled substances (one-time)
A one-time 3-hour course for CDS license holders, counted within the annual 20 hours.
Multiple credit types
AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A/1-B, and AAFP Prescribed credit all qualify.
Tracked in CE Broker
Louisiana licensees document CME through the CE Broker tracking system.
How many CME hours Louisiana physicians need
Louisiana requires at least 20 hours of board-approved CME every year, measured from January through December. Accepted credit includes AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B, and AAFP Prescribed credit. Hours are documented through CE Broker, and you cannot renew until the tracking system reflects the required credits.
Mandated subject requirements
- Controlled-substance prescribing: physicians with a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) license must complete a one-time 3-hour course on best prescribing practices, drug diversion, addiction treatment, and chronic pain. It counts toward — not on top of — the annual 20 hours.
- Board orientation: new licensees complete a one-time orientation course on the Louisiana Medical Practice Act and the Board's rules.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Louisiana physician licenses renew annually, with CME measured over the January-to-December calendar year. Complete and document your 20 hours — including the one-time CDS course if applicable — through CE Broker before your renewal so the system shows the proper credit count.
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View pricingLouisiana Physicians (MD/DO) CME at a glance
- Controlled Substance Prescribing3 hrs · one time
Physicians who hold a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) license must complete a one-time 3-hour board-approved course covering best prescribing practices for controlled substances, drug diversion training, appropriate treatment for addiction, and the treatment of chronic pain. This 3-hour course counts toward (and is not in addition to) the annual 20-hour CME requirement.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners requires at least 20 hours of board-approved CME each year (January through December) for license renewal. Accepted credit includes AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, AOA Category 1-B, and AAFP Prescribed credits. Licensees track CME through CE Broker.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners before relying on these figures.
Source: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Licensed in more than one state?
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact: active. Active and issuing. Physicians can obtain expedited licensure across member states; each state license is separate (and each renews on its own CME cycle).
Each state license carries its own CME requirement and renewal date — if you hold more than one, you need a plan for each.
Also licensing in Louisiana or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Louisiana Physician CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours do Louisiana physicians need?
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At least 20 hours of board-approved CME every year.
What controlled-substance CME does Louisiana require?
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Physicians holding a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) license must complete a one-time 3-hour course on prescribing best practices, drug diversion, addiction treatment, and chronic pain. It counts within the annual 20-hour requirement.
How does Louisiana track CME?
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Louisiana licensees track CME through CE Broker, and you cannot renew until the system reflects the required number of credits.
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