If you hold a New York physician license, the state does not impose a general CME hour total. Instead, New York requires specific coursework: a one-time child abuse identification and reporting course, infection control and barrier precautions training every four years, and — for controlled substance prescribers — 3 hours of pain management, palliative care, and addiction every three years. Below is the full breakdown.
No general hour total
New York mandates specific topics rather than a CME hour count.
2 credits child abuse
A one-time identification and reporting course for licensure.
Infection control
Required once every four years.
3 hours pain management
Every three years for controlled substance prescribers.
Does New York require a CME hour total?
No. New York does not impose a general CME hour requirement for physicians. Compliance is based on completing specific mandated coursework instead.
Mandated subject requirements
- Child abuse: a one-time 2-credit course in identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment.
- Infection control & barrier precautions: required once every four years.
- Pain management, palliative care & addiction: 3 hours every three years for controlled substance prescribers.
DEA registrants are also subject to a one-time federal 8-hour substance use disorder training requirement.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
New York physician registrations renew every two years. Confirm completion of any mandated coursework due during your cycle.
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View pricingNew York Physicians (MD/DO) CME at a glance
- Identification & Reporting of Child Abuse2 hrs · one time
A one-time 2-credit course in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment, required for licensure.
- Infection Control & Barrier PrecautionsRequired · every 4 years
Coursework or training on infection control and barrier precautions, required once every four years.
- Pain Management, Palliative Care & Addiction3 hrs · every 3 years
Licensees authorized to prescribe controlled substances must complete at least 3 hours in pain management, palliative care, and addiction every three years.
Always confirm with your licensing board
New York does not impose a general CME hour requirement for physicians. Instead, it mandates specific coursework: infection control, controlled substance/pain management training, and child abuse identification and reporting.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the NYS Education Department Office of the Professions before relying on these figures.
Source: New York State Board for Medicine (NYSED Office of the Professions). 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 New York or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
New York Physician CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York require a CME hour total for physicians?
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No — New York mandates specific coursework rather than a general CME hour requirement.
What CME does New York require?
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A one-time child abuse course, infection control training every four years, and 3 hours of pain management/palliative care/addiction every three years for controlled substance prescribers.
How often is infection control training required in New York?
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Once every four years.
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