If you hold a Rhode Island physician license, the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline requires 40 AMA PRA Category 1 (or AOA Category 1-A) credits every two-year renewal cycle. Rhode Island also mandates 4 credits on Topics of Current Concern and 2 hours on universal precautions and related subjects. Below is the full breakdown.
40 hours / 2 years
Forty AMA PRA Category 1 credits each biennial cycle.
4 credits current concern
On topics designated by the RI Department of Health (ethics, opioids, palliative care, etc.).
2 hours precautions
Universal precautions, infection control, or bioterrorism among related topics.
Opioid prescribers
Schedule II prescribers have a one-time 8-hour opioid prescribing requirement.
How many CME hours Rhode Island physicians need
Rhode Island requires 40 AMA PRA Category 1 credits every two years (or AOA Category 1-A equivalents).
Mandated subject requirements
- Topics of Current Concern: 4 credits as designated by the RI Department of Health (ethics, risk management, opioid/chronic pain, end-of-life/palliative care, antimicrobial stewardship).
- Universal precautions / bioterrorism: 2 hours among universal precautions, infection control, modes of transmission, bioterrorism, end-of-life care, OSHA, ethics, or pain management.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Rhode Island physician licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 40 hours, including mandated topics, before renewal.
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View pricingRhode Island Physicians (MD/DO) CME at a glance
- Topics of Current Concern4 hrs · per renewal
4 credits on Topics of Current Concern as determined by the Director of the RI Department of Health — e.g. ethics, risk management, opioid/chronic pain management, end-of-life/palliative care, and antimicrobial stewardship. Counts toward the 40-hour total.
- Universal Precautions / Infection Control / Bioterrorism2 hrs · per renewal
2 hours on universal precautions, infection control, modes of transmission, bioterrorism, end-of-life/palliative care, OSHA, ethics, or pain management. Counts toward the 40-hour total.
Always confirm with your licensing board
Rhode Island physicians must complete 40 AMA PRA Category 1 (or AOA Category 1-A) credits every two years, including specified mandated topics.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline before relying on these figures.
Source: Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. 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 Rhode Island or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Rhode Island Physician CME Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours do Rhode Island physicians need?
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40 AMA PRA Category 1 (or AOA Category 1-A) credits every two years.
What are Rhode Island's Topics of Current Concern?
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4 credits on topics designated by the RI Department of Health, such as ethics, risk management, opioid/chronic pain management, end-of-life/palliative care, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Does Rhode Island require opioid CME?
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Schedule II opioid prescribers have a one-time 8-hour Category 1 opioid prescribing requirement.
Related
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