Below is exactly what DC Board of Nursing requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 30, 2026
For CRNAs, 24 hours is the total CME requirement. District of Columbia also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 24-hour total.
“Total 24 hours required for RNs and APRNs (15 hours in pharmacology for APRNs)”
“2 hours in LGTBQ or Cultural Awareness”
“3 hours in HIV/AIDS or Director's Topics”
These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.
DC APRNs (including CRNAs) must complete 24 contact hours per biennium with 15 hours in pharmacology, plus active NBCRNA national certification.
“Total 24 hours required for RNs and APRNs (15 hours in pharmacology for APRNs)”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, District of Columbia Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
NBCRNA Class A | NBCRNA Class A / MAC Ed credits qualify toward the underlying RN CE. |
ANCC Contact Hour | ANCC contact hours from accredited providers qualify. |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
First-time renewals are exempt from CE except the COVID Vaccinations requirement (if licensed by August 11, 2021).
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your license anniversary renewal.
Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.
“Total 24 hours required for RNs and APRNs (15 hours in pharmacology for APRNs)”DC BON CE Methods of Compliance
“2 hours in LGTBQ or Cultural Awareness”DC BON CE Methods of Compliance
“3 hours in HIV/AIDS or Director's Topics”DC BON CE Methods of Compliance