Below is exactly what Iowa Board of Nursing (administered by DIAL) requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 30, 2026
For CRNAs, 36 hours is the total CME requirement. Iowa also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 36-hour total.
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.
Iowa ARNPs (including CRNAs) must complete 36 contact hours per triennium. ARNP CE satisfies BOTH the ARNP renewal AND the underlying RN renewal — no double-counting needed. Active NBCRNA certification is required.
“The continuing education required for ARNP certification meets the continuing education requirement for ARNP license renewal and RN license renewal.”
ARNPs (including CRNAs) who PRESCRIBE OR ADMINISTER opioids during the 3-year renewal cycle must complete +2 hours of CDC-aligned opioid CE covering chronic pain management, dosing, length of prescriptions, risk factors for abuse, and non-opioid/nonpharmacologic options.
“ARNPs that prescribe opioids during the three-year renewal cycle must take continuing education. Continuing education must be at least two hours and address the current CDC prescribing guidelines.”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Iowa 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.
No formal waivers or exemptions are published for Iowa.
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.
“The continuing education required for ARNP certification meets the continuing education requirement for ARNP license renewal and RN license renewal.”Iowa Admin. Code 481.619
“ARNPs that prescribe opioids during the three-year renewal cycle must take continuing education. Continuing education must be at least two hours and address the current CDC prescribing guidelines.”Iowa Admin. Code 481.619