A source-verified guide to Nebraska's CME requirements for PAs — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 17, 2026
Nebraska has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 50-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.
PAs who prescribe controlled substances in Nebraska
“Beginning October 1, 2018, physician assistants prescribing controlled substances must complete at least three hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates. At least one-half hour must address the prescription drug monitoring program.”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|
AAPA Category 1 PAs only | All 50 hours must be Category 1 credit. AAPA Category 1 CME credit is the standard PA pathway.SourceNE DHHS PA Licensing[2] |
AMA PRA Category 1 | AMA PRA Category 1 Credit from ACCME-accredited providers satisfies the Category 1 requirement.SourceNE DHHS PA Licensing[2] |
AOA Category 1-A | AOA Category 1-A credit accepted.SourceNE DHHS PA Licensing[2] |
Board-approved credit PAs only | Current NCCPA certification is accepted as an alternative to documenting 50 hours (NCCPA re-registration/recertification within 24 months preceding license expiration).SourceNE DHHS PA Licensing[2] |
The department may randomly audit renewal applications. PAs must retain CE records and produce them upon request.[4]
PAs first licensed within the current 2-year renewal period are exempt from CE requirements for that period.
PAs who served in the regular armed forces of the United States during part of the credentialing period may receive a CE waiver.
The department may grant waivers when documented circumstances beyond the credential holder's control prevented completion of CE.
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.
“Beginning October 1, 2018, physician assistants prescribing controlled substances must complete at least three hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates. At least one-half hour must address the prescription drug monitoring program.”Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-145 (Laws 2018, LB731)
“Beginning October 1, 2018, nurse midwives, dentists, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and veterinarians prescribing controlled substances must complete at least three hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates. At least one-half hour must address the prescription drug monitoring program.”Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-145