How many CME hours do New Jersey physicians need?
New Jersey physicians must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years to renew with the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. At least 40 of those hours must be AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (or AOA Category 1-A/2-A for DOs). The remaining 60 may be Category 2, which includes self-study, journal review, and other informal activities.
Are there mandatory CME topics in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey rule requires four biennial topic mandates, all Category 1: (1) 1 hour on prescription opioid drugs (effective 7/1/2017, CARE Act); (2) 2 hours on end-of-life care (effective 7/1/2013); (3) 2 hours on sexual misconduct prevention including human trafficking identification (effective 7/1/2025); and (4) 1 hour of perinatal bias training for physicians providing perinatal care (effective 7/1/2025). All mandatory topic hours count within the 40-hour Category 1 minimum. New Jersey also requires a one-time 6-hour cultural competency course. DEA-registered physicians must complete the federal MATE Act 8-hour one-time training.
Where can I check my New Jersey medical license renewal date?
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs maintains an online license verification system at newjersey.mylicense.com/verification. Search by name or license number to confirm your registration status and expiration date. The biennial renewal cycle is tied to the physician's individual license issuance date, though most New Jersey physician licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years.
What is the New Jersey CARE Act CME requirement?
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery and Education (CARE) Act requires every licensed New Jersey physician to complete 1 hour of CME on prescription opioid drugs in each biennial renewal cycle. The course must address responsible prescribing, alternatives to opioids, and the signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion. The 1 hour must be earned fresh in each cycle and applies to all physicians regardless of whether they actively prescribe controlled substances.
Do DOs and MDs follow the same CME rules in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey licenses MDs and DOs jointly through the State Board of Medical Examiners, and the same 100-hour rule, 40-hour Category 1 minimum, and topic mandates apply to both. The only practical difference is the form of Category 1 credit accepted: MDs typically use AMA PRA Category 1 Credit, while DOs may use AOA Category 1-A or 2-A credit.
Do New Jersey MDs and DOs have different CME requirements?
No. New Jersey does not maintain a separate osteopathic licensing board — DOs and MDs are both licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners and subject to the same CME requirements (100 hours per renewal cycle).