A source-verified guide to New Mexico's CME requirements for osteopathic physicians — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 21, 2026
For osteopathic physicians, 75 hours is the total CME requirement. New Mexico also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 75-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.
DOs who hold a DEA registration AND a New Mexico controlled substance license AND are practicing in New Mexico
“all New Mexico board of osteopathic medicine licensees, who hold a federal drug enforcement administration registration and license to prescribe opioids … six continuing education hours [covering pharmacology and risks of controlled substances and problems of abuse, addiction and diversion].”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, New Mexico 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 |
|---|---|
AOA Category 1-A DOs onlymin 30 hrs | at least 30 of the 75 triennial hours must be AOA Category 1-A or 1-B CME. This is the key structural difference from the NM Medical Board MD rule (which has no AOA category minimum).Source16.17.3 NMAC[1] |
AMA PRA Category 1 DOs only | Remaining hours (up to 45 of the 75) may be AMA PRA Category 1 Credit or equivalent. Active AOA membership, specialty board certification/recertification (ABMS or osteopathic specialty board), or passage of COMVEX or SPEX during the triennial cycle may satisfy the CME requirement in the alternative.Source16.17.3 NMAC[1] |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
Emergency deferral of up to 90 days available for DOs unable to fulfill CME requirements prior to license expiration. Written request due no later than July 1 of the renewal year. Board may grant additional extension for illness or other documented circumstances.[1]
DOs practicing or residing outside the United States are not required to fulfill CME for the period of absence. Board must be notified prior to license expiration.[1]
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.
“all New Mexico board of osteopathic medicine licensees, who hold a federal drug enforcement administration registration and license to prescribe opioids … six continuing education hours [covering pharmacology and risks of controlled substances and problems of abuse, addiction and diversion].”16.17.4.11 NMAC
“CME records must be maintained by the licensee for one year following the renewal cycle in which they are earned.”16.10.4.13 NMAC