A source-verified guide to New Mexico's CME requirements for PAs — hours, mandatory topics, audit rules, and exemptions.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 17, 2026
New Mexico has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 100-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 holding both a federal DEA registration and a New Mexico controlled substances registration
“Beginning July 1, 2014, physician assistants holding federal DEA and New Mexico controlled substances registrations must complete three continuing medical education hours during each biennial renewal cycle, in addition to required NCCPA certification.”
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 |
|---|---|
AAPA Category 1 PAs onlymin 50 hrs | NCCPA certification maintenance requires 100 hours per 2-year cycle with at least 50 in Category 1. AAPA Category 1 is the standard PA pathway.Source16.10.15.18 NMAC[2] |
AMA PRA Category 1 | AMA PRA Category 1 Credit from ACCME-accredited providers satisfies NCCPA Category 1 requirement.Source16.10.15.18 NMAC[2] |
AOA Category 1-A | AOA Category 1-A/1-B credit accepted.Source16.10.15.18 NMAC[2] |
AAFP Prescribed | AAFP Prescribed Credit accepted.Source16.10.15.18 NMAC[2] |
Board-approved credit PAs only | Current NCCPA certification is the operative NM PA CE framework. New Mexico defers to NCCPA maintenance; PA licenses expire March 1 following NCCPA expiration.Source16.10.15.18 NMAC[2] |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
PAs who hold current NCCPA certification satisfy the CE requirement in full. Proof of current NCCPA certification at renewal is the primary compliance mechanism.[2]
Recent PA program graduates (within the previous two years) are exempt from CE requirements.
PAs who do not hold a federal DEA registration and NM controlled substance registration are exempt from the 3-hour controlled substance prescribing CE requirement.[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.
“Beginning July 1, 2014, physician assistants holding federal DEA and New Mexico controlled substances registrations must complete three continuing medical education hours during each biennial renewal cycle, in addition to required NCCPA certification.”16.10.14.11(C) NMAC · Effective 2014-07-01
“Physician assistant licenses expire on March 1 following NCCPA certification expiration. A completed renewal application, accompanied by the required fees, proof of current certification, and proof of continuing medical education must be submitted on or before March 1.”16.10.15.18(A) NMAC