Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing · CRNA

30 hours. Every two years. Tied to your license anniversary.

Below is exactly what Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.

Updated April 2026Sourced from PSBN~5 min read

Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed May 12, 2026

Mandatory topics

For CRNAs, 30 hours is the total CME requirement. Pennsylvania also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 30-hour total.

Abuse Reporting[1]
2 hrs
Biennial
PA requires healthcare professionals to complete child abuse recognition and reporting training each renewal cycle (Act 31). Applies to RNs, including CRNAs. At least 2 of the 30 biennial CE hours must be in this content (within the total).
View sourceVerbatim from source
“At least 2 of the 30 hours shall be completed in Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements (as specified in § 21.508(b), Pennsylvania Act 31 of 2014).”
49 Pa. Code § 21.131; 23 Pa. C.S. § 6383See source [1] in Primary Sources
General CME[1]
2 hrs
Biennial
Organ and tissue donation and recovery process CE — at least 2 of the 30 biennial hours (for nurses licensed prior to May 1, 2026). Applies to all PA RNs including CRNAs.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“Effective May 1, 2026, at least 2 of the 30 hours shall address organ and tissue donation and recovery process (for nurses licensed prior to May 1, 2026).”
49 Pa. Code § 21.131See source [1] in Primary Sources
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Pennsylvania cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Conditional requirements

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.

ConditionalGeneral CME[2]
Hrs vary

PA does NOT separately license CRNAs as APRNs. CRNAs in PA are licensed as RNs and recognized under 49 Pa. Code § 21.17 as authorized to administer anesthesia upon completion of an accredited nurse anesthesia program and CRNA certification.

View sourceVerbatim from source
“The certified nurse anesthetist is authorized to administer anesthesia in cooperation with a surgeon or dentist.”
49 Pa. Code § 21.17See source [2] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Pennsylvania 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 systemNotes
NBCRNA Class A
NBCRNA Class A credits accepted toward PA RN CE.Sourcehttps://www.nbcrna.com/continued-certification[3]
NBCRNA_CLASS_B
NBCRNA Class B credits accepted toward PA RN CE.Sourcehttps://www.nbcrna.com/continued-certification[3]
ANCC Contact Hour
ANCC contact hours accepted toward PA RN CE.
Documentation & audit

Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.

Waivers & exemptions

No formal waivers or exemptions are published for Pennsylvania.

FAQ
How many state-level CE hours do Pennsylvania CRNAs need?
30 contact hours per biennial RN renewal under 49 Pa. Code §§ 21.131-21.137, plus PA Act 31 child abuse recognition training (typically 2 hours per renewal cycle).
Does Pennsylvania require NBCRNA certification for CRNA practice?
49 Pa. Code § 21.17 requires CRNA certification by the Council on Certification or Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (now NBCRNA) to practice nurse anesthesia. While PA does not separately license CRNAs as APRNs, NBCRNA certification is a practical requirement for hospital privileges and CMS reimbursement.
Is Pennsylvania part of the APRN Compact?
No, PA has not enacted the APRN Compact as of April 2026. PA is, however, a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for the underlying RN license.
Where can I check my PA RN/CRNA license renewal date?
Use the PA Licensing System (PALS) at https://www.pals.pa.gov/ or contact the PA State Board of Nursing.

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Sources & Citations

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.

  1. https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/049/chapter21/s21.131.html
    Source
    Show verbatim text
    “At least 2 of the 30 hours shall be completed in Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements (as specified in § 21.508(b), Pennsylvania Act 31 of 2014).”49 Pa. Code § 21.131; 23 Pa. C.S. § 6383 · Effective 2015-01-01
    “Effective May 1, 2026, at least 2 of the 30 hours shall address organ and tissue donation and recovery process (for nurses licensed prior to May 1, 2026).”49 Pa. Code § 21.131 · Effective 2026-05-01
  2. PA Code 49 § 21.17 — Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-30
    Show verbatim text
    “The certified nurse anesthetist is authorized to administer anesthesia in cooperation with a surgeon or dentist.”49 Pa. Code § 21.17
  3. NBCRNA — Continued Certification
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-30

This page is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the best available information as of the last reviewed date above. CME requirements change. Atlas CME is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, or any other state medical board, licensing authority, or professional organization. Physicians are solely responsible for verifying their own current CME requirements directly with their state medical board before relying on any information presented here.

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