Where can I reference the specific rules pertaining to continuing medical education requirements for physicians?

When can I start accumulating hours?

What is considered a credit “hour” for continuing education?

How often must I report CME hours to the state?

How many categories of continuing medical education are required?

Can I count continuing education hours I accumulate for other sources, (i.e. national certification with specialty organizations, etc.) towards this requirement?

Can I count my hours accumulated during Residencies and Fellowships programs?

We want to put on a continuing education course. What do we have to do to have it approved?

Can I carry over continuing education hours from one year to the next?

Where can I review/obtain a copy of the Medical Practice Act, with the updates of recent legislation, and other pertinent information?

When is a practitioner exempt from continuing education?

Where can I reference the specific rules pertaining to continuing medical education requirements for physicians?

Please refer to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-919-430 through 470 regarding continuing medical education (CME) requirements for physicians. Please also refer to WAC 246-12, Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers. Part 7 of this chapter specifically addresses CME, when it is required, how to prove compliance, auditing, acceptable auditing documentation, exemptions, how credit hours are determined, carrying over CME credits, and taking the same course more than once during a reporting cycle. The requirements of WAC 246-12 apply to all health care practitioners and will be used in conjunction with WAC 246-919-430, for physicians.

When can I start accumulating hours?

You may start accumulating CME hours upon initial licensure and after every two renewal cycles thereafter.

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What is considered a credit “hour” for continuing education?

WAC 246-12-220 states in part: “a credit hour is defined as time actually spent in a course or other activities as determined by the regulatory entity.” A credit hour for time actually spent in a course cannot be less than 50 minutes, (excluding breaks).

How often must I report CME hours to the state?

Every four years at the time of renewal physicians must report 200 hours of CME. Failure to report CME renders the renewal invalid and your license will not be renewed.

Do I need to send in paper documentation of my continuing education coursework along with my renewal? Will you approve continuing education courses for credit?

NO! Please do not send in any of your documentation until you are requested to do so. You will be required to sign an affidavit of compliance (on the back of your renewal notice.) The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) may randomly audit up to 25% of all renewals as allowed by WAC 246-12-190. Following your renewal, you may receive a notification of an audit. Only then, will you be required to provide actual written documentation of the dates and hours of the CME that you have obtained and reported with your renewal. The Commission will not keep your documentation on file, nor will we approve coursework. Please keep your CME documentation in an accessible manner for at least four years after the renewal period. In the event you are audited, you will want to be able to easily access your information. There is more information about acceptable audit documentation included in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7, which is attached for your convenience.

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How many categories of continuing medical education are required?

There are five categories of CME for physicians located in WAC 246-919-450. There are no minimum requirements or specific subject matter in any CME Categories at this time. Category II through V has a maximum of 80 hours per 4-years (two-renewal cycles). Keep in mind that requirements of CME may change at any time due to new rules or legislation.

The Commission believes the intent of CME is to improve and enhance the professional development of the physician, and to improve the care provided to a patient. It is strongly suggested that physicians accumulate hours from a broad range of categories.

NOTE: on Category II: It is the responsibility of the physician to determine if his or her course work falls under Category I or II. Most hospitals are not CME Category I accredited, so be sure to check with the hospital before reporting. Hospital staff meetings and specialty groups are some examples of Category II.

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Can I count continuing education hours I accumulate for other sources, (i.e. national certification with specialty organizations, etc.) towards this requirement?

Yes. WAC 246-919-430(2) provides the ability for physicians to use a current certification physician’s recognition award of the American Medical Association, or a current certification from any specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in lieu of 200 hours of CME. The certification must be obtained in the four years preceding the renewal.

There is one exception. If your license is disciplined by the Commission and CME coursework is required as a disciplinary sanction, the renewal requirement must be accumulated, in addition to the sanction requirements.

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Can I count my hours accumulated during Residencies and Fellowships programs?

Yes. These may be counted in Category I for 50 hours each year, up to 200 hours. A note should be made on the affidavit that the 200 hours are for a residency or fellowship. Fractional credits may be granted for years partially completed.

We want to put on a continuing education course. What do we have to do to have it approved?

The Commission does not pre-approve CME coursework.

WAC 246-919-470(2) states in part that CME sponsors do not need to apply for prior commission approval for a formal CME program. The CME category will depend solely upon the accredited status of the organization or institution. The Commission relies upon the integrity of the program sponsors to present CME for licensees that constitute a meritorious learning experience.

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Can I carry over continuing education hours from one year to the next?

No. CME in excess of the required hours earned in a reporting period cannot be carried forward to the next reporting cycle.

Where can I review/obtain a copy of the Medical Practice Act, with the updates of recent legislation, and other pertinent information?

This information can be accessed by clicking on the link on this website to Laws / Rules (RCW 18.71) and Rules (WAC 246-919), as well as other pertinent Laws / Rules regarding the practice of medicine on this website.

When legislation is passed or rules are amended or newly adopted, it usually takes the Office of the Code Reviser for the state of Washington approximately three months to get the changes codified into the law. You may also sign up for “ListServ” notification via e-mail by going to our website. Through this service you will also be notified via e-mail of the Commission’s agendas, minutes, rule development and adoptions, and other pertinent information.

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When is a practitioner exempt from continuing education?

A physician may be excused from or granted an extension of CME requirements due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. The Commission or its designee will determine when the requirements may be waived, or may grant an extension. This may take awhile, please submit information prior to your renewal date. Contact the office at 360-236-2750 for further information.

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