Section 373-1-11 - CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME) REQUIREMENTS AND DEFINITIONS1.RequirementsA.GeneralWith the exception of Interstate Telemedicine Consultative Registration, each physician licensed by this Board with an active status license shall complete during each biennial licensing period, a minimum of forty (40) credit hours of Category 1 (as defined by this rule) continuing medical education (CME).
B.CME for Opioid PrescribingPhysicians must complete 3 hours of Category 1 credit CME every two years on the prescribing of opioid medication as required by Board Rule Chapter 21 "Use of Controlled Substances for Treatment of Pain."
C. If an applicant for re-licensure/re-registration does not complete the required CME, then an Inactive license/registration will be issued unless the Secretary has granted an extension of time or deferment as described in subsection 2C below.2.Definition of Category I CMEA. Category 1 CME may include the following:(1) CME programs sponsored or co-sponsored by an organization or institution accredited by the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education (AMA), the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or the Committee on Continuing Medical Education of the Maine Medical Association. Programs will be properly identified as such by the approved sponsoring or co-sponsoring organization. VALUE: One (1) credit hour per hour of participation VERIFICATION: Certificate of completion, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(2) Papers or articles published in peer reviewed medical journals (journals included in Index Medicus).VALUE: Ten (10) credit hours for each article. Limit one article per year. VERIFICATION: Copy of first page of article, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(3) Poster preparation for an exhibit at a meeting designated for AMA category 1 credit, with a published abstract. VALUE: Five (5) credit hours per poster. Limit one poster per year. VERIFICATION: Copy of program with abstract and presenter identified, if requested by the Boardas part of a CME audit.(4) Teaching or presentation in activities designated for AMA category 1credit. VALUE: Two (2) credit hours for each hour of preparation and presentation of new and original material. Limit ten (10) hours per year. VERIFICATION: Copy of program from activity, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(5) American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) specialty board certification or recertification within the 24 months preceding renewal. VALUE: Twenty Five (25) credit hours. VERIFICATION: copy of certificate or notification letter, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(6) Medically related degrees, i.e. MPH, Ph.D.VALUE: Twenty Five (25) credit hours per year. VERIFICATION: Certified copy of diploma or transcript, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(7) Postgraduate training, i.e. internship, residency, fellowship. VALUE: Fifty (50) credit hours per year. VERIFICATION: Certified copy of diploma or transcript, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(8) The requirements of the following programs, if completed during the twenty four (24) months preceding renewal may be considered as equivalent to Category 1.VALUE: Twenty Five (25) credit hours per year. VERIFICATION: Certified copy of diploma or transcript, if requested by the Board as part of a CME audit.(a) AMA Physicians Recognition Award.(b) Membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians.(c) Professional Development Program of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.(9) Other programs developed or approved from time to time by the Board. VALUE: Determined at the time of approval. VERIFICATION: Determined at the time of approval.3.Evidence of CompletionBoard staff shall perform random audits of CME.
4.Exceptions/Deferments to CME RequirementsA. The Board Secretary, Board Chair, or their designee, at her/his discretion, may grant an extension of time or deferment not to exceed six (6) months to a licensee who because of prolonged illness, undue hardship, or other extenuating circumstances has been unable to meet the requirements of CME.B. CME will be prorated during the first licensure period. C. CME requirements will be stayed for physicians called to active military duty.D. The Board may allow a full or partial exemption from CME requirements for a returning military veteran or the spouse of a returning military veteran; however, evidence of completion of CME may be required for a subsequent license/registration renewal.02-373 C.M.R. ch. 1, § 11