NCMB has developed draft rules for implementing a new state requirement that all prescribers of controlled substances obtain mandatory continuing medical education in prescribing these medications.

Under the proposed rule, physician licensees would be required to make three hours of the required total of 60 hours of Category 1 CME earned over a three year cycle related to controlled substances prescribing. The proposed rule for physician assistants, who must earn 50 hours of CME over two years, would require PAs to make at least two of their reported CME hours related to controlled substances.

The rules do not provide detailed guidance on the content of courses to be completed. The only requirement is that course content be related to controlled substances prescribing practices, recognizing signs of abuse or misuse of controlled substances and/or controlled substances prescribing in the context of chronic pain management.

The Board will accept public comments on the proposed rule changes through Feb. 29. Review the draft rules online by visiting www.ncmedboard.org and selecting the CME Rule Change image from the slideshow in the center of the page.

Comments should be emailed to PrescribingCME@ncmedboard.org by Feb. 29.

To see the proposed revisions to the Physician CME rule by clicking the "Download the PDF" button: