Physician Continuing Education

The bill establishes a continuing medical education requirement (CME) for physicians licensed in this state.

To meet the CME requirement, a physician must complete 40 credit hours of CME (CME credit hours) in the 24 months preceding the renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of the physician's medical license in topics selected by the physician and also in topics specified in the bill. The Colorado medical board (board) shall approve the type and sponsors of programs or activities that qualify for CME credit hours pursuant to criteria specified in the bill.

To verify compliance with the CME requirement, the physician shall affirm on the license renewal form submitted to the board that the physician has complied with the CME requirement. The board is also authorized to audit up to 5% of physician renewals annually and to require that the physician submit proof of the CME programs completed and the CME credit hours awarded. A physician's failure to comply with the CME requirement or to submit proof to the board during a board audit constitutes unprofessional conduct. If the physician fails to comply with the CME requirement, the physician's license is inactive until reinstated by the board.

The board may adopt rules to implement the CME requirement.

The director of the division of professions and occupations in the department of regulatory agencies shall increase existing fees on physician licensure renewals to cover any additional costs associated with implementing the CME requirement.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)