Texas physicians now have a new CME requirement with a number attached to it. The Texas Medical Board (TMB) requires at least 1 hour of CME in nutrition and metabolic health, and it applies to licenses that expire on or after May 30, 2027. The course that fits is our Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Health course, 1 hour, online, $30.
The requirement comes from Senate Bill 25 (Occupations Code Section 156.061) and the Board's rule at 22 TAC §161.35, adopted at its August 14, 2026 meeting. Medical doctors and osteopathic physicians are both licensed by the TMB, so it is one rule for both.
Key facts
1 hour of CME in nutrition and metabolic health, for all Texas physicians (MD and DO).
Applies to licenses expiring on or after May 30, 2027.
Content must be based on the nutritional guidelines of the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee.
Informal and formal courses both count, as long as an accredited CE provider designates them.
Texas physicians need 48 CME credits every 24 months, at least half of them formal Category 1 or 1A. See the full Texas Medical Doctor CE requirements or the Texas Osteopathic Physician CE requirements.
How many hours of nutrition CME do Texas physicians need?
One. The TMB states that all physicians must complete at least 1 hour of CME on nutrition and metabolic health. The Board lists it among the required topics and does not say whether it counts toward your 48 credits or is added to them. Confirm with the Board if that matters for your plan, and keep your certificate either way.
When does it start for you?
The Board applies the rule to licenses that expire on or after May 30, 2027. Check your own expiration date on your TMB license record, since Texas physicians renew in groups by license number.
One note on dates. The statute talks about renewal applications filed on or after January 1, 2027, as the Texas Medical Association has also reported. The Board's published rule uses license expiration on or after May 30, 2027. Plan to the Board's date, which is the one you will be audited against.
What counts as a qualifying course?
The Board says the content must be based on the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee guidelines, and that both informal and formal courses are acceptable when designated by an accredited CE provider.
Our Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Health: Evidence-Based Assessment, Counseling, and Referral course is the course for this requirement, and it counts for every Texas professional. It covers nutrition assessment, metabolic health, patient counseling and referral. It is 1 hour, $30, fully online and on demand, with an instant certificate.
Need all 48 credits too? The Texas Medical Doctor CME Package bundles your 48 AMA PRA Category 1 credits and lists the nutrition course among its required courses, so you finish everything in one place.
Accredited and supported. AchieveCE courses come from an accredited provider, and our support center and live chat are there if you have questions about your requirements or your certificate.
What else do Texas physicians have to complete?
The nutrition hour sits next to the other TMB requirements:
48 CME credits every 24 months, at least 24 in formal Category 1 or 1A courses. The Texas Medical Doctor CME Package covers all 48 in one place.
At least 2 hours of medical ethics and professional responsibility, within the formal hours. Try Laws, Rules and Medical Ethics for Physicians or Medical Ethics in Medicine: Clinical and Professional Considerations.
Pain management and opioid prescribing: at least 2 formal hours every 8 years for physicians with direct patient care. See Pain Management: A Guide to Safe Prescribing, Prescribing Opioids and Benzodiazepines and Responsible Prescribing: Safeguarding Against Drug Diversion in Texas.
Human trafficking prevention: 1 HHSC-approved hour in your first renewal period, then every third renewal period. See our Texas human trafficking course for physicians and our guide to Texas human trafficking CE for healthcare professionals.
Life of the Mother Act course, one time, if you provide obstetric care.
Forensic evidence collection (2 hours) for physicians whose practice includes the emergency room or urgent care, beginning with licenses expiring February 28, 2027.
DEA MATE Act training: a one-time 8 hours on opioid and substance use disorders if you hold a DEA registration, a federal requirement. See DEA MATE 8-Hour Training.
Who else in Texas has a nutrition requirement?
Senate Bill 25 reaches more than physicians. Physician assistants already have a final 1-hour rule: read our Texas nutrition CME guide for PAs or the Texas PA CE requirements. Nurses are covered by a separate statute section, but the Board of Nursing has not set the hours yet: see Texas nutrition CE for nurses and the Texas RN, Texas LVN and Texas APRN CE requirements. The same 1-hour course works for every Texas professional.
Reporting your credits to CE Broker
Since September 1, 2026, TMB licensees track CME in CE Broker. AchieveCE reports your completed courses to CE Broker for you, within 24 hours of completion. Full steps are in our guide to CE Broker for Texas Medical Board licensees.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of nutrition CME do Texas physicians need?
At least 1 hour of CME on nutrition and metabolic health, per the Texas Medical Board.
Does the Texas nutrition CME requirement apply to DOs?
Yes. Texas has one Board, the Texas Medical Board, for both MDs and DOs, and the requirement applies to all physicians.
When does Texas nutrition CME start?
For licenses that expire on or after May 30, 2027.
Do physician assistants have to take it?
Yes, 1 hour under a parallel Board rule for PAs.
What makes a course qualify?
Content based on the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee guidelines, designated by an accredited CE provider. Informal and formal courses both count.
Does it count toward my 48 hours?
The Board lists it as a required topic and does not say whether it is in addition to your 48 hours. Confirm with the Board.
Does AchieveCE report my CME to CE Broker?
Yes. AchieveCE reports completed courses to CE Broker automatically within 24 hours of completion.
Luke Porter
Founder
