Connecticut Medical Doctor CME

How many CME hours do Connecticut physicians need?

Connecticut physicians need 50 contact hours of continuing medical education within the 24 months preceding each renewal, though the license itself renews every year, on the last day of the physician's birth month ( Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-10b ; Connecticut Department of Public Health ). The subject requirements recur at least once every six years and are completed as part of qualifying CME when due; they are not a separate annual allocation for every renewal.

Connecticut's continuing medical education statute doesn't distinguish between AMA and AOA-accredited credit — approved CME satisfies the requirement regardless of whether a physician trained as an MD or a DO ( Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-10b ; Connecticut Department of Public Health ).

Which CME courses or topics are required for Connecticut physicians?

Every physician must complete one hour each in infectious disease and HIV/AIDS, risk management (including controlled substance prescribing and pain management), sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency, and behavioral health. The statute permits a two-hour behavioral health activity on topics such as suicide prevention and conditions common to veterans; its wording does not make that two-hour example a mandatory veteran-specific allocation. These subjects are due during a physician's first renewal period in which CME is required and then at least once every six years thereafter ( Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-10b ; Connecticut Department of Public Health ).

Physicians who apply for or renew a DEA registration must make a one-time attestation of eight hours of qualifying substance use disorder training , unless another statutory qualification applies. Eligible prior coursework can satisfy the federal rule; the DEA does not require a newly purchased course or eight extra state CME hours. DEA MATE Act FAQ .

Do newly licensed Connecticut physicians need CME for their first renewal?

No. Connecticut law exempts a physician from all continuing medical education requirements — including the topic-specific bundle — at their very first license renewal. Starting with a physician's second renewal, the first renewal period in which CME is required, the standard 50-hour requirement applies with the topic-specific subjects when first due, and those subjects recur at least once every six years ( Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-10b ; Connecticut Department of Public Health ).

Does the Connecticut Medical Examining Board audit CME records?

Yes. The Department of Public Health may request documentation of completed CME, which licensees must produce within 45 days; records and certificates of completion must be retained for six years ( Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-10b ; Connecticut Department of Public Health ).

Sources

Last verified: September 23, 2026

• Connecticut Department of Public Health — Continuing Medical Education

• Connecticut General Statutes § 20-10b — Continuing Medical Education

• Connecticut Department of Public Health — Health Care Practitioner Renewal Information

• DEA Diversion Control Division — MATE Act Training FAQ