To meet the continuing medical education (CME) requirements in Alabama, physicians (both MD and DO) must complete specific credit hours annually, with particular focus areas for those holding an Alabama Controlled Substance Certificate (ACSC). Here's a concise overview:
- Total CME: 25 hours annually
Credit Type: AMA PRA Category 1™, AOA Category 1-A, or equivalent Board-recognized CME. - Controlled Substance Prescribing: ACSC holders must complete 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ every 2 years addressing controlled-substance prescribing practices, recognizing abuse/misuse, or controlled-substance prescribing for chronic pain. No specific vendor or Board preapproval required.
- Professional Boundaries: All actively licensed physicians must complete the 2-hour “Navigating Professional Boundaries in Medicine” course provided by PBI Education. Existing physicians were required to complete it by December 31, 2025; new licensees must complete it within 12 months of licensure.
CME Trail offers a tailored collection of CME opportunities that adhere to Alabama's guidelines. We provide a variety of educational resources, from an AI Question Bank, AI Medical GPT, AI Podcasts designed to fulfill the state-mandated topics while also fitting into busy schedules. Earn up to 120 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. For further details on state CME requirements, please visit the official Federation of State Medical Board documentation.
Free Controlled Substance Prescribing CME Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Offers CME/CE activities on topics related to opioid and substance use disorders and addiction. NIDA CME/CE Activities
- Pri-Med: Provides timely opioid CME courses to help primary care clinicians learn appropriate risk mitigation strategies and prevent substance use disorder. Pri-Med Opioid CME/CE
- Wake AHEC: Offers a webinar and panel discussion series on controlled substances prescribing, with an emphasis on treating pain. Wake AHEC CME
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides training modules on treating substance use disorders, effective communication in treating SUDs, and care coordination in the treatment of SUDs, eligible for free continuing education credits. Access CDC Training Modules
DISCLAIMER: CME requirements listed above are based on information from the Alabama Medical Board and may be subject to change. State guidelines may vary, and it is the responsibility of each physician to verify the necessary state-specific CME criteria.
