Continuing Medical Education
The new law provides that physicians (MDs) will now only be required to complete one (1) hour credit in HIV/AIDS – this must be done prior to the first renewal of the license, but once the physician has taken one (1) credit, he or she does not ever have to take it again. Most Florida physicians have already met this requirement and will not need to take the course again.
The new law provides that the physician (MDs) will now only be required to complete two (2) credits in Domestic Violence every six (6) years.
The HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence courses will no longer be required prior to initial licensure. For initial licensure, the only requirement will be two (2) credits in Prevention of Medical Errors. The biennial requirement for Prevention of Medical Errors also remains the same – MDs must complete two (2) during each two-year licensure cycle.
End-of-life and palliative care courses can no longer be used in lieu of the HIV/AIDS course or Domestic Violence course.
Below is a summary of Florida CME requirements, effective July 1, 2006:
Initial licensure:
Two (2) credits in Prevention of Medical Errors
First renewal:
One (1) credit in HIV/AIDS
Two (2) credits in Prevention of Medical Errors
Every renewal thereafter:
40 credit hours of CME including two (2) credits in Prevention of Medical Errors
In addition, every third renewal:
Two (2) credits in Domestic Violence.
For MDs who renewed on January 31, 2007, you will be required to complete two (2) credits of Domestic Violence before your renewal in 2011.
For MDs who renewed on January 31, 2008, you will be required to complete two (2) credits of Domestic Violence before your renewal on 2012.
You may also visit the Department of Health's website at www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa. This site contains information relating to licensure requirements, Florida laws and rules, and important phone numbers
