Physician Assistant CME requirements in Pennsylvania
Requirements at a glance
State-mandated CME topics
- Child abuse recognition & reporting: 2 hrs — Every renewal (Act 31).
- Pain mgmt/opioids: 2 hrs — Each renewal for prescribers; plus one-time 4 hrs within 1 yr of getting Rx authority.
Sources
Every figure on this page is compiled from the primary board and national certification sources below, cross-checked against reputable aggregators. Requirements change often and some boards publish only in PDFs or login-walled portals — confirm current rules directly before relying on them for renewal.
Verify with PA State Board of Medicine / Osteopathic Medicine (BPOA) →How this fits the national picture
Independent of Pennsylvania, every PA maintains NCCPA certification — 100 CME credits every two-year cycle (at least 50 Category 1) plus a recertification exam by year 10. Many states accept that in place of separate state CME; this page notes whether Pennsylvania does.
- Nurse Practitioner CE requirements in Pennsylvania →
- All 50 states + DC, side by side →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in California →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Texas →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Florida →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in New York →
- Physician Assistant CME requirements in Illinois →
Frequently asked questions
How many CME hours do physician assistants need in Pennsylvania?
Maintain NCCPA national certification + CME as required by NCCPA. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years.
Does Pennsylvania accept NCCPA certification in lieu of state CME?
Yes — NCCPA maintenance is the core requirement.
What topic-specific CME does Pennsylvania require for physician assistants?
Child abuse recognition & reporting: 2 hrs — Every renewal (Act 31). Pain mgmt/opioids: 2 hrs — Each renewal for prescribers; plus one-time 4 hrs within 1 yr of getting Rx authority.
Informational only, not legal or compliance advice. Continuing education rules change frequently. Confirm current requirements with the PA State Board of Medicine / Osteopathic Medicine (BPOA) and your certifying body before relying on any figure here.