Fines, discipline possible for some CME cases
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The Board has noticed an increase in the number of licensees who fail to respond in a timely manner when notified that they are not in compliance with North Carolina Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements. The NCMB has a statutory obligation to enforce the law and rules related to CME, which require physicians to earn a total of 150 hours over a three year period.
The Board is considering new procedures for addressing cases in which the licensee who is out of compliance with CME requirements fails to resolve the issue within 120 days. The Board has discussed referring most of such cases to the Board’s Investigations Department, which would open a case and work with the Board’s Legal Department to prosecute CME deficiencies.
The proposed system contemplates executing fines, as well as both private and public actions, in CME deficiency cases, depending on aggravating and/or mitigating factors that may be present.
It should be noted that the vast majority of licensees comply with CME requirements, and the Board appreciates the professionalism of these licensees. When licensees are found to have completed less than the minimum required number of hours, the Board’s preference is to allow them to come into compliance. This is not always possible, however.
Do we know how to reach you?
Licensees are required to keep a current mailing address on file with the NCMB. Is your information up to date? Please ensure that the Board has your current contact information and mailing address. This is the best way to ensure that you receive important communications from the NCMB, including notifications of CME deficiency.
The Board is considering new procedures for addressing cases in which the licensee who is out of compliance with CME requirements fails to resolve the issue within 120 days. The Board has discussed referring most of such cases to the Board’s Investigations Department, which would open a case and work with the Board’s Legal Department to prosecute CME deficiencies.
The proposed system contemplates executing fines, as well as both private and public actions, in CME deficiency cases, depending on aggravating and/or mitigating factors that may be present.
It should be noted that the vast majority of licensees comply with CME requirements, and the Board appreciates the professionalism of these licensees. When licensees are found to have completed less than the minimum required number of hours, the Board’s preference is to allow them to come into compliance. This is not always possible, however.
Do we know how to reach you?
Licensees are required to keep a current mailing address on file with the NCMB. Is your information up to date? Please ensure that the Board has your current contact information and mailing address. This is the best way to ensure that you receive important communications from the NCMB, including notifications of CME deficiency.
