Michigan Physician License Renewal Requirements 2026

📋 All Michigan Physicians Must Complete

Michigan physicians (MDs and DOs) must complete 150 hours of CME every three years to renew their medical license:

🎯 Mandatory CME Topics (7 Hours Required):

• 3 hours: Implicit Bias Training (1 hour per year of 3-year license cycle)
• 3 hours: Pain and Symptom Management (including 1 hour on controlled substances)
• 1 hour: Medical Ethics (required each renewal cycle)

Complete all Michigan mandatory CME requirements in one convenient package. ACCME-accredited, LARA-compliant, and designed specifically for Michigan physician license renewal.

📦 Complete Bundle Includes (7 Category 1 CME Hours):

Required: 1 hour per year of license cycle (3 hours for 3-year physician license). ACCME accredited, meets LARA R 338.7004 requirements. Covers complete renewal cycle in one course.

Required: 3 hours pain management including 1 hour focused on controlled substances prescribing. Covers responsible opioid use, pain assessment, and addiction recognition. Category 1 CME credit.

Required: 1 hour medical ethics each renewal cycle. Covers ethical decision-making, patient autonomy, informed consent, and professional boundaries. Quick and comprehensive.

🚨 Human Trafficking Training (One-Time Only)

All Michigan physicians must complete one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking per Administrative Rule 338.10105. Once completed, this training does NOT need to be repeated for subsequent license renewals. If you obtained your Michigan physician license recently, verify whether you already completed this during initial licensure.

Can I take one 3-hour implicit bias class or do I have to take 1 hour each year?

You can take a single 3-hour class to meet your entire 3-year license cycle requirement. The Michigan LARA rule does not require one hour in each year of the license cycle, only one hour for each year of the license cycle.

Does my implicit bias training count toward my CME hours?

Yes! Effective March 23, 2023, implicit bias training can be used to satisfy continuing education requirements if otherwise permitted by Michigan rules. This means your 3 hours of implicit bias training counts toward both your mandatory implicit bias requirement and your total 150-hour CME requirement.

Is implicit bias training a one-time requirement?

No. Unlike human trafficking training, implicit bias training is NOT a one-time requirement. You must complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of your license cycle - so 3 hours total for a 3-year physician license. This requirement repeats with every renewal cycle.

If I took implicit bias training before June 1, 2021, can I count it toward my renewal?

Training taken before June 1, 2021 (when the rule was promulgated) qualifies toward renewal requirements if it was within your current license cycle. However, for new applicants seeking initial licensure, the rule allows completion of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license.

What modalities are acceptable for implicit bias training in Michigan?

The Michigan LARA rule was revised in March 2023 to allow more ways to complete implicit bias training. Acceptable modalities now include asynchronous teleconferences or webinars (updated from the original requirement for live synchronous interaction), as well as live presentations that provide opportunities for participant interaction with instructors.

How many CME hours do I need to renew my Michigan physician license?

Michigan physicians must complete 150 hours of CME every three years to renew their medical license. For Medical Doctors (MDs), at least 75 hours must be Category 1 CME programs. For Osteopathic Physicians (DOs), at least 60 hours must be Category 1, with 40 hours specifically AOA-approved credits. This includes mandatory training: 3 hours Implicit Bias Training (1 hour per year of license cycle), 3 hours Pain and Symptom Management (including 1 hour on controlled substances), and 1 hour Medical Ethics per renewal cycle.

When do I need to renew my Michigan medical license?

Michigan physician licenses for both MDs and DOs must be renewed every 3 years. Check your current license expiration date and begin completing CME requirements well in advance - ideally starting 6-12 months before expiration. You can verify your license status and renewal date through the Michigan LARA License Verification system at michigan.gov/lara.

What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 CME for Michigan physicians?

Category 1 CME credits are formal educational activities accredited by recognized organizations like ACCME, AOA, or state medical societies. These activities have specific learning objectives, assessments, and quality standards. Category 2 CME credits are self-directed learning activities like journal reading, teaching, or research that are not formally accredited. Michigan requires MDs to complete at least 75 hours of Category 1 CME (half of 150 total), and DOs must complete at least 60 hours Category 1 with 40 hours AOA-approved.

Can I complete Michigan physician CME requirements online?

Yes, Michigan accepts online CME courses for physician license renewal. Renew Now CE offers fully ACCME-accredited online courses that meet all Michigan LARA requirements including Implicit Bias Training, Pain Management, and Medical Ethics. All courses are available 24/7, mobile-friendly, and provide instant certificates upon completion with CME credits reported as required.

Do I need to submit CME certificates when I renew my Michigan physician license?

No, you do not need to submit CME certificates at the time of renewal. Michigan LARA conducts random audits after each renewal period. If selected for audit, you must provide proof of CME completion including certificates showing provider name, course title, date completed, and number of CME credits earned. Maintain all CME documentation for at least 4 years from your renewal date. Renew Now CE provides instant downloadable certificates and maintains records for audit compliance.

What is the pain management CME requirement for Michigan physicians?

Michigan physicians must complete 3 hours of pain and symptom management CME each renewal cycle, including at least 1 hour focused on controlled substances prescribing practices. This training covers responsible opioid prescribing, pain assessment, non-opioid alternatives, and addiction recognition.

Is human trafficking training required for Michigan physician license renewal?

Human trafficking training is a ONE-TIME requirement for Michigan physicians, not a recurring renewal requirement. All Michigan health care professionals must complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets Administrative Rule 338.10105 standards. Once completed, this training does not need to be repeated for subsequent renewals. If you obtained your Michigan physician license recently, verify whether you completed this training during initial licensure.

What happens if I don't complete my Michigan CME requirements before my license expires?

Failure to complete CME requirements before your Michigan physician license expiration may result in license suspension, late fees, or penalties imposed by Michigan LARA. You cannot legally practice medicine in Michigan with an expired license. Always complete all mandatory CME training including Implicit Bias, Pain Management, and Medical Ethics well before your renewal deadline to avoid practice interruptions and potential disciplinary action.

Can DOs use ACCME-accredited CME for Michigan license renewal?

Yes, Michigan Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) can use ACCME-accredited CME credits for license renewal. DOs must complete 150 total CME hours with at least 60 hours Category 1, of which 40 hours must be AOA-approved. This means DOs can use ACCME credits for the remaining 20 Category 1 hours and all Category 2 hours. Renew Now CE offers ACCME-accredited courses that satisfy Michigan DO requirements and can be used toward the non-AOA portion of Category 1 credits.

1. Track Your Renewal Date: Michigan physician licenses renew every 3 years. Check your current license expiration date and create a CME completion timeline starting 12-18 months before expiration.
2. Complete Mandatory CME (7 Hours): Start with the Michigan Physician CME Bundle: 3 hours Implicit Bias, 3 hours Pain Management, 1 hour Medical Ethics. These 7 hours count toward your total 150 and provide Category 1 credit.
3. Complete Remaining CME (143 Hours): MDs need 75 total Category 1 hours (68 more after bundle). DOs need 60 total Category 1 hours including 40 AOA-approved. Plan your CME to meet your specific license type requirements.
4. Maintain CME Documentation: Download and save all CME certificates immediately. Store all documentation for at least 4 years in case of random audit by Michigan LARA.
5. Complete Renewal Application: When your renewal period opens, log into Michigan LARA to complete your physician license renewal application online.
6. Pay Renewal Fee: Submit your renewal fee payment online. Complete renewal before expiration to avoid late fees and license suspension.
7. Verify License Renewal: After renewal, verify your updated license in the Michigan LARA License Verification system and keep your confirmation.

Ready to Complete Your Michigan Physician CME?

Don't let CME requirements catch you off guard. Complete all mandatory training in one efficient bundle.

Always verify current requirements with official sources:

• Michigan LARA: michigan.gov/lara - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
• Michigan Board of Medicine: Michigan Board of Medicine - Official physician requirements
• License Verification: Michigan License Verification - Check license status
• Implicit Bias FAQs: LARA Implicit Bias FAQs (PDF) - Official LARA guidance
• ACCME: accme.org - Continuing medical education accreditation