In 2017 the legislature passed a law requiring that all practitioners with a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) license in Louisiana complete at least three hours of Board PRE-APPROVED continuing medical education (CME) that includes ALL 4 of the following topics**: best practices for the prescribing of CDS, drug diversion training, appropriate treatment for addiction, and the treatment of chronic pain.**  This is a once in a lifetime requirement under current law.  The Board requires that all residents also take this course, regardless of their specialty.

The three hours of CDS-CME must be completed before the prescriber’s first license/permit renewal date. If the prescriber has not completed this requirement by his/her first renewal date, the Board will be unable to renew his/her license/permit.

Click HERE to access the required CDS-CME course approved by the Board to fulfill the one-time requirement per Act 76 / Board’s Rules on CME re CDS (§4005).  The free course is offered by Medical Interactive/LAMMICO and satisfies the legislative requirement.  Non-LAMMICO insured are required to pay a fee if they want to be formally awarded the 3 hours of CME.

Course completion information will be automatically uploaded to CE Broker.

Exemptions
A current licensee may apply for an exemption from the CDS-CME requirement upon submission of a certification attesting that s/he has not prescribed, administered or dispensed any CDS in Louisiana during the entire year prior to the expiration date of the prescriber’s license or permit. This rule pertains to all CDS, not just opioids. Practitioners who do not have a CDS license must also request this exemption. The Board will verify the certification through the Louisiana Prescription Monitoring Program. An exempted licensee, who subsequently prescribes, administers or dispenses a CDS must satisfy the CDS-CME requirement as a condition to license or permit renewal for the year immediately following that in which the CDS was prescribed, administered or dispensed. NOTE: All residents (PGY & GETP) must comply with the 3-hour CDSCME requirement and cannot apply for an exemption!

If you believe you are exempt from this CME requirement, click HERE for the Request for Exemption form. After signing the form, please scan and email it to cdscme@lsbme.la.gov .

​You may also scan & upload the exemption request during your online renewal process (this process will delay your renewal since all exemptions have to be approved).

Email cdscme@lsbme.la.gov with any questions.