Arkansas DO license renewal deadline: depends on your license

What you need to renew

20 hours every year

17 CAR § 140-1101(a): 20 credit hours per year. The Board's FAQ says the hours must be earned 'from birth month of previous year through birth month of current year.' Ark. Code § 17-95-414 (Act 803 of 2021) lets a physician choose a two-year license instead of annual renewal, with proof of CME equivalent to the period (40 hours for two years); the Board's fee rule lists one-year and two-year renewals. Secondary summaries say the license expires on the last day of the birth month; we could not read that in the statute or a Board page, so confirm the exact date with the Board.

• Prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines1 hour
• Prescribing education for new prescribers (Arkansas rules and laws, controlled substances, record keeping, professional boundaries) Confirm with your Board3 hours · Some physicians · One time

What to do next

• Plan my Arkansas DO renewalSee the hours and required topics you still need.
• Read the Arkansas guideEvery requirement explained, with the Board's sources.

Sources

Last verified against these sources on October 7, 2026.

1. Arkansas State Medical Board — home page and CME resources
2. Arkansas State Medical Board — Frequently asked questions (CME hours for MD/DO renewal)
3. 17 CAR § 140-1101 — Continuing medical education (Code of Arkansas Rules)
4. 17 CAR § 140-202 — Malpractice defined, including prescriber education (Code of Arkansas Rules)
5. Arkansas State Medical Board Rule 46 (fees: one-year and two-year renewal) with Act 803 of 2021 (Ark. Code § 17-95-414, multiyear license) — Arkansas Legislature filing
6. Ark. Code § 20-7-704 — Prescriber education (FindLaw copy of the statute)