South Dakota physician (MD and DO) CME requirements for license renewal

The South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners licenses both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians under the same statute (SDCL chapter 36-4) and rules (ARSD article 20:47). This guide covers both degrees.

The short version

Requirement	Hours	How often	Who
General CME	None	—	South Dakota sets no CME requirement for MDs or DOs
Required topics	None	—	—
License renewal	—	Every two years, on or before March 1 of odd-numbered years	Every MD and DO

No CME requirement

Neither the physician statute (SDCL chapter 36-4) nor the Board's physician rules (ARSD article 20:47) set any continuing education hours or topics for renewing an MD or DO license. The statute mentions continuing education only to say that the Board's physician members may act on it, and in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which leaves CME rules to each member state.

You may still need CME for other reasons: hospital privileges, specialty board certification, or licenses in other states. South Dakota simply does not require it for renewal.

When your license expires

SDCL 36-4-24.1 requires a renewal application and a biennial fee (ARSD 20:47:06:01 sets it at $400). SDCL 36-4-24.2 says that failing to renew "on or before March first in the odd numbered years" forfeits the license. The next renewal date is March 1, 2027.

Renewal opens in your online MySD account 90 days before expiration (ARSD 20:47:03:13 and the Board's FAQ).
A first license only runs to the next renewal date, so initial licenses vary in length.
A forfeited license is not automatically renewed. The Board may renew it, at its discretion, if you pay the reciprocity licensing fee and file the reciprocity application (SDCL 36-4-24.2).
The Board does not have to send reminders; renewing on time is your responsibility.

If you renew through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, ARSD 20:47:03:13 asks you to finish the compact process before December 31 and send the state renewal application before March 1.

Federal requirement

The federal DEA requires a one-time 8-hour training on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders (the MATE Act) when you first register or renew a DEA registration. It is a federal requirement, separate from South Dakota's rules.

Checklist before you renew

Note your renewal date: March 1 of the odd-numbered year (next: March 1, 2027).
Renew online in MySD once the window opens, 90 days before expiration.
Keep any CME you need for privileges, board certification or other state licenses; South Dakota does not ask for it.

Requirements change. This guide was checked against the sources below on October 7, 2026; confirm with the Board before you rely on it.