Last verified against the sources below. Requirements change — confirm with your Board before you rely on this page. This is general information, not legal advice.

MD (medical doctor)

Hours
3 hours
How often
Every renewal
Who
Physicians registered with the DEA
Renewal cycle
Renews every 2 years; licenses expire on your birthday, every other year.
Board
Arizona Medical Board
The rule
A.R.S. 32-3248.02 and R4-16-102(A)(1): physicians authorized to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances who hold a DEA registration complete at least 3 hours each renewal cycle. The hours count toward the 40.

DO (osteopathic physician)

Hours
3 hours
How often
Every renewal
Who
Physicians registered with the DEA
Renewal cycle
Renews every 2 years; licenses expire at December 31 of your renewal year (the statute says on or before January 1; a penalty fee applies after 30 days and the license expires four months after the renewal date).
Board
Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery
The rule
A.R.S. 32-3248.02 and R4-22-207(A)(3): DOs authorized to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances who hold a DEA registration (or who dispense controlled substances) complete at least 3 hours each renewal cycle, earned as AOA Category 1-A or AMA Category 1 credit. The hours count toward the 40.

What to do next

Other states that require it

California, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah. Every state that requires it

Sources

  1. Ariz. Admin. Code R4-16-102 — Continuing Medical Education (amended effective March 9, 2019, via Cornell LII)
  2. A.R.S. 32-1434 — Continuing medical education; audit
  3. A.R.S. 32-1430 — Renewal of license (birthday, every other year)
  4. A.R.S. 32-3248.02 — Opioid-related continuing education for Schedule II prescribers
  5. Arizona Medical Board — Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CME
  6. Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners — DO Renewal Application (December 31 of even- or odd-numbered years)
  7. A.R.S. 32-1825 — License renewal; continuing medical education
  8. Ariz. Admin. Code R4-22-207 — Continuing Medical Education; Waiver; Extension (amended effective August 31, 2019, via Cornell LII)
  9. Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners — Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Title 4 Chapter 22 (Arizona Administrative Register, June 26, 2026)

MD facts last verified October 7, 2026 · DO facts last verified October 7, 2026.