Arkansas · MD and DO
Arkansas: Prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines
MD: 1 hour, every renewal · DO: 1 hour, every renewal.
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
- 1 hour
- How often
- Every renewal
- Who
- Every licensee
- Renewal cycle
- Renews every year; licenses expire on your birth month each year (renewal is annual unless you choose the two-year option).
- Board
- Arkansas State Medical Board
- The rule
- 17 CAR § 140-1101(c): each year every physician must obtain at least 1 hour of CME specifically on prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines; it counts within the 20 hours. The Board's FAQ: 'One of the 20 annual credits must be in the area prescribing opioids and/or benzodiazepines.'
DO (osteopathic physician)
- Hours
- 1 hour
- How often
- Every renewal
- Who
- Every licensee
- Renewal cycle
- Renews every year; licenses expire on your birth month each year (renewal is annual unless you choose the two-year option).
- Board
- Arkansas State Medical Board
- The rule
- 17 CAR § 140-1101(c): each year every physician must obtain at least 1 hour of CME specifically on prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines; it counts within the 20 hours. The Board's FAQ: 'One of the 20 annual credits must be in the area prescribing opioids and/or benzodiazepines.'
What to do next
Other states that require it
Alaska, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts and 13 more. Every state that requires it
Sources
- Arkansas State Medical Board — home page and CME resources
- Arkansas State Medical Board — Frequently asked questions (CME hours for MD/DO renewal)
- 17 CAR § 140-1101 — Continuing medical education (Code of Arkansas Rules)
- 17 CAR § 140-202 — Malpractice defined, including prescriber education (Code of Arkansas Rules)
- 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
- Ark. Code § 20-7-704 — Prescriber education (FindLaw copy of the statute)
MD facts last verified October 7, 2026 · DO facts last verified October 7, 2026.