Rhode Island · MD and DO
Rhode Island: Best practices in opioid prescribing (Schedule II opioid prescribers)
MD: 8 hours, once · DO: 8 hours, once.
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
- 8 hours
- How often
- Once
- Who
- Only some physicians — see the rule note
- Renewal cycle
- Renews every 2 years; licenses expire at June 1 of even-numbered years for the renewal application and CME; a registration not renewed by July 1 lapses.
- Board
- Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline (Rhode Island Department of Health)
- The rule
- 216-RICR-20-20-4 section 4.4(P): any practitioner who prescribes a Schedule II opioid must complete, once, 8 hours of Category 1 CME on appropriate opioid prescribing for pain, pharmacology, adverse events, dependence, tolerance, substance use disorder and alternatives to opioids, before renewal of the controlled substance registration or within two years, whichever is longer. The rule exempts physicians who completed DATA 2000 waiver training and hold an 'X' DEA number; the federal X-waiver ended in 2023, so newer prescribers should plan on the 8 hours.
DO (osteopathic physician)
- Hours
- 8 hours
- How often
- Once
- Who
- Only some physicians — see the rule note
- Renewal cycle
- Renews every 2 years; licenses expire at June 1 of even-numbered years for the renewal application and CME; a registration not renewed by July 1 lapses.
- Board
- Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline (Rhode Island Department of Health)
- The rule
- 216-RICR-20-20-4 section 4.4(P): any practitioner who prescribes a Schedule II opioid must complete, once, 8 hours of Category 1 CME on appropriate opioid prescribing for pain, pharmacology, adverse events, dependence, tolerance, substance use disorder and alternatives to opioids, before renewal of the controlled substance registration or within two years, whichever is longer. The rule exempts physicians who completed DATA 2000 waiver training and hold an 'X' DEA number; the federal X-waiver ended in 2023, so newer prescribers should plan on the 8 hours.
What to do next
Other states that require it
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine and 13 more. Every state that requires it
Sources
- 216-RICR-40-05-1 — Licensure and Discipline of Physicians (sections 1.5.5 and 1.5.6; amended effective August 26, 2026)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-37-2.1 — Recertification; continuing medical education
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-37-10 — Biannual registration of physicians
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1.7-5 — Medical professional training (Alzheimer's disease)
- 216-RICR-20-20-4 — Pain Management, Opioid Use and the Registration of Distributors of Controlled Substances (section 4.4(P))
- 2026 H 8545 — bill to change the Alzheimer's training requirement (status not confirmed)
- 2026 H 8545 as amended — every other renewal cycle; possible exemptions for pediatrics, radiology and pathology
MD facts last verified October 7, 2026 · DO facts last verified October 7, 2026.