South Carolina · MD and DO
South Carolina: Prescribing and monitoring controlled substances (Schedules II–IV)
MD: 2 hours, every renewal · DO: 2 hours, 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
- 2 hours
- How often
- Every renewal
- Who
- Every licensee
- Renewal cycle
- Renews every 2 years; licenses expire at June 30 of odd-numbered years (renew online before then; late renewals are on paper with a $100-per-month late fee).
- Board
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
- The rule
- S.C. Code § 40-47-40(2)(a): 2 of the 40 hours on approved procedures for prescribing and monitoring Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances, from an ACCME-recognized statewide accreditor or an ACCME/AOA-accredited provider. The statute says "may," but the Board treats it as mandatory every renewal for every physician (its CE summary and renewal form say 2 hours "must" be in this subject). Physicians who do not prescribe may use accredited CME on controlled substances generally (use, abuse, diversion, addiction treatment); prescribers must take prescribing-and-monitoring content. The Board names FSMB, SCMA, AAFP, ACP and courses that follow the FDA's REMS program as examples.
DO (osteopathic physician)
- Hours
- 2 hours
- How often
- Every renewal
- Who
- Every licensee
- Renewal cycle
- Renews every 2 years; licenses expire at June 30 of odd-numbered years (renew online before then; late renewals are on paper with a $100-per-month late fee).
- Board
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
- The rule
- S.C. Code § 40-47-40(2)(a): 2 of the 40 hours on approved procedures for prescribing and monitoring Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances, from an ACCME-recognized statewide accreditor or an ACCME/AOA-accredited provider. The statute says "may," but the Board treats it as mandatory every renewal for every physician (its CE summary and renewal form say 2 hours "must" be in this subject). Physicians who do not prescribe may use accredited CME on controlled substances generally (use, abuse, diversion, addiction treatment); prescribers must take prescribing-and-monitoring content. The Board names FSMB, SCMA, AAFP, ACP and courses that follow the FDA's REMS program as examples.
What to do next
Other states that require it
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada and 6 more. Every state that requires it
Sources
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners — Continuing Education
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners — Renewals (renewal periods, CME proof, first renewal)
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners — Continuing Education Requirements for License Renewal (PDF)
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners — Statement on CME Hours on Controlled Substances (April 15, 2024, PDF)
- South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners — 2025–2027 Late Renewal Application for Physicians (PDF)
- S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 47 — Physicians (§§ 40-47-40, 40-47-41, 40-47-43)
- Act No. 106 of 2026 (H. 4343) — adds S.C. Code § 40-47-39, human trafficking awareness training (effective March 9, 2026)
MD facts last verified October 8, 2026 · DO facts last verified October 8, 2026.