Addiction medicine (family medicine): board certification, CME and credentials

Last verified October 7, 2026. Rules change; confirm with your board before you rely on this page. This is general information, not legal advice.

Board certification

American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM)

We have not checked ABPM’s continuing-certification rules yet. Confirm with your board You can check a physician’s certification at ABMS Certification Matters.

Society CME

AAFP membership re-election

Active members of the American Academy of Family Physicians

Cycle: 3 full calendar years (your first cycle adds the year you joined) Source: AAFP: Re-election
Credits: 150 credits per cycle, at least 75 of them AAFP Prescribed Source: AAFP: CME requirements policy
Live credits: None required since the 2019–2021 cycle Source: AAFP News: live credit requirement eliminated
Chapter credits: Your chapter may require up to 25 chapter credits Confirm with your board Source: AAFP: CME requirements policy
Deadline: December 31 of the cycle's last year; no extensions Source: AAFP: Re-election

DO If you are a DO with an AOA board certification

AOA CME requirement

DOs certified by an American Osteopathic Association board

Cycle: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Credits: 120 credits per 3-year cycle for non-time-limited certificates; time-limited certificates follow their board's numbers Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Your board's numbers: Each AOA board sets its own CME split Confirm with your board Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Reporting: AOA-accredited sponsors report for you; other credit you add yourself in the AOA Physician Portal Source: AOA: CME FAQs

AOBFP Osteopathic Continuous Certification

DOs certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

CME: 120 credits per cycle: at least 30 AOA Category 1-A, 30 more 1-A or 1-B, and 60 of any category (or AAFP) Source: AOBFP: OCC component 2 (CME)
Assessment: Longitudinal assessment: 30 questions by November 30, 2026 Source: AOBFP: OCC overview
Fee: $225 a year Source: AOBFP: OCC overview

Cards and registrations

Physicians in addiction medicine (family medicine) often keep these. Your state, hospital or employer decides which you need.

DEA registration

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Renewal: Every 3 years Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Fee: $888 per registration Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Window: Renew no more than 60 days before it expires Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Per state: A separate registration in each state where you prescribe Source: 21 CFR 1301.12 (separate registrations for separate locations)

MATE Act 8-hour training

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Training: 8 hours on substance use disorders, once Source: DEA letter to registrants on the MATE training requirement (March 27, 2023)
When: Affirmed on your next DEA registration form Source: DEA letter to registrants on the MATE training requirement (March 27, 2023)

BLS (Basic Life Support)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

CAQH ProView re-attestation

CAQH (DataSpring)

Re-attest: Every 120 days Source: CAQH Provider Data FAQs (DataSpring)

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)

American Academy of Pediatrics

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AAP NRP FAQ: Providers (Students)
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AAP NRP FAQ: Providers (Students)

Sources

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