Effective Jan. 2, 2009, all Oregon Medical Board licensees* were required to complete six hours of continuing medical education in pain management or end of life care, plus a one hour pain management course specific to Oregon provided by the Pain Management Commission(1 hour course available at http://whalespoken.org/DHS/pain/training.shtml). Below are frequently asked questions regarding this requirement:

Q: I did not fulfill the requirement by the deadline date. Can I still complete the required coursework so that I can be in compliance?

A: The Oregon Medical Board strongly recommends that physicians (licensed before Jan. 2, 2009) complete the required coursework as soon as possible, even though the deadline has passed.

Q: I received/will receive my license after the deadline. How long do I have to fulfill the requirement?

A: If you obtain your license after Jan. 2, 2009 deadline, you must complete the required coursework within 12 months of the date the Board granted licensure. Example: If you obtain your license on Feb. 22, 2009, you have until Feb. 21, 2010 to obtain your pain management CME.

Q: How do I fulfill the requirement?

A: The OMA is offering a Pain Management DVD course for both new licensees as well as those in non-compliance. The coursework can be completed from home and meets the CME requirement. A certificate of completion is required to receive CME credit. To receive the certificate, physicians who use the DVD course must submit required paperwork, which is included with the DVD, to the OMA within 45 days. A second option for those who have not completed the requirement is an online course offered by the AMA (http://www.ama-cmeonline.com/pain_mgmt/). Both options fulfill the 6 hour CME requirement.

Please DO NOT send your CME certificates to the OMA or to the Oregon Medical Board. You will need to maintain them in your own records in the event the Board requests that you provide proof of compliance.

To order the Pain Management DVD, download an order form or contact Jennifer Paddock at 503-619-8000.

*Exempt licensees include: Lapsed, Telemedicine, Teleradiology, Telemonitoring statuses, and Limited Licenses