Continuing Education Requirements for CDS Renewal
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Need to renew your CDS registration during the MDH cyberbreach? Click here.
According to §5-301 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article, an authorized physician who will prescribe or dispense controlled dangerous substances must complete two hours of continuing education that
- is related to the prescribing or dispensing of controlled dangerous substances and
- recognized by the Board of Physicians or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.
For physicians who are applying for a controlled dangerous substance registration, physicians must make an attestation that the continuing education requirement is completed either:
- Before the initial registration, for newly authorized providers; OR
- Before their first registration renewal that occurs on or after October 1, 2018, for renewal applications.
Available CME through MCMS & MedChi
Live CME Options: MedChi is hosting a CDS CME Roadshow, traveling throughout the state of Maryland to provide the education needed to complete this requirement to physicians. The Roadshow will be in Montgomery County on Wednesday, June 26 and Tuesday, July 16, 2019.
Online CME Options: MedChi offers a free online CME module that can be accessed by any clinicians who needs to fulfill the requirement. Click here to access it.
How to Renew Your CDS License
CDS renewals can be completed on the Maryland Department of Health’s website for the Office of Controlled Substances Administration. Access it here: egov.maryland.gov/mdh/cds
To renew, you’ll need the following documentation:
- CDS registration number
- Last four digits of registrant’s social security number
- Must be registered with the PDMP
- Have completed 2 hours of CME on CDS prescribing
- Credit card to pay the renewal fee
Once the renewal process is complete, the renewal application will be reviewed by OCSA. After five (5) business days, the application status can be checked here. If the OCSA verification website shows a status of ‘PENDING,’ please contact the Office of Controlled Substances Administration at 410-764-2890 for more information.