The continued professional competency of a physician assistant holding a South Carolina license that renews biennially must be demonstrated in the following manner:

1. (A) One hundred (100) CME credits, including no less than 50 Category 1 CME credits. The remaining 50 credits can be Category 1, Category 2 or a combination of both. Four continuing education hours must be related to approved procedures of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances listed in Schedules II, III, and IV, as required by state law set forth in South Carolina Code Sections 40-47-965(B)(2).

   1. (1) Category 1 CME credits must be sponsored by the American Medical Association as accredited by ACCME, the American Osteopathic Association as accredited by the AOACCME, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), or another organization approved by the Board as having acceptable standards for courses it sponsors.
   2. (2) Category 2 CME credits must meet the definition of the AMA, which defines Category 2 CME as: The AMA recognizes that there are other educational experiences that may not be developed by an accredited CME provider or may not qualify for direct credits, but that do provide valuable learning for the physician assistant. Examples of such activities include: (1) teaching residents, medical students or other health professionals; (2) unstructured online researching and learning (i.e., not Internet PoC); (3) reading authoritative medical literature; (4) consultation with peers and medical experts; (5) group discussions; (6) self-assessment activities; (7) medical writing; (8) preceptorships; (9) research; (10) participating in live activities not designated for AMA PRA Category.
2. (B) Proof of completing CME credits must be maintained for no less than 3 years following renewal. The Board of Medical Examiners may conduct random audits of CME hours to establish proof of compliance with continuing education requirements.
3. (C) Current certification with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) establishes compliance with the requirements of this regulation except for hours related to prescribing and monitoring controlled substances, which must be completed biennially as required by state law.

HISTORY: Added by SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5312, eff May 23, 2025.