Introduction
Alaska's vast geography and remote communities create unique healthcare delivery challenges. The Alaska State Medical Board requires 50 hours of Category 1 CME biennially with a mandatory 2-hour opioid education component for DEA registrants.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Alaska offers expedited multistate licensing. This guide covers everything you need to know about Alaska medical license renewal in 2026.
Alaska State Medical Board Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | State Medical Board |
| Parent Agency | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Current Renewal Period | January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Website | commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl |
Licensing Examiner Contacts
| Last Name | Examiner | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| A-F | Alisa Perkins | (907) 465-1077 |
| G-N | Jason Kaeser | (907) 465-2781 |
| O-Z | Roger Casquejo | (907) 465-6278 |
CME Requirements
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 50 hours per 2-year cycle (25/year average) |
| Credit Type | Category 1 AMA or AOA (1 or 2) or CPMR |
| Opioid Education | 2 hours (for DEA registrants) |
Opioid Education Requirement
Physicians with a valid DEA registration must complete a 2-hour opioid education course as part of their CME. Courses must be:
- Category 1 of AMA-approved education, OR
- Category 1 or 2 of AOA-approved education
DEA registrants must also complete the federal MATE Act 8-hour one-time training.
ACCME PARS Integration
Alaska uses ACCME's Program and Activity Reporting System (PARS) to verify CME for audited physicians. PARS use is optional but convenient for compliance verification.
License Status Types
| Status | Description | CME Required |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Required to practice medicine in Alaska | Yes (50 hours) |
| Inactive | Cannot practice or prescribe in Alaska | Lower requirement |
| Retired | Not practicing | No CME required |
Renewal Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | Current renewal period begins |
| December 31, 2026 | License expiration date |
| After December 31 | License lapsed, reinstatement required |
Online Renewal Process
- Access CBPL Portal: Visit commerce.alaska.gov online licensing
- Login: Use your existing credentials
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions
- Certify CME: Attest to 50 hours including 2 hours opioid (if DEA)
- FSMB Clearance: Receive clearance from Federation of State Medical Boards
- Pay Fee: Submit renewal fee
- Save Confirmation: Keep receipt for records
CME Audit
After renewal, the division performs a computer-generated random audit. Audited licensees must provide proof of CME courses. PARS can simplify this verification.
Lapsed License Renewal
- Online renewal: Available during open renewal period
- Lapsed license: Download paper application from the site
Consequences of Non-Renewal
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| After December 31 | License lapsed |
| Lapsed license | Cannot practice in Alaska |
| Reinstatement | Paper application required |
Alaska-Specific Considerations
Remote Practice Challenges
Alaska's vast geography and remote communities create unique healthcare delivery challenges. Telemedicine is increasingly important, and locum tenens opportunities are common.
FSMB Clearance Required
Alaska renewal requires clearance from the Federation of State Medical Boards—an additional verification step not required by all states.
Retired Status Option
Physicians in "Retired" status are exempt from CME requirements. This is useful for physicians no longer practicing.
IMLC Membership
Alaska is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited licensure through the IMLC process.
Assigned Licensing Examiners
Alaska assigns licensing examiners by last name. Contact your assigned examiner for specific questions.
Key Takeaways
- 50 hours of Category 1 CME per biennial period (25/year average)
- 2 hours opioid education for DEA registrants
- January 1 - December 31 cycle (current: 2025-2026)
- FSMB clearance required for renewal
- ACCME PARS integration for audit verification
- Alaska is an IMLC member state
Conclusion
Alaska's CME requirements reflect the state's unique healthcare challenges. The 50-hour biennial requirement includes mandatory opioid education for DEA registrants. FSMB clearance and potential PARS verification add compliance steps.
Use CredentialMate to track your CME progress, monitor opioid education completion, and ensure timely December 31 renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours does Alaska require?
Alaska requires 50 hours of Category 1 CME per biennial period—an average of 25 hours per year. DEA registrants must include 2 hours of opioid education.
When is the Alaska license renewal deadline?
Alaska licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years. The current renewal period is January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026.
What is FSMB clearance?
Alaska requires clearance from the Federation of State Medical Boards as part of the renewal process. This verifies your standing across state medical boards.
What is the opioid CME requirement?
Physicians with valid DEA registration must complete 2 hours of opioid education as part of their 50-hour total. This must be Category 1 AMA or AOA credit.
Is Alaska part of the IMLC?
Yes, Alaska is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited licensure through the IMLC process.
References
[1]: Alaska State Medical Board - Renewal Application
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/med0077.pdf
[2]: Alaska State Medical Board - FAQ
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing/statemedicalboard/frequentlyaskedquestions.aspx
[3]: AMA Ed Hub - Alaska CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/Alaska
[4]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/