Introduction
Louisiana is one of the few states requiring annual license renewal, making it unique among U.S. jurisdictions. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) mandates 20 hours of CME per year with mandatory CE Broker tracking—you cannot renew if your CME is not recorded in the system.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Louisiana offers expedited multistate licensing. This guide covers everything you need to know about Louisiana medical license renewal in 2026.
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual |
| CME Tracking | CE Broker (mandatory) |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Online Portal | LaMED DashBoard |
| Website | lsbme.la.gov |
Louisiana Medical License Renewal Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Renewal (MD/DO) | $200.00 | Per year |
| Initial Application | $400.00 | MD or DO |
| PA Annual Renewal | $150.00 | Per year |
Source: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
Last verified: January 22, 2026
CME Requirements: 20 Hours Annually
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 20 hours per year |
| Credit Type | AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A/1-B, or AAFP Prescribed |
| CME Tracking | CE Broker (mandatory) |
CE Broker Requirement
All LSBME licensees are required to use CE Broker to track their CME. This is not optional—you cannot renew if CE Broker does not show proper credit completion.
Mandatory Topics for First-Time Renewal
First-time renewals require a one-time board orientation course in addition to annual CME.
Controlled Substance Prescriber Requirements
Physicians who prescribe controlled substances must complete a one-time, 3-hour CME course on Louisiana Controlled Substances (effective for renewals on/after January 1, 2019). The course must cover:
- Best practices for CDS prescribing
- Drug diversion training
- Addiction treatment
- Chronic pain management
Annual Renewal Timeline
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| Annually | Complete 20 CME hours |
| Before expiration | Verify CE Broker shows completed CME |
| Renewal date | Submit via LaMED DashBoard |
Online Renewal Process (LaMED DashBoard)
- Verify CE Broker: Confirm 20 hours are recorded before attempting renewal
- Access LaMED DashBoard: Visit LSBME online portal
- Login: Use your existing credentials
- Select Renewal: Begin annual renewal application
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions
- Pay Fee: Submit $200 annual fee
- Receive Confirmation: View/print wallet card
CE Broker Integration
What CE Broker Does
- Tracks CME completion automatically from participating providers
- Stores documentation for audit purposes
- Displays compliance status to LSBME
- Blocks renewal if requirements not met
If CME Not Showing in CE Broker
- Contact your CME provider to report credits
- Manually upload certificates if needed
- Resolve discrepancies before renewal deadline
Consequences of Non-Renewal
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Renewal blocked | Cannot practice in Louisiana |
| CME not in CE Broker | Cannot complete renewal |
| Late renewal | Late fees apply |
| Practice while expired | Disciplinary action |
Louisiana-Specific Considerations
Annual Renewal Unique
Louisiana's annual renewal cycle (vs. biennial in most states) means:
- More frequent renewal paperwork
- Lower per-renewal fee ($200 vs. $400+ biennial elsewhere)
- Smaller annual CME target (20 hours vs. 50+ biennial)
CE Broker Mandatory
Louisiana is one of few states requiring CE Broker tracking. Plan ahead to ensure all CME is recorded before renewal.
IMLC Membership
Louisiana is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Annual renewal requirements apply to both traditional and IMLC licensees.
Key Takeaways
- Annual renewal cycle—one of few states requiring yearly renewal
- $200 annual renewal fee
- 20 hours of CME required per year
- CE Broker tracking is mandatory—cannot renew without it
- One-time 3-hour controlled substance CME for prescribers
- Board orientation required for first-time renewals
- Louisiana is an IMLC member state
Conclusion
Louisiana's annual renewal cycle with mandatory CE Broker tracking requires consistent attention throughout the year. The 20-hour annual CME requirement is manageable, but the technology integration means planning ahead is essential—you literally cannot renew if CE Broker doesn't show compliance.
Use CredentialMate to track your CME alongside CE Broker, monitor your annual Louisiana deadline, and ensure your 20 hours are documented before each renewal cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Louisiana require annual renewal?
Louisiana is one of few states with an annual (vs. biennial) renewal cycle. This results in more frequent but smaller renewal obligations—$200/year and 20 CME hours annually instead of larger biennial requirements.
What is CE Broker and why is it required?
CE Broker is an online CME tracking system that Louisiana requires all licensees to use. Your CME must be recorded in CE Broker before you can renew—the system will block renewal if it doesn't show required credits.
What if my CME isn't showing in CE Broker?
Contact your CME provider to ensure they reported your credits, or manually upload certificates to CE Broker. Resolve any discrepancies before your renewal deadline, as you cannot renew without proper CE Broker documentation.
Is there a controlled substance CME requirement in Louisiana?
Yes. Physicians who prescribe controlled substances must complete a one-time, 3-hour CME course covering best practices, drug diversion, addiction treatment, and chronic pain management. This requirement took effect for renewals on/after January 1, 2019.
Is Louisiana part of the IMLC?
Yes, Louisiana is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Both traditional and IMLC licensees must meet Louisiana's annual renewal and CME requirements.
References
[1]: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners - Renewals
https://www.lsbme.la.gov/content/renewals
[2]: AMA Ed Hub - Louisiana CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/Louisiana
[3]: LSBME - Board Orientations & Online Courses
https://www.lsbme.la.gov/content/board-orientations-online-courses
[4]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/