Introduction
Tennessee's rapidly growing healthcare sector makes it an attractive state for physicians. With major medical centers in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, the state's physician workforce continues to expand. The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners oversees license renewal with a moderate 40-hour CME requirement.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Tennessee offers expedited multistate licensing for eligible physicians. This guide covers everything you need to know about Tennessee medical license renewal in 2026, including fees, the 40-hour CME requirement, and mandatory controlled substance training.
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners |
| Parent Agency | Tennessee Department of Health |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Deadline | Last day of birth month (odd/even year based) |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Online Portal | tn.gov/health |
| Phone | (615) 532-3202 |
Tennessee Medical License Renewal Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biennial Renewal (MD) | ~$300-350 | Includes regulatory fees |
| State Regulatory Fee | $10.00 | Biennial |
| Late Fee | Varies | Per month, up to 2x renewal |
| Reactivation Fee | $300.00 | Retired/inactive status |
| Duplicate License | $200.00 | Replacement |
Source: Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Rules
Last verified: January 22, 2026
CME Requirements for Tennessee Physicians
Tennessee maintains a moderate 40-hour CME requirement with mandatory controlled substance training.
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 40 hours per biennial period |
| Credit Type | AMA PRA Category 1 only |
| Documentation | Retain for 4 years minimum |
Mandatory CME Topics
| Topic | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Substance Prescribing | 2 | Tennessee Chronic Pain Guidelines, CSMD |
Controlled Substance CME Content
The mandatory 2-hour controlled substance requirement must include instruction on:
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Carisoprodol
- Tennessee's Chronic Pain Guidelines
- CSMD (Controlled Substance Monitoring Database)
Specialty Exemptions
The 2-hour controlled substance requirement does not apply to physicians certified by ABMS, AOA, or ABPS in:
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Acceptable CME Providers
Tennessee accepts CME from institutions accredited by:
- Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
- AOA Council on Continuing Medical Education
- Other equivalent accrediting organizations
Renewal Timeline
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 90 days before | Renewal notice sent (paper or electronic) |
| 45-60 days before | Board sends reminder |
| Expiration date | Last day of birth month |
| Day after expiration | Late fees begin; status changes to lapsed |
| 60 days after | Grace period ends |
Birth Month Renewal System
Tennessee uses a birth month renewal system tied to odd/even years. All licenses are valid for 24 months and expire on the last day of your birth month.
Online Renewal Process
- Opt-in for Electronic Notice: Ensure your email is current with the Board
- Access Portal: Visit the Tennessee Department of Health online licensing portal
- Login: Use your existing credentials
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions and disclosures
- Certify CME: Attest to completion of 40 hours including controlled substance training
- Pay Fee: Submit renewal fee via electronic payment
- Save Confirmation: Print receipt for your records
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
Within 60 Days of Expiration
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee plus late penalty
- Provide proof of CME compliance
More Than 60 Days Expired
License is automatically revoked. Reinstatement may require:
- Documentation of recent clinical practice
- Completion of re-entry program
- Additional verification of professional competency
Consequences of Non-Renewal
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Lapsed (1-60 days) | Late fee, status shows as lapsed on verification |
| Beyond 60 days | Automatic revocation |
| Practice while lapsed | Disciplinary action, potential criminal charges |
Tennessee-Specific Considerations
Growing Healthcare Market
Tennessee has experienced significant healthcare sector growth, particularly in Nashville's healthcare industry cluster. This growth makes the state attractive for physicians considering relocation or multistate practice.
IMLC Membership
Tennessee is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can use Tennessee as their State of Principal License or add Tennessee to an existing IMLC application.
CSMD Requirements
Tennessee's Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD) is a key component of the state's controlled substance oversight. The mandatory CME must cover CSMD usage and requirements.
Key Takeaways
- 40 hours of Category 1 CME required per biennial period
- 2 hours of controlled substance CME mandatory (including opioids, benzodiazepines, CSMD)
- Renewal due in birth month on odd/even year schedule
- Tennessee is an IMLC member state
- 60-day grace period before automatic revocation
- Specialty exemptions available for certain board-certified physicians
- Retain CME documentation for 4 years
Conclusion
Tennessee offers a moderate CME requirement compared to neighboring states, making it attractive for physicians seeking multistate licensure. The mandatory controlled substance training reflects the state's focus on addressing the opioid crisis, while IMLC membership facilitates practice across state lines.
Use CredentialMate to track your CME hours, monitor your Tennessee renewal deadline, and ensure compliance with controlled substance training requirements—keeping your Tennessee license current in this growing healthcare market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CME hours does Tennessee require?
Tennessee requires 40 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits per biennial (two-year) renewal period. Two of these hours must cover controlled substance prescribing, including Tennessee's Chronic Pain Guidelines and CSMD.
What is the controlled substance CME requirement in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires 2 hours of CME on controlled substance prescribing, covering opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, carisoprodol, and the state's CSMD system. Certain specialists (pain management, anesthesiology, etc.) are exempt.
When is my Tennessee medical license renewal due?
Tennessee medical licenses expire on the last day of your birth month. You'll receive a renewal notice approximately 90 days before expiration via paper or email (if opted in for electronic notices).
What happens if my Tennessee license expires?
Your status changes to "lapsed" immediately after expiration, and late fees apply. You have a 60-day grace period to renew with penalties. After 60 days, your license is automatically revoked, requiring reinstatement.
Is Tennessee part of the IMLC?
Yes, Tennessee is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Eligible physicians can obtain expedited Tennessee licensure through the IMLC process or use Tennessee as their State of Principal License for other IMLC states.
References
[1]: Tennessee Department of Health - Board of Medical Examiners
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/me-board.html
[2]: Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Rules 0880-02
https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/0880/0880-02.20250617.pdf
[3]: AMA Ed Hub - Tennessee CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/Tennessee
[4]: Tennessee Code 63-6-210
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-63/chapter-6/part-2/section-63-6-210/
[5]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/