Quick facts
- Board Name
- Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
- Renewal Cycle
- Biennial (every 2 years)
- CE Period
- July 1 - June 30 of odd-numbered years
- Rule Citation
- 201 KAR 9:360 (Continuing education requirements for physician assistants)
- Hour Requirement
- 100 hours per biennium, evidenced by maintaining active NCCPA certification. This must include 50 Category 1 hours.
- State-Mandated Topics
- 4.5 hours on KASPER, pain management, or addiction for prescribers; 2-hour one-time course on suicide prevention (1 hour must be veteran-specific); 1.5-hour one-time course on implicit bias; 1-hour one-time course on pediatric abusive head trauma.
- Records Retention
- PAs must provide proof of current NCCPA certification to the board upon request.
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure (KBML) is granted authority under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 311 to regulate the practice of medicine and osteopathy, including the licensure and regulation of physician assistants. The specific rules governing PA continuing education are detailed in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR), primarily in 201 KAR 9:175, which links licensure renewal to NCCPA certification maintenance.
How Kentucky PA CE audits typically work
After a renewal cycle the board reviews a sample of attestations. If selected, you will receive a notice through the email or address on file with a defined response window. Most audits close quietly when records match what was attested. The primary rule governing continuing education for physician assistants is 201 KAR 9:175, which requires a PA to "complete the continuing medical education requirements for continuing certification or recertification by the NCCPA."
- The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure randomly selects a percentage of licensees for a CE audit each cycle.
- If selected, you will receive a notification letter from the board, typically by mail or secure email.
- The notice will specify the compliance period being audited.
- You are generally given 30 days from the date of the notice to submit copies of your CE documentation.
- Board staff reviews your submitted certificates to ensure they match the hour requirement and include all mandated topics.
- You will receive a final letter from the board indicating whether you successfully met the audit requirements or if further action is needed.
Documentation commonly requested
Audit notices are usually specific about what they want. Read the notice slowly and make a checklist directly from it. The most common items requested for PAs include:
- Copies of certificates of completion for each CME course taken.
- NCCPA certification maintenance transcript or CME log when applicable.
- Each certificate should clearly show the course provider, title, date(s) of attendance, number of credit hours awarded, AAFP/AMA PRA Category, and your name.
- Proof of completion for any state-mandated topics (opioid prescribing, suicide prevention, implicit bias, etc.) as required by Kentucky.
- A personal CME log or spreadsheet tracking course dates, titles, providers, hours, and category designations.
Kentucky-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Kentucky requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- Maintain active certification from the NCCPA, which includes 100 CME hours (50 Category 1) every two years.
- For PAs who prescribe controlled substances: 4.5 hours related to KASPER, pain management, or addiction disorders. This is a per-biennium requirement. (KRS 218A.202)
- One-time requirement: A 2-hour board-approved course on suicide prevention, with at least one hour specific to veteran populations. (KRS 214.615)
- One-time requirement: A 1.5-hour board-approved course on implicit bias. (KRS 214.630)
- One-time requirement: A 1-hour course on pediatric abusive head trauma, also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome. (KRS 620.025)
Common pitfalls PAs run into
- Failing to maintain NCCPA certification, which is a direct statutory requirement for licensure in Kentucky.
- Neglecting to complete the specific one-time, state-mandated courses on implicit bias, suicide prevention, and pediatric abusive head trauma.
- For PAs with a DEA registration, failing to complete the 4.5-hour prescribing course each cycle.
- Assuming that meeting the NCCPA 100-hour requirement is sufficient without also completing Kentucky’s specific mandated topics.
How to assemble a clean response
Gather your records in one place. A folder on your desktop, a printed binder, or a shared drive all work. You don't need a complicated system. You just need to be able to find things.
Name each PDF clearly with the date, course title, hours, and Category 1 or 2 designation. Group certificates by category that maps to the board's request: mandated topics, Category 1 CME, Category 2 CME. Add a one-page cover sheet that summarizes total hours and points the reviewer to the matching documents.
If your hours fall short
First-time shortfalls are usually handled administratively. Boards generally allow a defined window to complete makeup hours and submit updated documentation. Honest, prompt communication is far better than silence.
If the shortfall is significant or repeated, the board may move toward formal action. At that point, calm documentation of how you are coming into compliance, plus a written plan to prevent recurrence, makes a meaningful difference.
Possible outcomes
- Failure to provide proof of current NCCPA certification or completion of mandated courses can result in disciplinary action from the KBML.
- Disciplinary action may include a fine, reprimand, or, in severe cases, suspension or revocation of the license to practice.
- The board may require the licensee to make up any deficient hours and provide proof of completion before renewing the license.
- All disciplinary actions are taken under the authority of KRS 311.595 and are generally public record.
A simple audit-response checklist
- 1Read the audit notice slowly. Note the deadline and exact list of documents requested.
- 2Make a simple folder labeled with the cycle dates being audited.
- 3Pull certificates of completion for every CE activity in that cycle.
- 4Match each certificate to the topic area or category your board requires.
- 5Save proof of license renewal and any required attestations.
- 6If a certificate is missing, contact the provider for a duplicate before the deadline.
- 7Scan everything as clean PDFs, named with date and course title.
- 8Submit through the channel the board requests. Keep a copy and a confirmation.
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Frequently asked questions
Real Outcomes Reported by BoardWise Users
BoardWise users have reported outcomes including:
- Complaint dismissals
- Successful responses to board inquiries
- Passing continuing education audits
- Early probation termination
- Improved understanding of licensing board procedures
Individual outcomes vary and depend on the facts of each case.
Optional Attorney Document Review
Before you send anything to the board, BoardWise can match physician assistant in Kentucky with an independent, state-licensed attorney for an optional limited-scope review of the document you prepared:
- We match you with an independent attorney licensed in your state
- They review and suggest revisions to your document before you submit it to the board
- Focused, limited-scope review at a fixed fee rather than a full retainer
- A second set of eyes on wording, tone, and anything that may need a closer look
What does the attorney review cost? Pricing depends on the complexity of your matter and the scope of review, but most BoardWise lawyer reviews are approximately $250–$500. You’ll see the specific fee before deciding whether to proceed.
Optional limited-scope attorney review may be available for an additional fixed fee. Attorney availability, conflicts review, eligibility requirements, and additional terms apply. If an attorney accepts the matter, the client will contract with and pay the independent attorney directly.
Print & FedEx Overnight Delivery
Finishing the document is only part of the job. BoardWise Document Delivery lets physician assistant in Kentucky send the finished packet straight to the board without a trip to the post office:
- FedEx Overnight delivery for street addresses when your deadline is close
- USPS Priority Express and USPS Certified Mail for P.O. Box board addresses
- Printing, packaging, and postage handled for you, with tracking on every order
- Confirmation and tracking details emailed to you as your package moves
What does it cost? $150 for FedEx Overnight and $99 for USPS Priority Express or Certified Mail. You see the exact price and the full address details before you authorize the order.
Printing and mailing are fulfilled by Mailform. You are responsible for meeting your own deadline, so keep an electronic copy and watch the tracking information.
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BoardWise is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. This guide is educational only and reflects general practice in the United States. Your state licensing board is the official source for current requirements. If your situation involves formal discipline or a hearing, consider consulting a licensed attorney in your state.