A medical degree is not a lifetime pass: under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, continuing medical education (CME) is a practitioner’s duty and a condition for staying licensed.
How much CME must doctors complete?
The Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 (15/2023/QH15, in force since 1 January 2024) gives practice licences a 5-year term; renewal requires proof of continuous medical knowledge updating during the licence term. Decree 96/2023/ND-CP details the formats, content and certification of knowledge updating — courses must match the licensed scope; off-specialty study does not count.
What if CME hours fall short?
Without proof of continuous updating, the practitioner cannot renew the practice licence — meaning no lawful practice once the old licence expires. Facilities employing unlicensed practitioners face fines and possible temporary suspension.
Who may run CME programs?
Not everyone can issue CME certificates. Only qualified training institutions and medical facilities may organize continuous medical knowledge updating and issue confirmations. “Black-market” CME — unlicensed courses handing out certificates — is worthless at licence renewal and can get learners penalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do doctors on maternity or long leave still need CME?
The updating duty attaches to the licence term. Long leave does not automatically waive it; renewal still requires proof of updating per regulations.
Does online CME count?
Yes, if run by a qualified provider meeting content, duration and assessment requirements. The format (in-person/online) matters less than the provider's legitimacy.
Do assistant doctors and nurses need CME?
Yes. The continuous-updating duty applies to everyone holding a medical practice licence, not only physicians.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council