Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

How many hours of CME must be formal courses designed for Category I credit?

1. 10 hours

2. 20 hours

3. 30 hours

4. 40 hours

The correct answer is: 20 hours

In Texas, physician assistants are required to complete continuing medical education (CME) to maintain their licensure and ensure they stay updated on the latest medical practices and guidelines. The state mandates that a certain number of these hours be from formal courses specifically designed for Category I credit, which is recognized for meeting the typical standards in medical education. The requirement is set at 20 hours of formal Category I CME in a two-year period. This ensures that physician assistants engage in a structured learning environment that meets the rigorous criteria established by accrediting bodies. This is crucial as it provides assurance that the training is relevant, significant, and can improve the standards of care provided to patients. In contrast, the other options—10, 30, and 40 hours—do not reflect the specific legal requirement for Category I CME credits in Texas. Ten hours is below the mandated amount, while 30 and 40 hours exceed the state's requirements, potentially causing confusion about the actual expectations for licensure renewal. The established requirement of 20 hours maintains a balance between ongoing education and feasible professional development for physician assistants.