Antimicrobial Stewardship CE Requirements for Veterinarians
Which states require antimicrobial CE for veterinary license renewal? This guide covers mandatory antibiotic stewardship and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continuing education requirements by state.
4 Jurisdictions with Mandatory RequirementsQuick Answer: States Requiring Antimicrobial CE
California (1 hr/4 years), Oregon (1 hr/cycle), Kentucky (2 hrs as one of three topic choices), and Nova Scotia (mandatory AMR course) currently require veterinarians to complete antimicrobial stewardship or antibiotic resistance CE. California and Oregon have the strictest requirements under SB 361 and OAR 875-010-0090.
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California Antimicrobial Stewardship CE All Vets 1 hr / 4 yrsSB 361 requirement: 1 hour on judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs every 4 years. Effective January 1, 2018. -
Oregon Antimicrobial Stewardship CE All Vets 1 hr / cycleOAR 875-010-0090(d) requirement: 1 hour in judicious antibiotic use per renewal cycle (2 years). -
Kentucky Antimicrobial CE All Vets ChoiceKBVE Rules (eff. Sept 2024): 2 hours in antimicrobials, controlled substances, OR laws — veterinarian's choice. -
Nova Scotia AMR CE 🇨🇦 All Vets MandatoryOnly Canadian province with mandatory AMR continuing education for all veterinarians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is antimicrobial stewardship CE for veterinarians?
Antimicrobial stewardship CE educates veterinarians on the judicious use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Topics typically include appropriate drug selection, dosing strategies, culture and sensitivity testing, alternatives to antimicrobials, and understanding resistance patterns. These courses help veterinarians prescribe antimicrobials responsibly while maintaining effective treatment outcomes.
Does California require antimicrobial CE for veterinary license renewal?
Yes. Since January 1, 2018, California requires all veterinarians to complete 1 hour of CE on the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs every 4 years as a condition of license renewal. This requirement is mandated by Business and Professions Code §4846.5(k), enacted through SB 361. The CE must cover antimicrobial drugs listed in Appendix A of FDA Guidance for Industry #152.
Does Oregon require antibiotic CE for veterinarians?
Yes. Oregon requires a minimum of 1 hour of CE in judicious antibiotic use for each license renewal cycle (2 years). This requirement is codified in Oregon Administrative Rules 875-010-0090(d) and applies to all licensed veterinarians in the state.
Where can I find RACE-approved antimicrobial stewardship CE?
VetOnIt CE offers RACE-approved antimicrobial stewardship courses taught by board-certified veterinary pharmacists. As RACE Provider ID 50-29055, VetOnIt provides independent, unsponsored CE that meets California, Oregon, Kentucky, and Nova Scotia antimicrobial CE requirements. Courses are delivered via live webinar format with RACE approval for credit in all 50 states.
Why is antimicrobial stewardship important in veterinary medicine?
Antimicrobial resistance is projected to cause 39 million deaths globally between 2025-2050. Veterinarians play a critical role in combating AMR through responsible antibiotic prescribing in companion animals, livestock, and food-producing animals. Mandatory CE ensures veterinarians stay current on resistance patterns, appropriate drug selection, and alternatives to antimicrobial therapy.