Statement

Date:               August 12, 2020

To:                  All NC Licensed Podiatrists

From:              NC Board of Podiatry Examiners

Re:                  Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NC Board of Podiatry Examiners continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus in our state.  Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders have, among other things, declared a state of emergency, required face coverings and banned large gatherings in certain situations.  https://governor.nc.gov/news/executive-orders 

Due to the existence of “Certified Illness, Medical Conditions, Natural Disaster or Undue Hardship,” the Board has voted to extend the waiver clause set forth in Administrative Rule 21 NCAC 52 .0208 (e).

Accordingly, for renewals due June 30, 2021 a NC licensed podiatrist may utilize online continuing education to satisfy 100% of the CME requirements for license renewal.  All other sections of the CME policy remain in effect and will be enforced. 

Twenty-five (25) hours are required annually, including one hour of controlled substances prescribing practices. A minimum of twenty (20) hours must be CPME or APMA approved courses.  The remaining five (5) hours can still fall into the Category 2 hours from the CME Policy.  Any proposed credits outside of the above guidance must be approved by the Board’s staff in advance. 

This waiver does not apply for renewals due after June 30, 2021.