Below is exactly what Iowa Board of Nursing (administered by DIAL) requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated April 30, 2026
Iowa has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 36-hour total.
These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.
CRNAs (ARNPs) who provide direct supervision of fluoroscopic equipment under Iowa Admin. Code 481-621.4(5)
“must complete an initial educational course”
CRNAs who examine, attend, counsel, or treat children in Iowa
“The person shall complete the core training curriculum relating to the identification and reporting of child abuse every three years.”
CRNAs who examine, attend, counsel, or treat dependent adults in Iowa
“The person shall complete the core training curriculum relating to the identification and reporting of dependent adult abuse every three years.”
ARNPs (including CRNAs) who PRESCRIBE OR ADMINISTER opioids during the 3-year renewal cycle must complete +2 hours of CDC-aligned opioid CE covering chronic pain management, dosing, length of prescriptions, risk factors for abuse, and non-opioid/nonpharmacologic options.
“ARNPs that prescribe opioids during the three-year renewal cycle must take continuing education. Continuing education must be at least two hours and address the”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Iowa Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
NBCRNA Class A | NBCRNA Class A / MAC Ed credits qualify toward the underlying RN CE. |
ANCC Contact Hour | ANCC contact hours from accredited providers qualify under the current subject-matter test (product-modeling mapping onto Iowa Admin. Code r. 481—619.2(3); Iowa no longer names ANCC by rule as of the 6/4/25 re-promulgation).SourceIowa Admin. Code r. 481—619.2(3) (subject-matter test)[4] |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
Military exemption — a licensee who served honorably on active duty in the U.S. military during the license period is exempt from the CE requirement (must retain evidence of active duty).
Out-of-state-license exemption — a licensee who holds a current, active license in another state with mandatory CE and resides outside Iowa at renewal/reactivation is exempt.
Overseas-employment exemption — a licensee who worked as an RN/LPN for the government, foreign service, or in missionary work while assigned outside the U.S. during the period is exempt.
Disability/illness exemption — a licensee who had a physical or mental disability or illness during the period may obtain a board-approved extension of time or medical exemption from CE; requires prior board approval.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your license anniversary renewal.
Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.
“must complete an initial educational course”DIAL ARNP CE Requirements — Fluoroscopy Supervision; Iowa Admin. Code r. 481—621.4(5)'a'(1); sibling row iowa-np.md models the identical ARNP obligation
“ARNPs that prescribe opioids during the three-year renewal cycle must take continuing education. Continuing education must be at least two hours and address the”DIAL ARNP CE Requirements — Opioid Continuing Education
“The person shall complete the core training curriculum relating to the identification and reporting of child abuse every three years.”Iowa Code § 232.69(3)(b); rule layer Iowa Admin. Code r. 481—617.8(3)'d'(2)
“The person shall complete the core training curriculum relating to the identification and reporting of dependent adult abuse every three years.”Iowa Code § 235B.16(5)(b); rule layer Iowa Admin. Code r. 481—617.8(3)'d'(3)