(a) It shall be the duty of the State Board of Medical Examiners to promote continuing medical education of all physicians and osteopaths licensed by the commission and is empowered to spend a portion of its funds in any manner it deems desirable for carrying out this purpose. The board is specifically empowered to provide funds to any nonprofit corporation for the purpose of conducting continuing medical education programs without being bound by the provisions of any law requiring competitive bidding. Such programs must be open to all licensed physicians and osteopaths without regard to membership in any professional organization.

(b) The board shall adopt a program of continuing medical education for all licensees living in the State of Alabama not later than October 1, 1991. After that date, successful completion of the requirements of the continuing medical education program shall be a requisite for license renewal. Licensees who reside outside of Alabama are exempt from the provisions of this subsection.

(c) Effective January 1, 2003, the board may require all physicians and osteopaths to successfully complete a prescribed course of continuing medical education on a subject or subjects designated by the board. The board may prescribe by regulation a fixed period of time or deadline for completion of the prescribed continuing medical education course or courses. The board may make provision for a physician or osteopath to be excused from this requirement for reasons satisfactory to the board. The Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama may, subject to notice and hearing, within its discretion, indefinitely suspend the license to practice medicine of a physician or osteopath who fails to successfully complete the course or courses of continuing medical education required by this subsection or impose administrative fines or other penalties as authorized by Section 34-24-381.