The Physician Services Agreement allows for a $5,000 Continuing Medical Education (CME) stipend to be automatically issued to permanent eligible physicians, with no application required. It is administered by MSPEI.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CME payment after April 1, physicians must:
- be Full MSPEI members as of December 31 of the previous year;
- receive remuneration under the PSA;
- be contracted to provide permanent service by either Health PEI or the Department of Health and Wellness (not a locum);
- be licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons PEI as of December 31 of the previous year.
Salaried physicians must request time off for CME using the existing process established with Health PEI.
Health PEI requires all salaried physicians to fill out an Out of Province Travel Form when traveling outside of the province to attend CME. The link to the form is below and should be submitted two weeks in advance of travel.
This payment is considered a taxable allowance, not a reimbursement. It will be included on your T4A, and you’ll pay tax on it. If you are incorporated, please ensure your T4A has been issued correctly and includes your corporation's business number.
Please note: the following is based on advice from MRSB. Physicians should always consult with their own accountants to ensure CRA compliance, especially for those with mixed revenue streams.
If you’re a fee-for-service physician or contract physician (self-employed or incorporated), you can still deduct CME expenses as professional development costs, such as courses, training, and travel.
If you’re a salaried physician, you generally can’t claim these costs unless the course was taken through a designated educational institution (like a college or university that issues a T2202 slip). In that case, you may qualify for a tuition credit.
This new system makes accessing CME funds easier, but the tax treatment depends on your payment model. If you’re unsure what applies to you, check in with your accountant or contact our Senior Economics Advisor, Derek Law.
CME will be paid annually to all eligible physicians by June 30. No application required.
If you have any additional questions regarding the CME Program, please contact Donna at donna@mspei.org or call 902-368-7303.