Mandatory professional continuing education is discussed in terms of the public, the professions, educators, and individual professionals. Various approaches by university administrations, professional schools and associations, and the government are also examined to see that professional standards are maintained. (LH)

Current controversies regarding physician competency and a growing concern about the rapid obsolescence of medical knowledge are factors in a movement to require physicians to participate in continuing medical education. If programs become mandatory, educators should apply their skills and knowledge of adult learning in developing programs.…