Maintenance of Certification (MOC), the program through
which ongoing physician competence is demonstrated through American Board of
Medical Specialties (ABMS) and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) boards,
has been controversial since its launch. As NAMSS members have heard, the ABMS
has recently launched an initiative to reexamine MOC and provide recommendations
for the future state of physician certification. NAMSS has engaged with this
Vision Commission, with several NAMSS leaders participating in past meetings,
and with other organizations to contribute the MSP perspective on this issue.
As the issue has continued to affect MSPs directly and indirectly, NAMSS has
released the following organizational statement on Maintenance of
Certification.
The National Association Medical
Staff Services (NAMSS) supports efforts by the American Board of Medical Specialties
(ABMS) and stakeholders across the health care industry to re-envision the
process of continuing board certification and the Maintenance of Certification
programs. Demonstrating ongoing physician competence is an essential piece of
maintaining patient safety, and is an important part of evaluating
practitioners for credentialing and privileging decisions. Concerns around the
existing continuing certification programs have led some states to propose or
enact laws restricting their use in making these decisions, which infringes on
the ability of Medical Services Professionals and Organized Medical Staffs to
fulfill their duty in evaluating providers. However, physician burnout is an
increasingly difficult issue as additional burdens are being placed on providers
across the continuum of care.
Increased standardization, clarity
of requirements, and reduced physician burden will all be integral parts of a
modern, effective board certification program. NAMSS looks forward to the
outcomes of the ABMS’ Vision for the Future Commission and to aiding in the
evolution of board certification to best support our ultimate goal of patient
safety.
NAMSS will continue to monitor the work of the ABMS
Commission and other progress in the area of continuing physician education,
and work to inform our MSPs about important developments. Find our position
statement and others at the NAMSS website,
and be on the lookout for further communications on this issue.
