New Residencies in Addiction Medicine Begin Next Month

In July, the first ten residency programs accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) will begin. There are currently 20 physicians enrolled in the program. The programs were designed to address the growing needs of those suffering from substance abuse. They will focus on developing skills screening, intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation.

At this time, the ABAM is not seeking ABMS membership of ACGME accreditation of its programs.


Source: amednews.com
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/06/prsa0606.htm

ABMS Implements Continuous Reporting of MOC Pilot

The following announcement was made by the American Board of Medical Specialties on June 2:

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) announced that its data file now reflects continuous certification reporting information for diplomates certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). ABMS’ reporting pilot will begin with ABP, the first and only ABMS Member Board to eliminate specific certification “end dates” for its diplomates.

For all ABP diplomates who are initially certified in 2010 and beyond, as well as those whose certificate currently contains an expiration date, ongoing certification with the ABP is contingent upon meeting the requirements for Maintenance of Certification (MOC). To maintain ABP certification, diplomates must successfully complete numerous requirements throughout the ongoing MOC cycles; thus the ABP no longer provides a specific end date to certification.

ABMS recognizes that some credentialers may still require a certification end date to complete primary source verification. As ABP diplomate certification status only changes at the beginning of a calendar year, unless revoked for disciplinary reasons, conducting annual primary source verification on or after February 15 will ensure credentialers have accurate certification status for ABP diplomates. The practice of conducting annual primary source verification in mid-February of each calendar year will also serve as a reminder previously provided by an official end date.

Approximately 7,800 ABP diplomates whose certification expired December 31, 2009, are the first physicians to have this new designation.

“Although ABP’s policy does not affect other Member Boards, it aligns with the ABMS Maintenance of Certification® (ABMS MOC®) emphasis on continuous, life-long learning. For the credentialing community, the February 15 date will serve as an annual reminder to verify physicians’ credentials,” said Kevin B. Weiss, MD, president and CEO of ABMS. “We are pleased to be able to provide credentialers with this continuous MOC reporting data pilot program for ABP diplomates, and we look forward to hearing feedback from the credentialing community and further supporting their needs.”

For additional information visit the ABP website at http://www.abp.org/.

ABP Provides Clarification on Provider Status Reporting

The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has provided clarification on how to credential diplomates now that they have implemented their Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program and will no longer issue certificates with specific end dates.

The ABP recommends entering January 1, 2010 as the re-verification date for all diplomates enrolled during 2009.

A memorandum with the guidance, along with a letter that was sent to diplomates can be found here:
http://www.namss.org/Portals/0/ABP%20Change%20in%20Certification%20Status%20Reporting.pdf

NAMSS Letter to ABMS Regarding MOC Implementation

NAMSS has provided feedback to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) regarding the American Board of Pediatrics' recent implementation of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.

While NAMSS supports the ongoing skill development required of physicians through the MOC, there has been little guidance on how this will change the credentialing process. For example, the American Board of Pediatrics has implemented a permanent certification, eliminating end dates, which are currently verified.

ABMS requested NAMSS' thoughts on the American Board of Pediatrics' changes to their certification policy. A letter was sent to the ABMS Executive Committee last week for consideration. NAMSS will keep the membership updated on this issue.

To read NAMSS' letter to ABMS, click here:
http://www.namss.org/Portals/0/ABMS_Letter_1_20_10.pdf.

ABMS Plans to Launch Hospital Medicine Board Certification

Modern Healthcare reports that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) plans to launch a five-year pilot program offering physicians board certification in hospital medicine.

After obtaining certification as internists, physicians would seek hospital medicine certification before their 10-year internal medicine certification expires.

The new certification would focus on knowledge and skills obtained through practice in the hospital setting.


Source: Modern Healthcare
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20090929/REG/309299979

ABMS Develops New Assessment Requirements

The ABMS Maintenance of Certification program will require boards to implement processes described as promoting “continuous professional development and assessment," replacing the traditional re-certification exams currently taken by physicians.

Board processes for documenting continuing education and self-assessment requirements must be implemented by 2011. Processes for documenting practice-based assessment and quality-improvement requirements must be implemented by 2011.

Member boards must also require physicians to undergo a patient safety self-assessment program by 2012. The assessment will focus on the communication skills of physicians who have direct contact with patients and with peers. Communication skills will be measured using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey (CAHPS) and other tools.

Source: American Board of Medical Specialties
http://www.abms.org/News_and_Events/Media_Newsroom/Releases/release_NewMOCStandards_03262009.aspx