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

NCQA Response Regarding American Board of Pediatrics Certification Changes

NCQA was recently contacted regarding the American Board of Pediatrics' (ABP) implementation of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program and elimination of certification expiration dates. NCQA was asked how the change will affect scoring of pediatricians in 2010 and beyond for CR 3 Element A factor B.

NCQA provided the following response:

"We are investigating the changes in the ABMS policy to determine whether or not a change to our board certification verification requirements is appropriate. Once we have reviewed the ABMS policy, we will notify customers of any changes through the Programs section of our Web site (http://www.ncqa.org/tabid/58/Default.aspx). Any changes will be posted as a Policy Update; to access any changes, please visit the Web site provided and click on "Policy Updates and Supporting Documents" and then on "Corrections, Clarifications and Policy Changes." The next Policy Update is scheduled for March 29, 2010."

NAMSS will continue to alert the membership as more information regarding the ABP's changes becomes available.