Comments Invited on ABMS’s Draft Standards for MOC

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in April released new draft Standards for Board Continuing Certification. These standards will shape the maintenance of certification (MOC) programs for all ABMS boards, including the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, for years to come.

APA is conducting a thorough analysis regarding how the revised MOC standards will impact physicians’ ability to practice medicine and care for patients. Once the analysis is done, Psychiatric News will provide details in an article posted at psychnews.org.

“APA members have sent a consistent message that they want a lifelong learning and continuing certification process that is less burdensome, less expensive, and more relevant to their clinical practice,” APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., told Psychiatric News. “The new standards have the potential to impact all parts of the ABPN’s maintenance of certification program and will directly impact all psychiatrists who are currently board certified. Our Division of Education and our advocacy staff will review the standards closely for how they will affect members immediately and in the future.”

APA encourages all members to review the new standards and submit comments directly to the ABMS regarding how the revised MOC standards will impact physicians’ ability to practice medicine and care for patients. APA is also encouraging members to submit their comments to APA at [email protected].

“It is imperative that we make our voices heard during the public comment period,” Levin said.

The deadline to submit comments is Thursday, July 8, at 11:59 p.m. ET. ■

The ABMS draft standards are posted here.