The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recently announced a new set of standards for member boards’ Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs.  The ABMS board of directors approved the new standards at its March 16, 2009, meeting.  The standards are multifaceted and address each of the four components of MOC programs:  Professional Standing, Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment, Assessment of Cognitive Expertise and Assessment of Practice Performance. 

ABEM will take a careful, comprehensive approach to reviewing the new standards and how they may be incorporated into EMCC.  ABEM’s primary goal for MOC remains to add value to diplomates’ certification without being unduly burdensome or intrusive.  ABEM will make every attempt to build on most diplomates’ current experiences without adding undue complexity or burden to the EMCC program.

At the present time, ABEM requirements for EMCC have not changed.  In order to maintain certification, diplomates must continue to participate in all aspects of EMCC, as noted on their online EMCC Personal Page.  The Board of Directors will address the new ABMS standards at its July 2009 meeting.  Diplomates will be notified of changes in EMCC requirements through www.abem.org, and any changes in a diplomate’s personal requirements will be communicated through an individualized mailing when they become available. 

Revised 9/23/09 (pgs)