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ABMS Has Issued a Call for Comments on Updated Draft Standards for Continuing Certification

Members & Publications

April 26, 2021

The Academy wanted to share the below information regarding the newly released “Draft Standards for Continuing Certification – Call for Comments” from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).  ABMS is the governing organization that establishes the standards its 24 member Boards (including the American Board of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation) use to develop and implement educational and assessment programs used in certification.  

The Academy knows this is an issue of high importance to our members and we would encourage you to review this document and send any feedback directly to ABMS and/or ABPMR.  The Academy will also be reviewing the document in detail and advocating for our members in accordance with the AAPMR Position Statement regarding MOC, which calls for a meaningful and relevant process that does not place an undue professional or financial burden on practicing physiatrists.

From ABMS:

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has opened an 80-day "Draft Standards for Continuing Certification - Call for Comments" to obtain input and feedback from all stakeholders who possess, use, or rely upon the board certification credential as an indicator of a diplomate's professionalism and proficiency of specialty knowledge and skills.

The "Call for Comments" will be open from Tuesday, April 20, 2021 through Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Feedback received will guide and inform the development of the final Draft Standards for Continuing Certification ("Draft Standards"), which will be considered by the ABMS Board of Directors in October 2021.

ABMS establishes the standards its 24 Member Boards use to develop and implement educational and assessment programs used in the certification of diplomate specialists. The new Draft Standards reflect foundational changes to the manner in which ABMS and its Member Boards deliver on their mission, bringing value to both the profession and the public at large. They were developed after a year of deliberation with key stakeholders in response to the recommendations of the Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission as well as of the wider stakeholder community.

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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