Participation in MOC® will be mandatory for all Diplomates who recertify in 2005 and thereafter and all individuals who initially certify in 2005 and thereafter.
Each of the four components of the MOC® Program of the ABS will be on a separate cycle that culminates in a secure examination every 10 years.
- Evidence of professional standing will be assessed every 3 years and will include documentation of an unrestricted license to practice, active hospital staff membership, and peer reference letters.
- Evidence of Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment will include 50 hours of CME activity yearly, of which 30 hours must be in ACCME Category I. This will be averaged over a three-year cycle and the majority of the activity must be directly related to or within the broad area of the candidate’s area of certification. The ABS will increasingly emphasize ‘active’ self-assessment over more ‘passive’ forms of CME.
- Evidence of Cognitive Expertise will continue as a secure examination on a 10-year cycle.
- Evidence of Performance in Practice will include the reference letters that are part of the evidence of Professional standing plus evidence of assessment of practice performance. Acceptable activities would include institutional participation in NSQIP, the Surgical Care Improvement Project, and/or review of practice processes and/or outcomes for frequent cases. The latter will be particularly applicable to those seeking to recertify in Surgery of the Hand. Further evidence of performance in practice is likely to include assessment of communication and interpersonal skills through patient surveys.
Prepared by ASSH MOC® Committee
Last updated March 2, 2006