The MOC® Program will continue to involve a ten-year cycle during which some aspects will remain the same or similar, and other aspects will involve change. The Credentialing process will remain largely unchanged. Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements will involve cycles of topical CME and a new Self-Assessment Exam (SAE) component designed so that the Diplomate may direct study to address weaknesses. The secure, cognitive recertification examination options have been expanded to include practice profiled examinations, and for the Orthopaedic Board Diplomate, the Subspecialty Certifying Examination will also continue serve as a recertification pathway for the primary Orthopaedic Board. Performance in Practice will initially be assessed through a case list submitted at the time of application for the recertification examination, and eventually through patient questionnaires that are being developed by the ABMS. The ABMS is developing the instruments that will be used by physician Diplomates of all the member Boards. Other requirements such as CME designated to deal with Patient Communication, Ethics, Cultural Competency, and CME designated by State Boards of Medical Examiners are likely to be added to the required MOC® process.
Participation in MOC® will become mandatory beginning with the ABOS Diplomates whose certificates expire at the end of 2010. The first opportunity to participate in the MOC® process will be with the credentialing and cognitive examination beginning in 2006 and 2007 respectively. For those Diplomates who wish to take the recertification examination as part of MOC® at the first available date, applications will be available on the ABOS website in 2006. The CME/SAE and case list components must be completed and reported prior to the application deadline. Please refer to the ABOS website for comprehensive information and details about the MOC® Program and how it applies to you.
Prepared by ASSH MOC® Committee
Last updated March 2, 2006