ABAI Enacts New Policy Regarding Time-Unlimited Certificates
In 2012, the ABAI established a formal policy for diplomates with a time-unlimited certificate participating in its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Time-unlimited certificate holders have until December 31, 2013 to actively elect or decline to participate in the ABAI MOC program. This can be done by logging on to the ABAI Web Portal (http://portal.abai.org) and submitting the "Voluntary Maintenance of Certification for Time Unlimited Certificates" form. Upon agreement and submission of the form, you will be in year 1 of the ABAI MOC program and must complete the annual requirements by December 31, 2013 to be reported as "Certified, Meeting MOC Requirements". Diplomates with time-unlimited certificates who start the ABAI MOC program will then be expected to complete annual, five year, and ten year requirements of the ABAI MOC program by December 31st each year they are due in order to be reported as "Certified, Meeting MOC Requirements".
In an effort to allow sufficient time to complete and submit the "Voluntary Maintenance of Certification for Time Unlimited Certificates" form, ABAI will continue to report time-unlimited diplomates who are already participating in MOC as "Meeting MOC Requirements" through December 31, 2013. Starting January 1, 2014, diplomates with a time-unlimited certificate who have not submitted the form to start the MOC program and completed the annual requirements for 2013 will be reported as "Certified, Not Meeting MOC Requirements" with a disclaimer stating "MOC is voluntary for time unlimited certificate holders".
The ABAI MOC program is a voluntary process that provides board certified physicians a mechanism to demonstrate their commitment to high quality care within their specialty. While we encourage all diplomates to participate in ABAI's MOC program, it is voluntary for time-unlimited certificate holders. Participation in ABAI MOC will not affect time-unlimited certification status. If you have any questions about this new policy or ABAI MOC in general, please call or email the office. Our staff is here to help you understand and complete the ABAI MOC requirements.
