The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has implemented changes in its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), of which ABIM is a member, is requiring more frequent participation in MOC by all board-certified physicians. ABIM and ABMS believe that a more continuous MOC program helps physicians keep pace with frequent changes in the science of medicine and assessment, a belief shared by other professional health organizations and the general public.

Detailed information on the changing requirements is available at moc2014.abim.org. In January, ABIM launched an updated website with a personalized Physician Portal that shows diplomates exactly what they need to do over the next few years to continue to meet MOC requirements. ABIM will offer physicians two MOC fee-payment options for added convenience (yearly or 10-year payments).

Certification status: what you need to know

• As of January 2014, all ABIM board-certified physicians, including those holding indefinite certifications, will need to engage in MOC activities more frequently to be reported as “Meeting MOC Requirements.”
• Physicians will remain certified for the time remaining on their certifications, provided they hold a valid license.
• All ABIM board-certified physicians holding at least one valid certification will be considered “Meeting MOC Requirements” at the program launch in 2014, regardless of enrollment status.

New MOC requirements
As of January 2014, all ABIM board-certified physicians will be required to complete an ABIM MOC program activity to earn MOC points every two years, and earn 100 MOC points every five years.

• Points earned every two years will count toward the five-year requirement.
• Physicians may choose to complete any MOC activity to meet the two-year requirement.
• Physicians will also have to complete a patient survey and a patient safety module by December 31, 2018, and every five years thereafter.
• Physicians will be required to pass a secure exam once every 10 years and, beginning in 2014, will earn MOC points for their first MOC exam attempt.
• Physicians in fellowship training will earn 20 MOC points for each year of training they successfully complete.

To help members navigate the new MOC requirements, ASCO offers information on Society products and resources available to assist with maintaining certificates. Visit university.asco.org/maintenance-certification to learn more about ASCO’s MOC-approved products. Contact professionaldevelopment@asco.org with MOC questions.