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Statement on time-limited certification
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Editor's Column
The Journal of Pediatrics April 1986
COMMENT: This announcement seems too important to be relegated to the News and Notes portion of our Announcements section, and is therefore reproduced here. The need for recertification and the methods for accomplishing it have been subjects of much controversy and the cause of considerable anxiety. The American Board of Pediatrics is made up of individuals nominated by the major societies representing pediatricians, and we are aware that the Board has given most careful consideration to all viewpoints before issuing this statement of revised policy.--J.M.G.
S t a t e m e n t on time-limited certification
At its annual meeting in November 1985, the American Board of Pediatrics established a policy of time-limited certification. This new policy will become effective for those individuals who are certified in general pediatrics after April 30, 1988. By this action, the Board provides assurance to the public that pediatricians certified after this date have been and will continue to be evaluated periodically by the Board. Anyone certified prior to this date will not be affected by this new policy; however, those who choose to do so may achieve certification renewal on a voluntary basis. The duration of the original certification issued after April 30, 1988, will be 7 years. Individuals will begin the certification renewal process at the beginning of the sixth year, thus allowing 2 years to complete the process. The American Board of Pediatrics is developing the details of the program, which will be published when completed. An examination of knowledge will be one component of the process. Individuals will be able to choose from several options: (1) a broad-based examination focusing on the expected knowledge base of a general practicing pediatrician; (2) a similar but shorter core examination plus an examination in the areas reflecting their practice profiles; or (3) the regular annual written examination of the Board. An equally important component of the program will be review of the pediatrician's daily professional activities, including feedback regarding norms determined from the data collected from all participants. The exact method has not yet been established, but
it will be in place well in advance of the first renewal cycle occurring in 1995. Certification in the pediatric subspecialty areas will be on the same cycle as for general pediatrics. Those individuals who complete subspecialty certification within 7 years of their general pediatric certification will be in a 7-year cycle for both, starting with the date of the subspecialty certificate. The subspecialist will be required to pass a cognitive examination in general pediatrics as well as in the subspecialty area; this policy is in effect in the current recertification program for subspecialists. In the event an individual who initiates subspecialty training does not complete subspecialty certification, the duration of certification in general pediatrics will remain 7 years from the date of original general certification. Certification will be time limited for those certified in pediatric pulmonology beginning with the first examination in 1986, for those certified in pediatric critical care medicine beginning with the first examination in 1987, and for all other subspecialists certified after April 30, 1988. In summary, in setting this policy the American Board of Pediatrics is providing a means to assist pediatricians in their efforts to remain current and to provide the best possible care to their patients. Carolyn F. Piel, M.D. President American Board o f Pediatrics 111 Silver Cedar Court Chapel Hill, N C 27514
Editor's Column
The Journal of Pediatrics April 1986
COMMENT: This announcement seems too important to be relegated to the News and Notes portion of our Announcements section, and is therefore reproduced here. The need for recertification and the methods for accomplishing it have been subjects of much controversy and the cause of considerable anxiety. The American Board of Pediatrics is made up of individuals nominated by the major societies representing pediatricians, and we are aware that the Board has given most careful consideration to all viewpoints before issuing this statement of revised policy.--J.M.G.
S t a t e m e n t on time-limited certification
At its annual meeting in November 1985, the American Board of Pediatrics established a policy of time-limited certification. This new policy will become effective for those individuals who are certified in general pediatrics after April 30, 1988. By this action, the Board provides assurance to the public that pediatricians certified after this date have been and will continue to be evaluated periodically by the Board. Anyone certified prior to this date will not be affected by this new policy; however, those who choose to do so may achieve certification renewal on a voluntary basis. The duration of the original certification issued after April 30, 1988, will be 7 years. Individuals will begin the certification renewal process at the beginning of the sixth year, thus allowing 2 years to complete the process. The American Board of Pediatrics is developing the details of the program, which will be published when completed. An examination of knowledge will be one component of the process. Individuals will be able to choose from several options: (1) a broad-based examination focusing on the expected knowledge base of a general practicing pediatrician; (2) a similar but shorter core examination plus an examination in the areas reflecting their practice profiles; or (3) the regular annual written examination of the Board. An equally important component of the program will be review of the pediatrician's daily professional activities, including feedback regarding norms determined from the data collected from all participants. The exact method has not yet been established, but
it will be in place well in advance of the first renewal cycle occurring in 1995. Certification in the pediatric subspecialty areas will be on the same cycle as for general pediatrics. Those individuals who complete subspecialty certification within 7 years of their general pediatric certification will be in a 7-year cycle for both, starting with the date of the subspecialty certificate. The subspecialist will be required to pass a cognitive examination in general pediatrics as well as in the subspecialty area; this policy is in effect in the current recertification program for subspecialists. In the event an individual who initiates subspecialty training does not complete subspecialty certification, the duration of certification in general pediatrics will remain 7 years from the date of original general certification. Certification will be time limited for those certified in pediatric pulmonology beginning with the first examination in 1986, for those certified in pediatric critical care medicine beginning with the first examination in 1987, and for all other subspecialists certified after April 30, 1988. In summary, in setting this policy the American Board of Pediatrics is providing a means to assist pediatricians in their efforts to remain current and to provide the best possible care to their patients. Carolyn F. Piel, M.D. President American Board o f Pediatrics 111 Silver Cedar Court Chapel Hill, N C 27514