PAMED's MOC Statement of Principles

Last Updated: Aug 15, 2024

• PAMED is committed to lifelong learning, cognitive expertise, practice quality improvement, and adherence to the highest standards of medical practice.
• PAMED supports a process of continuous learning and improvement based on evidence-based guidelines, national standards, and best practices, in combination with customized continuing education.
• The MOC process should be designed to identify performance gaps and unmet needs, providing direction and guidance for improvement in physician performance and delivery of care.
• The MOC process should be evaluated periodically to measure physician satisfaction, knowledge uptake and intent to maintain or change practice.
• Board certificates should have lifetime status, with MOC used as a tool for continuous improvement.
• The MOC program should not be associated with hospital privileges, insurance reimbursements or network participation.
• The MOC program should not be required for Maintenance of Licensure (MOL).
• Specialty boards, which develop MOC standards, may approve curriculum, but should be independent from entities designing and delivering that curriculum, and should have no financial interest in the process.
• A majority of specialty board members who are involved with the MOC program should be actively practicing physicians directly engaged in patient care.
• MOC activities and measurement should be relevant to real world clinical practice.
• The MOC process should not be cost prohibitive or present barriers to patient care.

In an effort to provide physicians with information about viable alternatives to MOC, PAMED Leadership held an introductory webinar with the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS).  PAMED President, Dr. Kristen Sandel, held a conversation with Karen Schatten from NBPAS. Karen overviewed the continuing certification process and shared the distinctive aspects of NBPAS.

Karen answered specific questions from physicians in attendance, including how NBPAS handles recertification for physicians certified by multiple boards and licensed through the state.

NBPAS encourages physicians to advocate for alternatives to MOC directly with the leadership of their health system. The best way to advance the opportunities available by NBPAS is through physician advocacy.

The recording of that webinar can be viewed here: