Maintenance of Certification
The WSMA supports AMA policy which opposes maintenance of certification as
a requirement for licensure. (Res B-3, A-12)
The WSMA recognizes that the recertification requirements of maintenance
of certification are costly, time consuming and disruptive of physician
time for patient care, while lacking any proof of improving patient care.
(Res B-9, A-14)
The WSMA opposes any efforts to mandate maintenance of certification as a
condition for medical licensure, hospital staff privileges, reimbursement
from third-party insurance parties, malpractice coverage and as a
requirement for physician employment. (Res B-9, A-14)
The WSMA advocates that a state licensure entity choosing to not
re-certify in an ABMS specialty shall not limit the freedom of a licensed
physician to practice in Washington state. (Res B-9, A-14)
The WSMA opposes mandatory, secured recertifying examinations by the
American Board of Medical Specialties or other certifying organizations as
part of the recertification process for all those specialties that still
require a secure, high-stakes recertification examination. (Res B-6, A-16)
The WSM supports legislation and policies that prevent Maintenance of
Certification from being used as a condition of licensure, reimbursement
employment or hospital admitting privileges. (Res B-6, A-16)
Return to the WSMA Policy Compendium index
Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services