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Physicians for Certification Change

Advocacy for modern, evidence-based physician certification

Action Toolkit for Local Advocacy: Empowering Your Medical Staff

The Physicians for Certification Change (PCC) understand that the most significant battles for certification reform are won at the local level. Hospitals and health systems have the autonomous authority to define their own credentialing standards. This toolkit provides the resources, templates, and strategies necessary for you to advocate for the acceptance of alternative certification and CME-based learning within your own institution.

1. Talking Points: MOC vs. Clinical Excellence

When presenting to your Medical Executive Committee (MEC) or Board of Directors, it is essential to frame the discussion around patient safety and administrative efficiency. Use these evidence-based talking points:

  • Clinical Relevance: “Current MOC modules are often generic and do not reflect the nuanced, day-to-day realities of our specific patient populations. Self-directed, ACCME-accredited CME allows us to tailor our learning to the actual cases we treat.”
  • The Burnout Factor: “The administrative burden of MOC is a significant contributor to physician burnout and early retirement. By simplifying our credentialing requirements, we can improve physician retention and focus more time on direct patient care.”
  • National Standards: “Alternative boards like the NBPAS fulfill the same primary source verification (PSV) requirements as the ABMS and are compliant with NCQA and URAC standards. Accepting alternatives does not lower our hospital’s quality standards; it modernize them.”
  • Economic Impact: “The high cost of MOC is an unnecessary financial drain on our medical staff. Moving toward a CME-based model demonstrates that our hospital supports the financial well-being of its practitioners.”

2. Sample Hospital Bylaw Language

To officially recognize alternative boards, your hospital’s medical staff bylaws must be updated. Below is a “Gold Standard” template that has been successfully adopted by over 160 hospital systems nationwide.

Proposed Amendment to Section [X] (Credentialing):

“To be eligible for medical staff privileges, a physician must have successfully completed a residency program approved by the ACGME or AOA and must be board-certified in their primary specialty. Continued certification may be maintained through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS). The Medical Executive Committee reserves the right to accept equivalent Continuing Medical Education (CME) in lieu of proprietary maintenance modules.”

3. Step-by-Step Guide: Presenting to your MEC

Advocacy is most effective when it is organized and professional. Follow these steps to initiate change at your facility:

  1. Build a Coalition: Gather a group of 5–10 respected department chairs or senior attendings who share your concerns. There is strength in numbers when approaching administration.
  2. Request an Informal Meeting: Start by speaking with your Chief of Staff or the head of the Credentials Committee. Provide them with the Research & Evidence Library found on this site.
  3. Formal Presentation: Request a 15-minute slot on the MEC agenda. Use a clear, data-driven slide deck that highlights the hospital’s authority to set its own standards and the benefits of board choice.
  4. Address the Fears: Be prepared to answer questions about Joint Commission accreditation. Clarify that the Joint Commission does not require MOC; it requires that hospitals follow their own bylaws.

4. Template: Letter to the Credentials Committee

Copy and adapt this letter to initiate the conversation with your hospital leadership.

Subject: Proposal to Recognize Alternative Certification Pathways

To the Members of the [Hospital Name] Credentials Committee,

As a member of the medical staff in good standing, I am writing to formally request that the Credentials Committee and the Medical Executive Committee review our current bylaws regarding Board Certification requirements.

While we all agree on the importance of lifelong learning, the current Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process has become increasingly burdensome and lacks a clear correlation with improved patient outcomes. Many of our colleagues are now turning to evidence-based alternatives, such as the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS), which prioritize continuous, high-quality CME.

Recognizing alternative certification pathways will:

  1. Reduce administrative burnout among our physicians.
  2. Ensure our hospital remains competitive in recruiting top talent.
  3. Maintain our commitment to rigorous, primary-source-verified credentials.

I have attached a summary of national trends and a sample of updated bylaw language for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further at your next scheduled meeting.

Sincerely,

[Your Name, M.D./D.O.]

[Your Department/Title]