The CMAJ editorial mentions a US precedent for recertification,
commenting that in Canada "there are no formal proctored
examinations of knowledge and skills, such as those now
required for continuing recertification in the United
States." They seem to be implying that all US docs
are obliged to get recertified, which isn't exactly the
case.
According to Drew Carlson, director
of communications for the Federation of State Medical
Boards in the US, no state medical board in the US requires
that doctors demonstrate competency by passing a proctored
exam.
Several states are or have been
working on legislation that would require regulatory
agencies to implement CME competency programs. But these
legislations are still on the table.
The only existing recertification
is happening through the certifying boards for medical
specialties. The American Board of Family Practice was
the first board to impose recertification back in the
60s. Today, many of the 24 certifying boards of the
American Board of Medical Specialties require doctors
to pass exams to remain certified -- but not all.
Physician members of these boards
are usually up for recertification of their specialty
every five to seven years. If he or she fails the competency
exam they'll lose their 'diplomate' status with the
board -- but not their licence to practice medicine.
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