Hey there, friends! Let’s chat about something that’s been on the minds of many in the sleep medicine community—Maintenance of Certification (MOC). While it’s super important for doctors to keep up with ongoing education to ensure top-notch patient care, many have found the original MOC program to be quite a hassle.
Since 2014, advocates like us have been pushing to lighten the load of MOC requirements, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning while getting rid of the need for those pesky ongoing exams. Our voices have joined forces with others, like the American Medical Association (AMA), to advocate for significant changes over the years. We’re thrilled to see that these efforts have resulted in reduced burdens for physicians, but we’re not done yet!
A Quick Background
The MOC program first came onto the scene in 2000, with standards approved in 2009. The program has seen updates over the years, and in 2021, new standards were adopted to take effect on January 1, 2024. Each member board, including the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), is responsible for developing a continuing certification program that aligns with these standards. Our friends at ABIM work hard to create assessments in sleep medicine, and we’re here to ensure they hear our feedback.
Expressing Concerns
We’ve penned letters to the ABIM and other boards expressing our concerns. Many in our community feel that the current MOC program is too demanding. Just last month, a letter was sent supporting the removal of MOC points for those involved in the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment.
Legislative Support
On a positive note, at least seven states have enacted laws that prevent MOC from being a requirement for practicing medicine. This is fantastic news for many sleep professionals! States like Georgia and Missouri are leading the way, and similar proposals are popping up elsewhere.
Staying Informed
If you’re looking for the latest updates on MOC, there have been some key developments over the last few years. For instance, ABIM has extended deadlines and introduced new assessment options that might interest you. And for those curious about sleep apnea and treatment options, check out our post on sleep apnea treatment options at the dentist.
For those of you who struggle with snoring, I highly recommend checking out the Snorple anti-snoring mouthpiece, which has been known to help many stop snoring effectively right from the first night! And if you’re wondering how to use a stop snoring mouthpiece, visit this guide for a step-by-step.
For additional resources on snoring and sleep disorders, WebMD offers great insights. Plus, if you’re curious about wearing a chin strap after a neck lift, you can find relevant info here.
Thanks for keeping the conversation going, and let’s continue to advocate for the best practices in sleep medicine together!