New CME guidelines for AOA board-certified docs are now available online

The 2019–2021 Continuing Medical Education Guide outlining CME requirements for AOA board-certified physicians is now available online.

Each certifying board has set its own CME standards for maintenance of certification to accommodate different standards and practices in each specialty. Overall, the revised requirements approved by the Board of Specialties emphasize flexibility and give physicians latitude to choose CME that works best for their individual needs.

Notable changes include:

• elimination of the requirement for specialty-specific CME;
• clarification of credits awarded for standardized life support courses;

• allowing credit for precepting medical students, up to 20% of the specialty board’s CME requirement;

• a requirement of 120 hours of CME per cycle for diplomates holding non-time-limited certification, regardless of specialty; and

• FMLA documentation is no longer the only paperwork accepted for maternity/paternity leave waivers. Alternate paperwork options can include documentation from a provider.

Please consult the new guide online to check the requirements for your specialty. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your specialty board.