Implications of failing the MOC Process!

OBGYNS have never before had to consider the possibility of losing their board status on an on-going annual basis. This is the new reality with the new Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process which began in 2008. While ABOG has not been overly explicit as to the consequences of MOC failure, here is what is known.

In order to maintain certification status, a diplomate must successfully complete all 4 components of the MOC process (discussed in a previous article). It is your responsibility to subject yourself (voluntarily) to the MOC process. You must not allow your certificate to expire. There should be no blemish of significance on your state licenses and you must successfully complete each year, the appropriate parts of the of the MOC process. Failure to do so will result in:

1) Loss of Diplomate status with ABOG. This means you will no longer be able to promote yourself as being board certified!

2) If you allow you license to expire, you may have to take a proctored written exam amongst other potential requirements yet to be announced.

3) You may lose your status with ACOG

-If you should fail the ABC exam, you will have an opportunity to retake the exam for an additional fee.
-Diplomates failing to be actively involved in the MOC process for 2 consecutive years will lose board certification status. If, within the subsequent year, they wish to regain certification, they will be required to complete the 2 ‘lost’ years in the next year and thereafter continue with the MOC process. If they wait more than 1 year to regain their certification status, they will have to take a proctored written exam and then recommence the MOC process.
-A license may also be revoked for violations of ABOG rules and ethics, as well as any felony conviction!

The bottom line is that this is a serious business with the potential for a physician to lose his/her license with huge professional, social, legal and financial implications. Make sure you know and play by the rules. Do whatever it takes to be compliant with MOC.