Osteopathic specialty board certification.

The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists continually assesses the skills of osteopathic physician specialists in response to the growth of specialization in the osteopathic medical profession. Most recently, the Bureau has mandated that all osteopathic specialty certifying boards fully implement Osteopathic Continuous Certification no later than January 1, 2013. The authors discuss communication efforts related to this change, including a survey to assess physician needs in light of the new requirement. Also reported are rates of osteopathic specialty board certification and recertification for 2010.

American Osteopathic Association specialty board certification.

Specialty board certification is an important tool in recognizing physicians who take extra measures to establish their skills in any number of specialty areas. The American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, which oversees the 18 specialty certifying boards, continues to amend existing policies and implement new policies to improve the certification process. Among these policies, the authors describe new collaboration efforts, the development of the osteopathic continuous certification process, and revisions to board eligibility. An update on AOA certification awards, including certificates of added qualifications, is also provided.

Osteopathic specialty board certification.

Specialty board certification, though voluntary, has become an indispensable designation for many osteopathic physicians. The authors report rates of osteopathic specialty board certification and recertification. On the recommendation of the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists--and as a result of recent action by the American Osteopathic Association Board of Trustees--a new osteopathic continuous certification model will be used by all 18 member boards. This model firmly establishes osteopathic specialty board certification as an ongoing process that helps to ensure patient health and safety by measuring and monitoring physician competence. In addition, time limits on board eligibility have been established for certification candidates. As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, the American Osteopathic Association, the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, and the 18 osteopathic specialty boards continue to adapt to meet the professional needs of osteopathic physicians.

Osteopathic certification evolving into a continuous certification model.

Specialty board certification, though voluntary, has become an indispensable designation for many osteopathic physicians. The authors report rates of osteopathic specialty board certification and recertification for osteopathic physicians. Earlier this year, at the recommendation of the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, the American Osteopathic Association Board of Trustees approved the use of an osteopathic continuous certification model by member boards. This model firmly establishes osteopathic specialty board certification as an ongoing process that ensures physician competence and patient safety. The various components involved in the implementation of this new methodology are outlined, including practice performance assessment. As the healthcare environment continues to evolve, the American Osteopathic Association, the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, and the 18 osteopathic specialty boards continue to adapt to meet the professional needs of osteopathic physicians.