Continuing Certification Research
Continuing Certification Update: Introducing New Quality Improvement Opportunities!
As an ABPMR diplomate, you know that continuing certification is a lifelong process that focuses on helping you bridge the gap between residency knowledge and what you need to know to continue providing the highest quality care in your practice today and in the future. The ABPMR is here to support you throughout the continuing certification (CC) process by recognizing efforts you are making in daily practice.
In 2023, ABPMR committed to easing the burden of fulfilling CC requirements by enhancing the Quality Improvement (QI - soon to be referred to as Improving Health and Health Care or IHHC) component with additional opportunities available to receive QI credit in recognition of diplomates’ ongoing quality improvement efforts.
New Opportunities for Credit!
The ABPMR is now offering IHHC (QI) credit for the opportunities listed below:
ACGME-Accredited Residency/Fellowship Clinical Competency Committee (CCC)
If you have been an active participant of a Residency or Fellowship Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) for a minimum duration of three (3) years, you will qualify for IHHC credit. The years of participation may be non-consecutive, be from different training programs, or cross CC cycle end dates; however, credit will be applied towards the current CC cycle in which the final year of participation is completed and attested to by the Program Director.
ACGME-Accredited Residency/Fellowship Program Evaluation Committee (PEC)
If you have been an active participant of a Residency or Fellowship Program Evaluation Committee (PEC) for a minimum duration of three (3) years, you will qualify for IHHC credit. The years of participation may be non-consecutive, be from different training programs, or cross CC cycle end dates; however, credit will be applied towards the current CC cycle in which the final year of participation is completed and attested to by the Program Director.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
If you were in a hospital or program leadership role at your institution during the timeframe that quality improvement work was being performed to earn accreditation or reaccreditation with CARF, you will qualify for IHHC credit. Credit will be applied towards the current CC cycle in which the accreditation or reaccreditation was obtained. An attestation form along with any relevant accreditation documentation must be submitted.
Joint Commission Certification of a Rehabilitation Hospital
If you were in a hospital leadership role at a rehabilitation hospital during the timeframe that quality improvement work was being performed to earn certification or recertification for the Joint Commission, you will qualify for IHHC credit. Credit will be applied towards the current CC cycle in which the certification or recertification was obtained. An attestation form along with any relevant certification documentation must be submitted.
Joint Commission of a Rehabilitation Hospital Disease Specific Certification (JC-DSC)
If you were in a program leadership role at a rehabilitation hospital during the timeframe that quality improvement work was being performed to earn certification or recertification for a Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, you will qualify for IHHC credit. Credit will be applied towards the current CC cycle in which the certification or recertification was obtained. An attestation form along with any relevant certification documentation must be submitted.
AAPM&R Original Abstracts Selected for Posters at the Annual Assembly Program
Jointly with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), original research abstracts selected for poster presentations to the Annual Assembly program within the quality improvement category may be eligible to receive IHHC credit. Please note that additional information may be requested from ABPMR for final IHHC approval. Contact AAPM&R for more information.
AAP Original Abstracts Selected for Posters at the Annual Meeting
Jointly with the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP), original research abstracts selected for poster presentations to the Annual Meeting within the quality improvement category may be eligible to receive IHHC credit. Please note that additional information may be requested from ABPMR for final IHHC approval. Contact AAP for more information.
AANEM EDX Laboratory Accreditation Program
The AANEM EDX Laboratory Accreditation Program is a voluntary, peer-review process that acknowledges laboratories for achieving and maintaining the highest level of quality, performance, and integrity based on professional standards. Once accreditation is achieved, the physician who served as the director during the accreditation process will earn IHHC credit towards their Continuing Certification (CC) cycle the year in which the accreditation is issued.
LA-PM&R QI Article-Based Questions
Beginning in 2025, ABPMR will grant IHHC credit related to selected articles offered as part of LA-PM&R. Participating diplomates must choose an IHHC (QI)-designated article during the customization phase at the start of each year of LA-PM&R, with questions to be completed during Quarter 4. If one IHHC (QI) article is selected each year for four years, and all questions associated with that article are answered, diplomates will receive IHHC credit issued in the fifth year of their CC cycle. This IHHC credit is available once every other five-year cycle of LA-PM&R – not in consecutive cycles. If a diplomate is unable to complete this requirement within the current cycle, they would be eligible to complete IHHC article-based questions in the subsequent five-year cycle.
Additional information, including requirements for all new and prior IHHC options can be found on the ABPMR website.
Questions? Please contact us at 507.282.1776, or email office@abpmr.org. ABPMR will continue to provide updates and information on any future additional IHHC opportunities.
