TMA Statement Regarding Maintenance of Certification Bill

June 16, 2017

Statements by Carlos J. Cardenas, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), and Ray Callas, MD, a member of TMA’s Board of Trustees, in reaction to Gov. Greg Abbott having signed Senate Bill 1148 into law on Thursday. SB 1148 pertains to maintenance of certification requirements for physicians. 


 “TMA strongly applauds Governor Abbott for signing into law Senate Bill 1148, lessening the grip maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements have had on Texas physicians.

 “Nothing angers our fellow physicians like the MOC process as administered by some of our national specialty boards. Many physicians see it as an unnecessary — and very costly — distraction from caring for their patients, while doing too little to improve patient care. In fact, MOC lacks sufficient research to document the benefits to patient care.

“Instead, Texas physicians already must and do meet rigorous continuing medical education standards, including specific training regarding medical ethics. We willingly seek out these specialty-specific medical courses to stay sharp on current topics that are most relevant to caring for our patients.”

— Carlos J. Cardenas, MD, TMA president

 

“SB 1148 is a very important piece of legislation for Texas physicians and for our ability to continue to attract good physicians to our growing state.

“TMA’s policymaking body strongly voted to lessen MOC’s hold over Texas doctors. Governor Abbott’s signature on this bill completes that effort.

“We thank Sen. Dawn Buckingham, MD, and Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD, for their leadership in crafting a law to help Texas physicians better care for our patients.”

Ray Callas, MD, member, TMA’s Board of Trustees and immediate past chair of TMA’s Council on Legislation

 

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 50,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

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Contact: Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; email: brent.annear[at]texmed[dot]org

Marcus Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 650-5336; email: marcus.cooper[at]texmed[dot]org

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Last Updated On

February 21, 2020

Originally Published On

June 16, 2017

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