The American Board of Radiology’s (“ABR”) Board Eligibility Policy, implemented on January 1, 2012, limited the period of time that may elapse between the completion of residency training and achievement of Board Certification. Because a number of radiologists had completed their residencies but not yet achieved Board Certification when the policy went into effect, the ABR established a transitional phase-in period with specific time limits on the Board Eligibility period.
Importantly, the dates chosen by the ABR as the deadlines for achieving certification for certain radiologists are quickly approaching. For diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology, the termination dates for board eligibility status are as follows:
As a result, radiologists who completed their training in 2004 or before but continue in the examination process are facing possible termination of “board eligibility” as soon as the end of this year. After the period of board eligibility expires, radiologists who have not achieved Board Certification will no longer be considered by the ABR to be “board eligible,” and will no longer be permitted to designate themselves as such for credentialing purposes.
Moreover, re-entry into the certification process will require substantial effort. To return to “board eligible” status, the candidate must complete an additional year of training in a department with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)-accredited diagnostic radiology or radiation oncology residency program. Additionally, the ABR must approve the additional year of training before it begins and the training must begin after expiration of board eligibility. During this one-year period, the candidate’s status will be “not certified, not board eligible.” Following the one-year training, the program director must attest to the candidate’s successful completion. Once the ABR receives confirmation, the candidate will reenter the certification process and must pass the Core and Certifying examinations. Candidates will have a six-year period to pass the examinations.
Wachler & Associates will continue to monitor and provide timely updates on important ABR developments. If you have any questions regarding your board eligibility status, please contact an experienced healthcare attorney at 248-544-0888 or via email at wapc@wachler.com. To remain updated on healthcare news, subscribe to Wachler & Associates’ health law blog by adding your email address and clicking “Subscribe” in the window on the top right of this page.