MOC points as CME

 

Practicing physicians from most countries are required to earn continuing medical education (CME) Credits and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points for the renewal of certifications and licensure. However, such mandates are not the same in all countries.

In India, clinical practitioners must earn CME 30 hours every five years for their license renewal. This mandate was however relaxed by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council recently. The High court has validated this decision by permitting doctors to carry over the incomplete CME credit hours to the next block of five years.

CME and MOC are similar in nature, but denote different processes. Some CME providers attest to meeting certain MOC requirements. Physicians can meet both, CME and MOC requirements by engaging in accredited CME activities that also serve MOC points.

MOC points v/s CME Credits

Based on each state’s medical licensing board, the CME requirements for license renewal may vary for physicians. Some countries may also levy a penalty or fine to physicians who fail to complete their designated CME hours.

Moreover, CME modules encompass a wide range of topics and aid physicians in updating their knowledge and learning new skills. Whereas, specific medical specialty boards may mandate physicians to complete certain processes within a specified number of years––to maintain their board certification.

Is the MOC Process different from CME?

The MOC process is more complex and comprises four parts. A major difference between MOC points and CME credits is incompletion of MOC points does not amount to suspension of practicing licensure. MOC points ensure board certification–– reputation and credibility, professional organization membership eligibility, and facilitates clinicians to gain better reimbursement and pay lower practice insurance premiums.

MOC requirements include specific activity participation, for example – enrolling for certificate courses that are relevant to one’s specialty or subspecialty.

Can MOC points and CME Credits be Gained Simultaneously?

Many MOC activities or certificate courses also offer CME credits. Physicians who seek MOC points can also enroll into accredited CME modules that also certify for MOC. These courses not only impart validated learning, they also aid in saving a clinician’s hours and expenditure on educative engagements by fulfilling both, CME and MOC requirements.