TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, August 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Founded over 60 years ago, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) has been recognized by the State of Florida as a valid choice in physician board certification and recertification for over two decades. While the ABPS supports the Florida Board of Medicine’s decision to expand recognition and choice in physician board certification, we are concerned with its decision to waive a medical standard and significant requirement in the recognition of the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS).
While other recognized physician certifying bodies along with the ABPS incorporate demanding eligibility and assessment requirements that are designed to assess and certify a physician’s specialty knowledge, that very same requirement under Florida Board of Medicine’s own rules will not apply to the NBPAS.
NBPAS relies on physicians having previously obtained certification through an ABMS or AOA member board. While that demonstrates that another organization assessed the physician’s specialty knowledge at an earlier point in the physician’s career, it raises an important question: What independent assessment does the organization currently issuing the certification use to determine that the physician has maintained the knowledge in the specialty they are certified in? Patients, hospitals, and credentialing organizations should be aware of what the standards and assessment processes the organization currently issuing the certification uses.
“ABPS has long supported choice and competition in board certification,” said Jeff Morris JD CEO ABPS. “NBPAS has played an important union-like role in challenging ABMS, but advocacy is not the same as independently assessing a physician’s continued specialty knowledge. Choice matters, but so do consistent standards.”
ABPS encourages policymakers and credentialing organizations to support physician choice while maintaining consistent, transparent standards that preserve the meaning and value of physician board certification. Board certification carries meaning to patients. Whether continued knowledge is measured through an examination, longitudinal assessment, or another meaningful method, there should be an independent assessment behind the certification.
About the American Board of Physician Specialties
Founded in 1952 and certifying physicians since 1960, the American Board of Physician Specialties® is a nationally recognized multispecialty physician board certification organization. Through its Member Boards, ABPS provides initial certification and recertification pathways incorporating professional eligibility standards, continuing medical education, medical ethics, and psychometrically sound examinations. ABPS is committed to physician choice, professional accountability, and the protection of public trust while meeting the needs for 21st future care through traditional specialties and emerging fields.
Monique Tapie
ABPS
+1 917-757-4866
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Media gallery
