Florida Approves Waivers Expanding Physician Board Certification Options

Florida is moving toward broader recognition of physician board certification pathways following action by the state’s medical regulatory boards.

On August 7th, the Florida Board of Medicine approved a waiver sought by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS), allowing physicians who meet NBPAS certification requirements to represent themselves as “board certified” in Florida under the state’s physician advertising rules.

The Board of Osteopathic Medicine has also approved a similar waiver for osteopathic physicians. Final orders will be prepared by the respective boards to formally implement the waivers.

The decisions represent an important development in Florida’s ongoing discussion over physician board certification and maintenance of certification (MOC), providing physicians with greater flexibility in how they maintain and demonstrate specialty credentials.

NBPAS was established as an alternative certification pathway for physicians who have previously completed initial specialty certification through an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board. NBPAS argued that physicians who had already completed the required specialty examination had demonstrated competency and should not face additional barriers simply because they chose not to continue with an ABMS maintenance-of-certification program.

The waiver also addresses concerns raised by physicians regarding the cost, time and administrative burden associated with ongoing MOC requirements.

The Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology supports the waiver, recognizing the importance of physician choice and flexibility while maintaining appropriate standards for specialty certification.

Once the final orders are issued, qualifying NBPAS-certified physicians will be permitted to represent themselves as board certified in Florida under the state’s advertising rules.

The waiver does not, however, require hospitals, health systems, insurers or other credentialing organizations to accept NBPAS certification. Physicians should continue to verify the certification requirements applicable to their employment, medical staff privileges, payer participation and other professional credentials.

The Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology will continue to monitor implementation of the waivers and any additional developments affecting physician certification and credentialing in Florida.