Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Resources and FAQs

Frequently asked questions

• How does the MOC Portfolio Program benefit physicians?

  The Children’s Health℠ Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Portfolio Program assists physicians with earning MOC credit for initiatives they are already working on. The MOC Program is a resource to physicians while developing projects and can submit projects and participation to ABMS boards on behalf of the physician.

• Is there a fee to apply for MOC credit?

  No, the Children’s Heath℠ MOC Program does not charge a fee to submit project applications or participation through our Portfolio for Part 4 credit. Individual Boards may have fees associated with MOC Parts.

• What if my project is still in the planning phase?

  The Children’s Heath℠ MOC Program only accepts submission of applications for projects that are ongoing or completed. The MOC Program can advise physicians during the planning of a project to ensure it will meet appropriate standards and guidelines for quality initiatives and meaningful participation for future submission. The project can then be submitted to the Committee for approval once baseline data is available.

• How will I know if my application is approved?

  The MOC Program Manager will provide feedback to physicians after Committee review, and once Approved, an email will be sent to the Project Lead with information on submitting participation for the project.

• Do I need to provide information after my project is approved?

  Project Leads should submit data and reports supporting the projects efforts to meet the target rate(s) at regular intervals and upon completion of the project. Project Leads will also review, approve and submit participation forms for other physicians participating in their project.

• How long do I need to keep documentation and data from my project?

  Project Leads should maintain documentation for at least 6 years. Documentation can also be provided to the MOC Portfolio Program for permanent retention electronically.

• What if there are no current projects that meet my practice’s needs?

  Physicians who have identified a gap in patient care impacting quality that are not currently being met by one of our Active projects are encouraged to develop a project that meets their practice’s needs. The MOC Program can advise physicians during the planning of a project to ensure it will meet appropriate standards and guidelines for quality initiatives and meaningful participation for future submission. The project can then be submitted to the Committee for approval once baseline data is available.

• Does a Project Lead automatically receive credit for a project?

  Project Leads will need to complete a participation form for credit. The form will be reviewed and signed by the MOC Committee Chair.

• How will the Board know I have earned credit?

  Once a participation form is received, the MOC Program will submit credit in the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Multispecialty Portfolio Program and notify the physician of submission via email. Physicians should expect to see credit issued to their Board profile within 30 days.

• I’m involve in a regional or national QI project. Can I still get credit?

  Physicians should contact their Project Lead to determine if the project has been submitted for participation under an ABMS Multispecialty Portfolio Program’s Sponsors. The Sponsor can submit participation according to their procedures. If the project is not currently sponsored, the Children’s Heath℠ MOC Portfolio Program can work with the Project Lead on submission and approval, so that participation can subsequently be submitted.

• Can I get MOC Part 2 credit with my Children’s Health CME?

  Children’s Heath℠ CME activities are not currently registered as part of the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory. Physicians may still receive credit for the CME activities based on individual Board requirements but would need to submit CME credit directly to the Board.