Update on End-of-Life CME Requirement

Physicians must take two of their required 40 Category 1 CME credits on the topic of end-of-life during each biennial renewal period. MSNJ met with the Board of Medical Examiners this week to discuss the requirement and the process for waivers. The BME expressed its support for the end-of-life training requirement and urged that all physicians take courses on end-of-life. The BME will consider a wide range of topics on end-of-life to meet the new requirement; it has not endorsed specific courses. The BME will not designate certain specialties as exempt from the requirement as the statute requiring end-of-life CME does not support categorical exemptions. However, the BME will accept waiver applications from groups so long as all the members of the group seeking the exemption sign the application.

There is no specific form for the waiver from this or any other exemption or extension of time from CME training requirements. Instead, physicians must send a letter to the BME explaining in detail the reasons that the training has little applicability to his/her practice and that they believe they should be exempt from the training requirement. The BME cautioned that waivers are not freely granted and that historically it has granted extensions of time for CME training, rather than exemptions. Waiver applications must be received by April 30, 2015. MSNJ will update its FAQ on the CME requirement and waiver process.

MSNJ has made arrangements with an on-line resource -  Education in Palliative and End-of-life Care to satisfy the 2 credit end-of-life training requirement via long distance learning - and at a 15% discount to members. Medical Society members, please click here to obtain the promo code.

The following modules are thought to meet the requirements. Each module is designated for 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ (cost to Medical Society members about $25.50 per credit)

• Gaps and Elements of Care
• Legal Issues
• Whole Patient Assessment
• Physician Assisted Suicide
• Last Hours of Living
• Withholding/Withdrawing Treatment
• Medical Futility

Choose two that meet your needs!

Prescription Blank Deadline Extended

MSNJ asked the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) for leniency for practices unable to obtain the new prescription blanks by the August 18 deadline, due to vendor back-orders. In response to our request and that of several other groups, the DCA decided to extend the deadline to September 19, 2014 and allow physicians to use the old and/or new prescription blanks from August 19 through September 19. Only the new prescription blanks may be used effective September 20. Physicians, who have not placed orders for the new blanks, are urged to contact an approved vendors and order immediately. Once you begin using your new prescription blanks, it is important that you destroy your old ones in accordance with DCA guidelines. Please be sure to notify the NJ Drug Control Unit that you have destroyed your old prescription blanks by completing a certificate of destruction .  There is no formal deadline for the submission of the Certification of Destruction form, however, it should be done within a timely manner after the blanks are destroyed.

Discount for Medical Society Members