ACG Governor for Michigan
ACG has partnered with the Michigan State Medical Society to advocate for two bills currently before the state legislature. These bills would prevent hospitals and insurers from requiring MOC as a condition for licensure, hospital privileges, and payment. These bills do not prevent physicians from participating in MOC to help meet required continuing education hours, should they choose to do so. ACG urges its Michigan members to get involved by following these easy steps:
- Sign the online petition
- Contact your State Senator and urge them to support these bills
- Contact your State Representative and urge them to support these bills
Background Info:
House Bill 5090/Senate Bill 609 would clarify that a physician does not need to maintain a national or regional certification before receiving a Michigan license or admitting privileges in a hospital.
House Bill 5091/Senate Bill 608 would provide that an insurance company or health maintenance organization (HMO) may not require a physician to maintain a national or regional certification before paying or reimbursing a claim.
The Bills’ Sponsors:
State Representative Ed Canfield, DO (R-84): represents Huron and Tuscola counties
State Senator Peter MacGregor (R-28): represents Cedar Springs, Grandville, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming City, and the townships of Algoma, Alpine, Byron, Cannon, Courtland, Grattan, Nelson, Oakfield, Plainfield, Solon, Sparta, Spencer, Tyrone, and Vergennes in Kent County.
ACG’s Credo:
ACG supports the principles of lifelong learning as evidenced by ongoing CME activities, rather than lifelong testing. We must do away with unnecessary and excessive lifelong testing requirements.
The ACG Board of Governors is committed to change at the state level as well, advocating on your behalf through efforts including updating members on recent changes in legislation involving MOC in North Carolina and Oklahoma. Fortunately, the unique function and structure of the ACG Board of Governors is a natural fit for these issues, allowing the College to be actively engaged at the state level. Contact your ACG Governor to help get your state involved.
James M. Scheiman, MD, FACG
ACG Governor for Michigan