American Board of Clinical Lipidology1

About ABCL

OUR MISSIONThe Mission of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL) is to reduce morbidity and mortality from dyslipidemia and related diseases by certifying and evaluating knowledge and training in Clinical Lipidology.

The concept of a certification program for Clinical Lipidologists was

spearheaded by the National Lipid Association (NLA) to provide an opportunity

for professional development and formal recognition of the specialized

expertise of physicians focused on lipid management. The American Board of

Clinical Lipidology (ABCL) was incorporated as an independent organization in

2003 to develop and administer the certification examination.

Although the ABCL is a self-governing and separate entity from the NLA,

the two organizations work collaboratively to ensure there are adequate

educational and professional development opportunities for Clinical

Lipidologists. These opportunities help candidates and Diplomates meet the

prerequisites of the ABCL certifying and Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

requirements.

The ABCL standards and procedures for initial certification and MOC have been

established by, and are implemented through, the ABCL Board of Directors.

Did you know? Since 2005, over 700 physicians have become Diplomates of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology.

American Board of Clinical Lipidology incorporated as an independent organization

First certification exam offered by the ABCL

First physicians recognized as ABCL Diplomates

500th physician recognized as ABCL Diplomate

Adoption of MOC requirements by the ABCL Board of Directors

Diplomates notified of MOC requirements

MOC recertification exam available to ABCL Diplomates

First cohort of ABCL Diplomates complete MOC requirements

ABCL obtains recognition as a subspecialty of the American Board of Internal Medicine

ABCL TIMELINE

2003

2005

2005

2011

2012

2015

2016

2017

FUTU

RE

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is defined by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as: “A system of ongoing

professional development, practice assessment, and improvement. It challenges physicians to focus on the continuous

development of their skill set, especially those skills that enable

them to function effectively in interprofessional teams, integrated

systems of care, and community settings.” The ABMS is comprised

of 24 constituent boards, including the American Board of Internal

Medicine (ABIM), that oversee physician certification in the United

States. The ABMS Program for MOC focuses on key physician

skills and knowledge critical for improving health care. The ABMS

standards provide a framework for certifying boards to use in

developing their own MOC programs. Board certification is the beginning of a physician’s personal commitment to providing

quality patient care. Both board certification and MOC are indicators that physicians know today’s standards of practice.

The ABCL is committed to establishing and maintaining a rigorous and clinically valid

certification process to assure clinical competency by physicians in the field of

Clinical Lipidology. Of even greater importance, the certification process helps

achieve good patient outcomes by promoting a standard of excellence in

clinical care. The ABCL Board of Directors has carefully and intentionally

designed an MOC program that offers flexibility and accommodation for

diplomates, while staying true to the six core competencies of MOC set

forth by the ABMS: professionalism, interpersonal skills, communication skills,

procedural skills, system-based practice, and patient care.

As with the MOC process established by the ABMS constituent boards, the ABCL’s MOC Program encourages, measures, and

recognizes the essential task of maintenance of competency through lifelong learning. In efforts to achieve the mission of the ABCL

and promote the interests of Diplomates and their patients, the ABCL is pursuing formal recognition of Clinical Lipidology as a

subspecialty by the ABIM in the near future. To remain certified with the ABCL, all Diplomates must comply with MOC requirements

detailed in this MOC Program Guide.

2Maintenance of Certification Program

About MOC

The ABCL utilizes email communications to ensure timely and efficient dissemination of information regarding your certification. It is the responsibility of each Diplomate to provide the ABCL with an active and valid email address. To ensure you receive important messages from the ABCL, please notify us of any changes to your contact information and make sure the ABCL is placed on your safe senders list.

Notifications

What is Maintenance of Certification?

Patient Care Professonalism

Six CoreCompetencies

of MOCProcedural Skills

CommunicationSkills

InterpersonalSkills

System-BasedPractice

MOC Process

American Board of Clinical Lipidology3

Committed to your success. The ABCL is committed to continuous lifelong learning.

The ABCL MOC program is an ongoing educational

process made up of four parts: Part I – Licensure and

Professionalism, Part II – Lifelong Learning and Self-

Assessment, Part III – Practice Performance Assessment,

and Part IV – Cognitive Expertise.

Part I – Licensure and ProfessionalismDiplomates must possess a valid medical license to

practice in the United States or Canada. Licensure must

be unrestricted and active throughout the entire 10

years in which MOC is being completed.

Part II – Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Diplomates are required to participate in lipid-focused continuing

medical education to maintain their certification. Continuing

medical education programs must be completed during the 10

years between initial certification and recertification. Diplomates

are also encouraged to complete lipid-focused self-assessment

programs. Self-assessment programs must be completed in the

last three years prior to recertification.

Part III – Practice Performance AssessmentDiplomates have the option of participating in approved practice

performance activities to meet recertification requirements.

Participation in this section of MOC is optional for Diplomates.

Part IV – Cognitive ExpertiseDuring the 9th year of certification, Diplomates must submit a MOC recertification application and appropriate forms to

the ABCL office. Once their application has been approved, Diplomates will receive an email confirmation to register for

the recertification exam. The recertification exam is administered online through the Kryterion testing network and is not

proctored. This means you can take the recertification exam from your home, office, or anywhere that is convenient for you.

Delivery of the MOC recertification exam will begin Summer 2016.

Diplomates must complete an

online, un-proctored recertification

exam every 10 years.

MOC Process

4Maintenance of Certification Program

THE MOCPROCESS

Diplomates are required to demonstrate evidence of active

licensure to practice medicine in appropriate jurisdictions and

be board certified in a primary or subspecialty board.

Part I – Licensure and Professionalism

Part III – Practice Performance Assessment (Optional)

Diplomates may complete practice performance

activities to meet recertification requirements.

Part II – Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment

Diplomates must complete

lipid-focused continuing

medical education activities,

self-assesment programs,

academic work, or publications.

Part IV – CognitiveExpertise

Maximum Points Description of Activities

Part I Licensure andProfessionalism

100

LICENSURE- 50 points (required)Demonstrate evidence of active licensure to practice medicine in all jurisdictions in which the Diplomate practices

CERTIFICATION- 50 pointsBoard certification in a primary board ORSubspecialty board: Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Cardiology; Nephrology; or other relevant field

Part II Self-Assessment and Lifelong Learning

150

SELF-ASSESSMENT- 2 points per credit hour Complete a lipidology-related self-assessment program (SAP) of at least 100 items with at least 50 items in knowledge assessment and 50 items in clinical vignettes in the last 3 years prior to recertification AND/ORLIFE-LONG LEARNING- 2 points per credit hourComplete AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits in lipidology or relevant topics (preventive cardiology, coronary, carotid or peripheral artery disease, vascular medicine; endocrine-related dyslipidemias or hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism; chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome; acute pancreatitis, etc.)AND/ORACADEMIC WORK- 50 pointsAcademic practice and/or relevant faculty appointment at an ACGME recognized institutionAuthorship on scholarly publications relevant to Clinical Lipidology 5 points/minor publication and/or 10 points/major publication

Part III Practice Performance Assessment(Optional)

50

Practice Performance Activity- Up to 50 points per activityComplete and report at least one Practice/Performance Improvement (PI) activityORInterpersonal and Communication Skills improvement (ICS activity) ORSystems-based Practice Improvement (SBPI) activity

Part IVCognitive Expertise Complete recertification exam every 10 years

MOC Point RequirementsDiplomates participating in MOC must accumulate at least 250 points, as described below, during the 10 years between initial certification and recertification.

*Note: Documentation of activities to fulfill the requirements above will be accepted at the discretion of the ABCL MOC Committee.

Did you know? Meeting the points requirement for MOC Part II can be as simple as earning 15 lipid focused CME credits each year! For a list of suggested courses, visit: www.lipidboard.org.

American Board of Clinical Lipidology5

Maximum Points Description of Activities

Part ILicensure andProfessionalism

100

LICENSURE- 50 points (required)Demonstrate evidence of active licensure to practice medicine in all jurisdictions in which the Diplomate practices

CERTIFICATION- 50 pointsBoard certification in a primary board ORSubspecialty board: Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Cardiology; Nephrology; or other relevant field

Part IISelf-Assessment and Lifelong Learning

150

SELF-ASSESSMENT- 1 point per credit hour Complete a lipidology-related self-assessment program (SAP) of at least 100 items with at least 50 items in knowledge assessment and 50 items in clinical vignettes in the last 3 years prior to recertification AND/ORLIFE-LONG LEARNING- 1 point per credit hourComplete AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits in lipidology or relevant topics (preventive cardiology, coronary, carotid or peripheral artery disease, vascular medicine; endocrine-related dyslipidemias or hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism; chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome; acute pancreatitis, etc.)AND/ORACADEMIC WORK- 50 pointsAcademic practice and/or relevant faculty appointment at an ACGME recognized institutionAuthorship on scholarly publications relevant to Clinical Lipidology5 points/minor publication and/or 10 points/major publication

Part III Practice Performance Assessment(Optional)

50

Practice Performance Activity- Up to 50 points per activityComplete and report at least one Practice/Performance Improvement (PI) activityORInterpersonal and Communication Skills improvement (ICS activity) ORSystems-based Practice Improvement (SBPI) activity

Part IVCognitive Expertise Complete recertification exam every 10 years

MOC Deadlines and Fees

6Maintenance of Certification Program

All ABCL Diplomates are assigned a MOC cohort based on their initial

certification date. Diplomates will be required to complete Parts I, II, and IV

during each 10-year MOC cycle to maintain certification. Diplomates initially

certified during a Spring Testing Window will be considered Cohort 1,

Summer Testing Window - Cohort 2, and Fall Testing Window - Cohort 3 for

their respective recertification year.

The deadline for diplomates to apply for recertification, including

submission of fee and application, and to complete the MOC

recertification exam are outlined below. The application and exam completion deadline dates remain the same each year. The

ABCL office will begin accepting applications from a cohort up to one year prior to the exam completion deadline for the cohort.

All applications must be received by the application deadlines noted below.

Initial Exam Testing Window MOC Cohort Application Deadline Exam Completion Deadline

Spring Window Cohort 1 December 31 May 31

Summer Window Cohort 2 May 31 August 31

Fall Window Cohort 3 August 31 December 31

Example: If you initially certified during the Summer Testing Window of 2012, you are eligible to submit your MOC application

beginning August 31, 2021. Your application deadline is May 31, 2022. Upon approval of your application, you will be notified via

email to register for your exam. Your exam must be completed by August 31, 2022.

Maintenance of Certification Fee ~ $600The MOC fee enables the ABCL to provide a high-quality MOC program to Diplomates. This fee includes: application processing,

license verification, points requirement verification, examination, and certificate printing and mailing.

A $600 recertification fee is required when

submitting your application for maintenance

of certification. This fee can be paid via credit

card or check. Please make checks payable to

“The American Board of Clinical Lipidology.”

Payment Information

Cohorts

Unsure which cohort you are in? Contact the ABCL office at: MOC@lipidboard.org or 904-674-0752.

For your convenience, utilize the form below to track your specific deadlines, requirements, and keep record of your MOC

progress.

1. Determine the MOC completion deadline for your MOC cohort based on your initial certification date.

Initial Exam Testing Window: ___________________

My MOC Cohort: ________________________

MY MOC Application Deadline: _________________

My MOC Exam Deadline: ____________________

If eligible, do you plan to participate in Alternate MOC Pathway 2?

(See the bottom of this page for more information regarding eligibility.)

Yes No Ineligible

2. Gather required documents to complete MOC application.

(If applying online please upload as PDF documents with your application.)

Current Curriculum Vitae

Proof of State Licensure with expiration date

Primary or Subspecialty Board certificate(s)

CME Certificates for Self-Assessment Program and/or Lifelong Learning activities related to lipidology

Proof of relevant academic practice or faculty appointment, if applicable

Documentation of clinical research and/or scholarly publications, if applicable

3. Complete paper or online application form including payment information.

4. Register and schedule your recertification exam.

Once your application for MOC has been processed and approved, you will be notified via email of your eligibility.

Your notification will include details regarding the recertification exam.

Next Steps

American Board of Clinical Lipidology7

Grandfathered Certification – open only to Diplomates certified prior to January 1, 2015.Application Deadline: August 31, 2017Complete Exam by: December 31, 2017

Diplomates certified between 2005 and 2014 have the option to enroll in an Alternate MOC Pathway 2. Upon completion of the Althernate Pathway, Diplomates will receive Grandfathered status. Grandfathered Diplomates will still be required to participate in MOC Parts I and II during each 10-year cycle in order to maintain certification. However, they will not be required to complete MOC Parts III or IV after the initial recertification required by December 31, 2017. Grandfathered Diplomates also pay a discounted MOC fee of $200 at each successive 10-year anniversary of recertification.

Note: Alternate Pathway 2 is available through December 2017 after which all Diplomates will default to Pathway 1.

Alternate MOC Pathway 2

MOC Application

8Maintenance of Certification Program

Initial Certification Date: ___________________ MOC Cohort:___________________

Pathway 1: _____ Pathway 2:______ (Pathway 2 open only to diplomates certified prior to January 1, 2015.)

First Name MI Last Name Degree(s)

Date of Birth MM/DD/YYYY Male Female

Organization

Office Address

City State Zip

Office Phone Office Fax

E-Mail

Home Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone

SEND MAIL TO: OFFICE HOME YEARS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE:

TYPE OF PRACTICE: Hospital Private Practice Group Practice Lipid Clinic Education Facility

Other (Specify)

CERTIFICATE NAME/CREDENTIALS Please print below exactly your name as you would like it printed on your updated certificate.

First Name MI Last Name Degree(s)

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONSIf you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please check the box and a member of our staff will contact you to make appropriate accommodations for your exam. The information you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your need for accommodations during testing will be treated with strict confidentiality.

MOC Application

American Board of Clinical Lipidology9

Diplomates must obtain 250 points from the criteria chart below.

Criteria Points Documentation Provided

Part I – Licensure and ProfessonalismActive Licensure to practice medicine in all jurisdictions in which you practice.Documentation: Please attach a copy of your current medical license.Certification in a primary or subspecialty board. Documentation: Copy of certificate from Board(s).

50 Points

50 Points

Part II – Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment ProgramLipidology-related self-assessment program completed during the last 3 years. Documentation: Copies of CME certificates from self-assessment program.

Lipid focused continuing medical education credit completed during the last 10 years.Documentation: Copies of CME certificates from activities.

Academic practice and/or relevant faculty appointment at an ACGME recognized institution.Documentation: Letter from Department Chair or Division Chief at an ACGME recognized academic institution(s) confirming appointment(s) and explaining relevance to lipid management.

Clinical research and/or scholarly publications in the management of lipid disorders.Documentation: Highlight all relevant scholarly, peer-reviewed publications on your CV.

2 points per Credit hour, up to 150 points

Up to 50 points

Up to 50 points

Part III – Practice Performance Assessment OptionalComplete and report at least one Practice/Performance Improvement (PI) activity. orInterpersonal and Communication Skills improvement (ICS) activity.orSystems-based Practice Improvement (SBPI) activity.

Up to 50 points

PAYMENT INFORMATIONMaintenance of Certification Fee — $600

Check/Money order (US funds) Check #

I authorize the American Board of Clinical Lipidology to charge this fee to my credit card listed below.

Visa MasterCard American Express

Card Number Expiration Date

Name as it appears on card: Signature

VERIFICATION OF INFORMATIONI hereby certify that the information furnished is true and correct and that the ABCL is authorized to investigate and verify any representation made on this application. I agree to have my name and contact information published on the ABCL website, www.lipidboard.org, if I successfully fullfill the requirements of the ABCL MOC Program.

Signature Date

Diplomate Case Study

10Maintenance of Certification Program

American Board of Clinical Lipidology Diplomate Case Study*

Jack Shepard, MD

Diplomate, American Board of Clinical Lipidology

Director, Greater Atlanta Lipid Center

Atlanta, GA

Dr. Jack Shepard runs a lipid clinic in Atlanta, GA. He has been Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)

since 2008. Dr. Shepard became interested in Lipidology after attending a symposium in 2009. He decided to pursue an additional

fellowship and focus his study on Lipidology. His program director encouraged him to join the National Lipid Association (NLA)

to take advantage of opportunities for young professionals. He attended several conferences between 2009 and 2011. He also

participated in continuing medical education (CME) focused on lipids and completed the NLA’s self-assessment program.

Dr. Shepard applied to the ABCL for initial certification in 2012.

He passed the ABCL exam and achieved Diplomate status

during the testing window in the Spring. His initial certification

date was April 28, 2012.

Since becoming a Diplomate of the ABCL, Dr. Shepard has

moved into private practice and started the Greater Atlanta

Lipid Center. Dr. Shepard currently attends at least one conference held each year by the NLA to keep current on topics related to

Lipidology and earn CME credits. Although Dr. Shepard is not required to fulfill ABCL MOC requirements until Spring 2022, he plans

to meet all MOC requirements by staying current with his medical license and his Board certification through ABIM. Dr. Shepard

also plans to earn at least 15 lipid-focused CME credits each year ensuring that he is adequately prepared for his ABCL MOC

deadline in 2022. To prepare for his recertification exam in 2022, Dr. Shepard will participate in the NLA’s Self-Assessment Program

in 2020.

Dr. Shepard’s scenario is similar to many of the over 700 physicians who have become Diplomates of the ABCL. Through active

participation in CME activities, he demonstrates his commitment to providing quality patient care and remaining current in today’s

standards of practice.

*Disclaimer: This Case Study is a fictitious scenario created to serve as an illustrative example of the MOC process. This example can be used to aid ABCL Diplomates in successfully participating in the ABCL MOC process. For more information about the MOC process, contact the ABCL office at MOC@lipidboard.org or (904) 674-0752.

“Participating in MOC is a rewarding experience and ensures I remain current in LIPIDOLOGY. By earning at least 15 CME credits each year, maintaining my license, and maintaining

certification with the ABIM, I will have satisfied all of the MOC requirements by my MOC completion deadline in 2022.”

— Jack Shepard, MD

American Board of Clinical Lipidology6816 Southpoint Pkwy Suite 1000

Jacksonville, FL 32216Ph: 904-674-0752

Email: MOC@lipidboard.org

For more information: www.lipidboard.org/mocUpdated January 2017