NYSSPS is committed to ensuring patients have the best care possible, and we believe that, across the practice of medicine, such a commitment requires physicians to: (1) stay abreast of the latest clinical research and standards of care; (2) demonstrate their mastery of the latest knowledge through objective and reliable assessment methods; and (3) integrate this knowledge into their practice.

We believe that American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) boards, and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) specifically, are critical to our members meeting these commitments.

When patients seek medical care, the knowledge their physician is board certified, and maintains this certification, assures them they are engaging a physician with significant direct training and validated skill in the specialty certification advertised. Board Certification, and the maintenance of this certification, is a valuable tool in the ongoing effort to maximize patient safety.

As a result, it is crucial the quality associated with the term “board certified” is protected and the rights of hospitals and insurance carriers to include these standards for credentialing and privileging practices be retained.

Call to Action

Oppose S7357A (DeFrancisco) / A4914B (Schimminger) - If enacted, this bill takes decisions that should be in the hands of doctors and experts on credentialing and privileging committees and places them in the hands of policymakers. Board certification is unquestionably an appropriate criterion to consider in licensure and for credentialing a physician to a hospital staff or an insurance network, and legislative efforts to undermine its relevance are unwise.

Contact your representatives today and urge them to vote NO!