Revised 12/2020
The Board is committed to supporting diplomates in meeting Continuing Certification requirements. The Board recognizes that some Board Certified physicians leave the practice of ophthalmology, and in some cases, these diplomates wish to retain, and are eligible to retain, their Board Certification.
Diplomates who have become clinically inactive and are therefore unable to complete the Improvement in Medical Practice requirement may continue to remain certified by paying the annual fee and completing all other components of Continuing Certification, including Medical Licensure, Continuing Medical Education, Patient Safety, and Quarterly Questions prior to the expiration of their current certificate. Diplomates who are approved for this designation will become “Board Certified—Clinically Inactive.” This designation will be printed on the diplomate’s certificate, reported to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and be publicly reported on the ABO website.
The Board defines Clinically Inactive Status as having insufficient patient contact to be able to complete the Improvement in Medical Practice requirement of Continuing Certification. Clinically Inactive Status is available to diplomates who wish to maintain Board Certification, but do not intend to practice clinical ophthalmology in any manner. Clinically Inactive Status is not available to diplomates who voluntarily or involuntarily suspend their clinical practice with the intention to return to clinical practice at a later date.
Clinically Inactive Status is designed to support diplomates who are:
- Prevented from clinical practice due to permanent illness or injury
- Employed in academic, administrative, research, or other non-clinical capacities
Diplomates who wish to apply for Clinically Inactive Status must complete the Clinically Inactive Status Request Form. Requests must include the reason for clinical inactivity, an attestation to Clinically Inactive Status, and a statement indicating the desire to continue to maintain Board Certification. Requests will be evaluated by the Board and determinations made on an individual basis. It is the responsibility of the diplomate to provide sufficient information for a determination to be made. The diplomate will be apprised of the outcome of the review.
Clinically Inactive Status does not apply to diplomates who practice ophthalmology but are unable to complete the Improvement in Medical Practice requirement of Continuing Certification for reasons including, but not limited to, leaves of absence, or temporary interruptions in practice due to illness or disability. Diplomates who practice ophthalmology, but are unable to complete the Improvement in Medical Practice requirement of Continuing Certification, should contact the Board for guidance as soon as they become aware of the possibility of their inability to complete the Improvement in Medical Practice requirement within the timeframe established by the Board.
Clinically Inactive Status is determined by the Board on a case‐by‐case basis. Prior to considering each situation, the Board will assist diplomates in completing the Improvement in Medical Practice component within the required timeframe. In the event that a diplomate designated Board Certified—Clinically Inactive returns to clinical practice in any capacity, the diplomate must immediately report this to the Board in writing. Requests to modify a diplomate’s Clinically Inactive Status will be evaluated by the Board and determinations made on an individual basis. The diplomate will be apprised of the outcome of the review.
