Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934

Hospice and Palliative Medicine

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology has transitioned from a co-sponsoring board to a qualifying board for Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) and the ABPN will no longer offer HPM as a subspecialty certification. We were joined in this action by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), the American Board of Radiology (ABR), and the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

Beginning in 2022, ABPN diplomates wishing to pursue certification, are currently certified, or have been certified in the past, in the subspecialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) will now pursue/maintain their certification through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved ABPN to discontinue their co-sponsoring status for HPM. This means that HPM certificates issued by ABPN will be transitioned to ABIM for continuing certification and ABPN diplomates wishing to become certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine will do so through the ABIM. Maintaining HPM certification through ABIM will enhance the HPM continuing certification process and assist in maintaining a high level of knowledge, judgement, and skills in HPM.

All HPM Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) continuing certification standards and activities were moved from ABPN to ABIM. Beginning January 2022, HPM certification will be maintained through ABIM’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.

To maintain other ABPN certification(s), diplomates must continue to participate in the ABPN’s Continuing Certification program. However, ABIM does have a reciprocity policy to help streamline requirements.

If a diplomate chooses not to maintain their HPM certification there is an option to deselect the certification in the ABIM portal.

For additional information on certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, please contact the ABIM Customer Relationship Advocates at request@abim.org or 1-800-441-ABIM (2246).

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.

7 Parkway North, Deerfield, IL 60015

Phone 847.229.6500

Fax 847.229.6600