Do you or does your physician use the term “board certified”? If so, there is a new rule from the Texas Medical Board regarding use of the term for advertising purposes.

The rule states that the physician is authorized to utilize “board certified”  in advertising if “the specialty board that conferred the certification and the certifying organization is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties, or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, or is the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.”1  What about certifications from other organizations? TMB says they physician may advertise as long as the organization meets specific TMB advertising requirement rules.

One of the most important changes is that “these rules also expressly prohibit use of the term “board eligible” or “board qualified” in physician advertising . The board has determined that these terms are misleading and cause confusion about a physician’s board certification status.”1 

For a solo physician that is “board eligible,” just leave that out of advertising.  For larger groups wanting to emphasize that all members are “board certified” or “board eligible,” perhaps consider more clear terms such as “in the examination process.”  Or, just steer clear of it altogether.

1: Texas Medical Liability Trust “The REPORTER” 2011 Volume 1

Tags: advertising, board certification, New TMB rules