Ensuring Quality Medical Regulation
Through Advanced Assessments
At FSMB, we are dedicated to supporting state medical boards in ensuring public safety through innovative assessment and regulatory tools. This past year, our focus has been on increasing member participation in various USMLE roles, including standard-setting and advisory panels, the USMLE Management Committee, and item-writing committees.
Promoting State Board Participation in USMLE
FSMB actively promotes state board participation in the USMLE program by hosting an annual orientation workshop. Since its inception in 2007, the workshop has provided members and staff from state medical and osteopathic boards the opportunity to learn about the USMLE program and engage directly with program staff. This past year, 11 individuals from nine state boards attended. To date, 209 individuals from 60 boards have participated.
Workshop goals:
Inform and educate the medical board/regulatory community on the USMLE program, new developments, and key issues.
Facilitate relationships between USMLE program staff and state boards to ensure that state boards have an immediate resource for any USMLE-related questions.
Share opportunities for state board members and staff to participate directly in the USMLE program.
State Board Advisory Panel
The State Board Advisory Panel to the USMLE is another vital feedback and guidance mechanism. Composed of state medical board staff and members, the panel convenes annually to discuss USMLE issues and policies that may impact state medical boards. Topics include USMLE scoring, security, exam design, and communications. The panel also provides updates on state-specific issues that may affect the USMLE program or examinees. In November 2023, members from the Alabama-Medical Licensure Commission, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan-Medical, New York-Licensure, Pennsylvania-Medical, Texas, Vermont-Medical, and West Virginia-Medical boards participated.
Active Participation in Committees
Twenty-five individuals from 18 boards participated in USMLE committees, task forces, advisory panels, and standard-setting panels in FY2024. These participants, representing boards such as Alabama-Commission, Arizona-Medical, District of Columbia, and others, assisted with setting program policy, approving exam blueprints, establishing fees, and addressing examinee misconduct. Physician board members also contributed to test item development and standard setting.
Expanding Communications and Outreach
The USMLE program has expanded its social media presence in the last year to improve communication and outreach. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn helped reach over 100,000 examinees, as well as medical educators and state medical board members. FSMB also issued quarterly updates on USMLE to state medical boards via email, enhancing educational outreach.
Enhancing the Special Purpose Examination
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), a joint initiative by FSMB and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), was updated in 2022 to enhance its relevance and effectiveness. SPEX is designed for state medical boards to assess the current medical knowledge of physicians who are several years past taking their national medical licensing exam. This updated version ensures that evaluations remain rigorous and reflective of current medical standards.
Supporting Physician Competence with the Post-Licensure Assessment System
The Post-Licensure Assessment System (PLAS), another joint program by FSMB and NBME, provides essential diagnostic tools to evaluate the ongoing competence of currently or previously licensed physicians. PLAS collaborates with assessment programs nationwide to offer standardized and personalized evaluations, ensuring that physicians maintain high standards of medical knowledge, clinical judgment, and patient management skills. FSMB continues to maintain a comprehensive Directory of Physician Assessment and Remedial Education Programs, serving as a valuable resource for physicians and state boards.
