After consideration of a comprehensive proposal prepared by ABEM diplomates in conjunction with the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, a board that is not a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), ABEM joined nine other ABMS member boards in sponsoring the newly-approved subspecialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM). At its September 19, 2006, meeting, ABMS approved the application for this subspecialty.
Ten ABMS member boards, including ABEM, are co-sponsoring subspecialty certification in HPM: American Board of Internal Medicine, the lead and administrative board; American Board of Anesthesiology, ABEM, American Board of Family Medicine, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Board of Pediatrics, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, American Board of Radiology, and American Board of Surgery.
The general HPM eligibility criteria include the following:
-Be a diplomate in good standing of ABEM
-Fulfill the ABEM Policy on Medical Licensure
-ABEM must be able to verify a physician's clinical competence in HPM
