Appeals Process for Suspended or Revoked Certificates

Should a certificate be revoked or suspended, the ABAI affords the Diplomate an appeals process for review of that decision. The individual will be asked to state in writing, with appropriate supporting documentation, why his/her Diplomate status should be preserved. In addition, the individual may request the opportunity to appear personally or by counsel before the Conjoint Credentials Committee (CCC).

From the time of the individual's personal appearance or from receipt of the individual's written appeal, the CCC has 30 days to sustain or uphold its determination of revocation or suspension of the Diplomate's certificate. The Board will notify the individual of the CCC decision, the basis therefore, and his/her right to appeal the CCC decision to the ABAI Board of Directors within 30 days. If the individual appeals the CCC decision to the Board within the time specified, the Board will review the information considered by the CCC.

The Board will consider only information submitted to the CCC. If the Board disagrees with the decision, it may reverse the CCC decision or remand the matter to CCC for further consideration. The Board will inform the Diplomate and the CCC in writing of its decision. The Board decision will be final, except in the case of a remand, in which case, the CCC decision on remand will be final.

Reinstatement of Certificate

In the event that a Diplomate fails to recertify and their certificate is suspended, written documentation must be provided to the ABAI to verify that all Recertification/MOC© requirements have been satisfied.

To be reconsidered for reinstatement of certification due to action taken against a medical license, the Diplomate must provide written documentation to the ABAI that the license has been restored without restrictions.