Skip to content

ABIM Statement Regarding Dismissal of Antitrust Lawsuit

September 27, 2019  |  Posted by ABIM  |  Announcements, MOC, News

The following statement is attributed to Richard J. Baron, MD, president and CEO of the American Board of Internal Medicine:

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – September 26, 2019 – “ABIM is pleased that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania dismissed in its entirety a lawsuit that alleged physicians were harmed by the requirements for maintaining ABIM board certification.”

As stated in an opinion issued by the Honorable Robert F. Kelly:

“We disagree with the Plaintiffs and find that ABIM’s initial certification and MOC products are part of a single product and do not occupy distinct markets. Not only are we unconvinced by Plaintiffs arguments, we find that Plaintiffs’ entire framing of the ABIM certification to be flawed.”

The Court upheld ABIM’s position that the plaintiffs’ complaint failed to set forth a claim as a matter of law. In its motion to dismiss ABIM vigorously defended itself against allegations of antitrust and RICO violations.

To view a copy of the Court’s decision dismissing the claims against ABIM, click here.

###

ABIM Board Certified Doctors Make a Difference
Internists and subspecialists who earn and maintain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) differentiate themselves every day through their specialized knowledge and commitment to continual learning in service of their patients. Established as an independent nonprofit more than 80 years ago, ABIM continues to be driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world. Visit ABIM’s blog to learn more and follow ABIM on Facebook and Twitter. ABIM is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.