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We, the members of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association, are committed to the provision of the highest-quality evidence-based psychiatric care possible and to the continuation of lifelong learning and advancement in the scientific practice of psychiatry. To this end, we support rational and reasonable efforts to assist and promote our members' maintenance of clinical competence. However, just as our medical practice must be founded upon sound, evidence-based principles, so too interventions to assist our members in the maintenance of clinical competency must be designed upon sound, evidence-based, facts. Therefore, we, the members of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association, oppose the current plans of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to change the recertification process.

We specifically oppose the following:

• Any linkage between board recertification and state licensure.

• Any requirement to utilize patient ratings or feedback in the recertification process

• Any requirement to utilize peer ratings or feedback in the recertification process.

• Any change that would add significant complexity or costs to the recertification process.

We specifically support the following:

• Changes that streamline the recertification process and reduce costs without reducing the current level of clinical rigor.

If the ABPN continues its pursuit of such an onerous and unreasonable recertification process, we call on APA to form a corporation to provide alternative board certification in psychiatry.