OAR 847-020-0183: Re-Entry to Practice — SPEX or COMVEX Examination, Re-Entry Plan

If an applicant has ceased the practice of medicine for a period of 12 or more consecutive months immediately preceding the application for licensure or reactivation, the applicant may be required to demonstrate clinical competency. (1) The applicant who has ceased the practice of medicine for a period of 12 or more consecutive months may be required to pass the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Variable-Purpose Examination (COMVEX). This requirement may be waived if the applicant has done one or more of the following: (a) The applicant has received a current appointment as Professor or Associate Professor at the Oregon Health and Science University or the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific; (b) The applicant can demonstrate ongoing participation in maintenance of certification with a specialty board as defined in 847-020-0100; or (c) Subsequent to ceasing practice, the applicant has: (A) Completed one year of an accredited residency, or (B) Completed one year of an accredited or Board-approved clinical fellowship, or (C) Been certified or recertified by a specialty board as defined in 847-020-0100, or (D) Obtained continuing medical education to the Board’s satisfaction. (2) The applicant who has ceased the practice of medicine for a period of 24 or more consecutive months may be required to complete a re-entry plan to the satisfaction of the Board. The re-entry plan must be reviewed and approved through a Consent Agreement for Re-entry to Practice prior to the applicant beginning the re-entry plan. Depending on the amount of time out-of-practice, the applicant may be required to do one or more of the following: (a) Pass the SPEX/COMVEX examination; (b) Practice for a specified period of time under a mentor/supervising physician who will provide periodic reports to the Board; (c) Obtain certification or re-certification, or participate in maintenance of certification, with a specialty board as defined in 847-020-0100; (d) Complete a re-entry program as determined appropriate by the Board; (e) Complete one year of accredited postgraduate or clinical fellowship training, which must be pre-approved by the Board’s Medical Director; (f) Complete at least 50 hours of Board-approved continuing medical education each year for the past three years. (3) The applicant who fails the SPEX or COMVEX examination three times, whether in Oregon or other states, must successfully complete one year of an accredited residency or an accredited or Board-approved clinical fellowship before retaking the SPEX or COMVEX examination. (4) The applicant may be granted a Limited License, SPEX/COMVEX according to 847-010-0064. (5) All of the rules, regulations and statutory requirements pertaining to the medical school graduate remain in full effect.