As physicians retire from active practice, to remain able to prescribe medications they must maintain full licensure to practice in Wisconsin. Wis. Stat. 146.89 Volunteer Health Care Provider Program: volunteer provider must submit a joint application with a non-profit agency, school board or governing body, and are approved for one year; to renew approval, volunteer will resubmit a joint renewal application with the above agency. Once a volunteer is approved, he or she becomes an Agent of the State of Wisconsin and is provided the broad liability protection (what broad liability protection?) of Wis. Stats. 895.46. No special retirement of inactive status for retired physicians who wish to maintain an active license; all standard licensure requirements must be satisfied; if want to maintain an active license, must meet the 30 hour CME requirement and pay fees. If permanently retired and providing services only on a voluntary basis, no need to pay assessment.

Further, most if not all senior physicians did not participate in maintenance of certification program.  In addition, now that they are retired or semi-retired, they do not have the regular day to day patient care activities that contribute to a physician's professional growth and development.  Therefore, senior physicians who prescribe and/or provide other medical services have a greater need to educate themselves on current evidence-based medical practices. For example, over time, more drugs become generic as new drugs come on the market and all prescribers including senior physicians need to know these changes.  Additionally, more adverse drug reactions are being identified and without access to a patient's medical record, senior physicians need to take extra care in discussing issues with patients who are friends, family and others before prescribing. This course helps senior physicians close these practice gaps by providing them patient saftey focused strategies when caring for friends, family and others.

The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this activity for up to 4.0 hours of participation for continuing education for allied health professionals.