ABQAURP News February 2026
Highlights
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Important Dates
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| Health Care News:
FDA Launches TEMPO: A First-of-Its-Kind Digital Health Pilot to Expand Access to Chronic Disease Technologies The FDA announced the Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes (TEMPO) for Digital Health Devices Pilot. TEMPO is a voluntary pilot program designed to promote access to digital health devices while safeguarding patient safety. Learn more.
40 Million Users Turn to ChatGPT Daily for Health Questions: OpenAI OpenAI reports that more than 40 million people use ChatGPT each day to ask health care-related questions. Read more.
CMS Announces Establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation. The program was created to address disparities in rural health care access, workforce shortages, and infrastructure needs, with significant regulatory and operational implications for health care providers and local governments. Learn more. |
ABQAURP congratulates Diplomate Timothy Connelly, MD, MBA, FACP, CHCQM, as recipient of the Georgia Hospital Association 2025 Physician Hero Award. In addition to many roles he serves in the health care community, Dr. Connelly is Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Memorial Health Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Clinical Informatics, Dr. Connelly became an ABQAURP Diplomate in 2018 and is a member of ABQAURP’s Physician Advisor team of subject matter experts in the development of the Advanced Certification Exam and continuing education programs. He is a speaker at ABQAURP’s 49th Annual Conference.
Dr. Connelly serves on the Board of Directors for two Accountable Care Organizations and is passionate about helping physicians and advanced practice providers improve their Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). He is dedicated to teaching residents, medical students, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacy students.
Congratulations Dr. Connelly and thank you for all the work you do as an exemplary Diplomate!
Click to watch the video of Dr. Connelly describing his inspiring background and personalized approach to patient care that is centered on compassion.
Click to watch the video of U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) honor Dr. Timothy Connelly as the recipient of the Georgia Hospital Association 2025 Physician Hero Award to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Learn more about “Optimizing Technology & Teaching for Optimal Patient Care and Long-Term Financial Sustainability” during Dr. Timothy Connelly’s session at the ABQAURP Annual Conference on Friday, September 25, 2026. For more information and to register, visit: www.abqaurp.org/AnnualConference.
ABQAURP 2026 Member Referral Program – Spread the Word on Quality! Referrals are the number one source of new ABQAURP Members!
You are our strongest and most valuable resource!
Your involvement in the 2026 membership referral campaign plays an essential role in ensuring the vitality of your organization.
A strong membership foundation ensures a strong association! ABQAURP rewards existing members who recruit new members and will credit your account $25.00 for each referral you submit that joins as a Professional Member, Corporate Member, Joint Provider, or applies for the HCQM, or the Advanced Physician Advisor Certification Exam.
The member who recruits the most will receive a “Member Spotlight” on the home page of ABQAURP’s website, one complimentary 2027 annual conference registration, and win $500!*
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your association’s goals and save money on your annual dues!
View membership referral program details here.
ABQAURP’s Center for Continuing Education – Enhance Your Expertise
ABQAURP’s Center for Continuing Education provides high-quality educational activities, including complimentary courses! Learn new skills and strategies from the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. Applicable online course credits automatically apply toward Diplomate recertification or certification exam eligibility requirements.
Below is a list of Complimentary Courses from ABQAURP!
- Postpartum and Beyond: TOC for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
- Clinical Pearls for Reconciling Analgesic Medications
- Federal Health Quality Measurement
- In Pursuit of Health Equity: Key Steps for Integrated Care
- Quality Medication Use in Transitions of Care
- How Pharmacists Can Help Patients During TOC
- Addressing the Opioid Crisis & Support of the NOPAIN Act
Browse catalog here.
Early Registration Discount! Save 10% on your conference registration by March 31, 2026!
Join your colleagues at ABQAURP’s 49th Annual Conference on September 24-25, 2026, at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Register by March 31, 2026, and save 10%. The discount is automatically applied in cart.
Attain Current and Topical Information! Bring back the knowledge and skills to adapt to sweeping changes in the health care landscape.
Earn Valuable Continuing Education Credits! Maintain your certification and ensure you are expanding your knowledge about important topics that are shaping our way of healing every day.
Connect with the Field! Interact with your peers and our industry-leading faculty at events planned to encourage networking.
Free Registration! Do you know a friend or colleague that would benefit from ABQAURP education? Invite them to the conference to discover our top-notch education. Call for details at (800) 998-6030.
- Bring one (1) Non-Member colleague and receive 50% off your registration fee.
- Bring two (2) Non-Member colleagues and your registration is free!
Register here.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort | 1160 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Make your hotel reservations online or by calling Sheraton Sand Key Reservations at (727) 595-1611.
Identify yourself as an ABQAURP attendee to receive our special room rate of $229/single or double occupancy, by September 1, 2026.
Make your reservations here.
View Our Conference Exhibitors!
2026 Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities from ABQAURP!
ABQAURP’s Annual Conference highlights the latest trends in health care quality and patient safety. Our annual event has become the preeminent conference to network with interdisciplinary health care professionals.
Don’t miss this opportunity for your organization to demonstrate the value of your products and services to health care quality leaders.
Important Recertification Reminder
Attention Diplomates! We recommend completing your recertification early in your cycle instead of waiting until the deadline to recertify.
CHCQM Recertification:
Complete a minimum of eight (8) CME / CE credit hours of continuing education as relevant to the fields of Health Care Quality and Management per two-year recertification cycle*.
Please note your sub-specialty certifications are renewed when your CHCQM recertification is completed.
CPHYADV Recertification:
Complete a minimum of 20 CME / CE credit hours of continuing education as relevant to the field of Physician Advisory per two-year recertification cycle*.
ABQAURP automatically reviews all Diplomate member records to determine if the requirements have been fulfilled. As members accumulate hours of continuing education, ABQAURP updates the recertification period for two (2) years if all requirements are met. Since the continuing education requirement is intended to keep members current with emerging trends and technologies, excess hours cannot be applied to the next recertification cycle. An updated Diplomate certificate will be sent automatically to the renewing members within eight (8) weeks of fulfilling the recertification requirements.
If a Diplomate has achieved both CHCQM and CPHYADV credentials, credit hours earned may be applied to both recertification requirements, as applicable to the content area* and recertification cycles of the two credentials.
Any member that has held Diplomate Status for five consecutive years after completing the HCQM Certification Exam will automatically be recognized as a Fellow of ABQAURP. Fellows may use the designation of FABQAURP in addition to their CHCQM designation to distinguish themselves among their peers.
To qualify for Fellowship, Diplomates must be current on their Annual Fees (due by January 1st each year) and Recertification requirements (8 hours of CME/CE every two years). Diplomate records are evaluated annually in January to identify Diplomates that have achieved and/or maintained Fellowship status. Diplomates meeting the qualifications will automatically earn Fellowship status and a certificate will be mailed to each Fellow.
Now Accepting Applications for the Advanced Physician Advisor and HCQM Board Certification Exams! The test window opens on March 1, 2026.
The Advanced Physician Advisor Board Certification (CPHYADV) validates professional expertise of US-licensed physicians serving in Physician Advisor roles throughout the integrated health care system.
The certification exam measures the enhanced knowledge of the Advanced Physician Advisor. Testing not only the basics, but practical application of concepts and skills used in everyday practice. The Advanced Physician Advisor board certification enhances the credibility of the physician advisor practicing today in health systems, hospitals, and ancillary facilities.
Download the Advanced Physician Advisor Exam Candidate Handbook
Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) Board Certification with ABQAURP is a definitive benchmark of achievement, signifying a higher level of proficiency. Enhance your credibility while practicing in today’s health systems, hospitals, and ancillary facilities!
The Health Care Quality & Management (CHCQM) credential is the standard for excellence and is the premier board certification certifying professionals in the skills required to drive high quality care decisions. Certification distinguishes expertise in safety, quality, and effective care, and is intended for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.
Download the HCQM Exam Candidate Handbook
Join ABQAURP now through March 31, 2026, save $25 off your membership with promo code NEWMBR26EM
Stand out from your peers and be recognized for your commitment to quality by joining a community of health care leaders! Membership is available to physicians, nurses, and all members of the interprofessional health care team.
Membership connects you to career resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities. Professional Membership benefits include:
- Reduced pricing for the Health Care Quality and Management (HCQM) and Advanced Physician Advisor Certification Exams and the Core Body of Knowledge® (CBK) online course(s)
- Complimentary CME/CEs and online courses in ABQAURP’s Center for Continuing Education
- Access to the “Members Only” section of the website
- Listing in the Member Directory
- Employment opportunities through ABQAURP’s Career Center
- Networking opportunities with members of the interprofessional health care team
- Discounts to accredited Continuing Education Conferences and online continuing education courses
Join ABQAURP today as a Professional Member and be part of the success in the advancement of health care quality and patient safety!
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