The Federation of State Medical Boards Foundation (FSMB) has released a new book to help physicians better manage patients' acute or chronic pain. Responsible Opioid Prescribing: A Physicians Guide offers real-world explanations and practical strategies that address issues of undertreatment of pain, risk of prescription drug abuse and improved patient care.

The Federation of State Medical Boards, a national not-for-profit representing the 70 medical boards of the United States and its territories, announced today the resignation of president and chief executive officer, James N. Thompson, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Thompson's last day in office will be Friday, October 31.

Regina Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), was named a recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship Genius Grant.

A Web portal providing U.S. physicians with access to free, accredited CME courses about pharmaceutical industry marketing techniques and their effect on prescribing practices has been expanded to include additional courses.

In this report leading regulators of the medical profession in Canada and the United States assess the relationship between quality improvement and the current responsibilities of authorities that license and discipline physicians.

A Web page providing access to presentation materials for educational sessions at the FSMB's 96th Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting was held in May 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.

The United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Budget Committee adopted the following fees for the 2009 test cycle at its April 23, 2008 meeting : Step 1, $495; Step 2CK, $495; Step 2CS $1055 and Step 3, $690. For more information, please contact FSMB's Examination Services department at (817) 868-4041 or by e-mail at usmle@fsmb.org.