There are no minimum standards for the clinical training of
psychiatrists with regard to the type and number of patients evaluated or
treated. Interest in establishing such standards derives from a need for
greater accountability, a high fail rate on the clinical portion of the
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology examinations, and an increasing
demand for precise documentation of competence in specific areas by
hospital privileging committees. Although considerable disagreement exists
as to what the overall requirements should be, some minimum requirements
can be agreed on. The authors discuss concerns about minimal standards and
make suggestions for further development of standards.Abstract Teaser