(Revised 2026)

Introduction
In 1992, Board Certification in Medical Toxicology was approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) with the development of a board certification examination administered under the auspices of either the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), or the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM).

Today, there are more than five hundred physicians certified in medical toxicology through ABMS. Poisonings, intoxications, overdoses, substance use disorders, withdrawal syndromes, adverse drug events or drug reactions, occupational exposures, and environmental exposures are prevalent and persistent threats to the health of individuals and the public. Given the need for subject matter experts in these areas, the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) has developed standards by which hospital credentialing bodies can assess qualifications of medical toxicologists.

Credentials

1. Current subspecialty board certification in medical toxicology under the American Board of Medical Specialties by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, American Board of Pediatrics, or the American Board of Preventive Medicine*
   or
2. If not yet certified, board eligibility, defined as having successfully completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited medical toxicology fellowship, leading to subspecialty certification in medical toxicology within 7 years of fellowship completion or through four administrations of the initial certification examination, whichever is longer.

*Certification by the analogous Medical Toxicology Board of the American Osteopathic Association through 2022 or Certification by the American Board of Medical Toxicology (ABMT) prior to 1994 serves as equivalent certification

Privileges
The credentials specified above should be required for a physician to be eligible for hospital admitting and/or consultative privileges in Medical Toxicology for adult and pediatric patients.

Scope of Clinical Practice
Assess, evaluate, diagnose, interpret laboratory toxicologic analysis, determine disposition, and provide care for patients of any age who present with one or more of the following:

1. Overdose
2. Adverse drug events or reactions
3. Drug intoxication
4. Addiction, substance use disorders, and withdrawal
5. Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace
6. Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the environment
7. Exposure to agents in warfare or conflict
8. Envenomation and exposure to natural toxins
9. Exposure to radiation
   

Disclaimer

While individual practitioners may differ, this is the position of the American College of Medical Toxicology at the time of writing, after a careful review of the issue.