To the Editor.—
In their article "The Impact of Mandatory Continuing Medical Education" (239:2663, 1978), Stross and Harlan noted that 909 physicians did not renew their licenses in the state of Michigan after establishment of continuing education verification requirements. Most of those who did not renew were retired or lived in other states.I think these physicians did not renew their licenses because of the confusing, cumbersome forms—little computer cards—sent out. I found them confusing myself.The state of Michigan charges $25/yr to renew licenses, and this particular legislation netted the state a loss of $22,725/yr, which it previously had, literally, for the asking. Other states should keep this in mind; that is, that retired and out-of-state physicians, while willing to write a simple check yearly, are not willing to fill out voluminous forms requiring name, date, and location of every continuing medical education pursuit engaged in.