In the medical profession, many hospitals forbid doctors to practice without proof of board certification in their specialty.
Administrators realize the value of independent screening of credentials and experience.
Consumers are therefore afforded added confidence that the doctors treating their conditions are well and truly qualified. And because of its widespread acceptance, most people seeking medical assistance are unlikely to hire uncertified physicians. Before the NBTA's founding in 1977 no such mechanism existed for lawyers. Potential clients were forced to rely on word of mouth or advertisements when seeking help in situations often as dire as failing health. As with the medical profession where the body of knowledge is so large that it's impossible for one doctor to remain current in all areas of specialty, the body of law has grown so large and complex that attorneys can no longer be all things to all people.