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Using the "Activities" Tab

How is PARS used in the accreditation process? What information will we need to enter in PARS for accreditation?
Yes, PARS is now being used as a tool for providers to submit information during the accreditation process about the activities they provided over the course of their accreditation term. ...
Does PARS replace the Reaccreditation Activity Lists and Annual Report?
Yes.  PARS replaces the Excel spreadsheets ACCME used to collect activity data during the reaccreditation process, as well as the online Annual Reporting System that ACCME accredited providers used to...
What are the different ways I can input data into PARS, and which option is right for my organization?
Web-based Interface - By clicking “Add an Activity” on the  Activities page, you can enter data about activities one at a time.  The web-based interface is a good option for...
How can I enter information about many activities at the same time?
Providers have two options for entering their activity data in batches:  Tab-Delimited File Upload XML File Export For more information about these batch upload methods, please click on the links above.  
What is a tab-delimited batch upload?
The tab-delimited batch upload enables providers to export multiple activity records at one time into PARS.  The tab-delimited batch upload process originates with the use of an MS Excel template...
What is an XML file upload?
XML File Export:  XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language, a Web standard that makes it easier for computer systems to exchange data over the Internet.  In order to collect information...
What is the difference between "open" and "closed" activities?
An important concept in PARS is that of “open” and “closed” activities.  Open activities are those that have a minimum set of data entered for them:  specifically, activity name, activity...
I entered all of the required activity information into the form, but I don't see it on the Activities page now. Where did it go?
By default, the Activities page of PARS displays “open” activities that occur during the current Reporting Year.  If you enter all required activity information, but no longer see the activity...
Why are some activity fields optional?
Upon launch, only fields that are currently required by ACCME for reaccreditation purposes or were previously required on the Annual Report are required by PARS.  PARS is designed to collect additional...
What kind of CME activity types can be reported in PARS?
Below is a list of the different CME activity types that can be reported in the PARS System.  You can click on the name of any of these activity types...
How does the ACCME define a regularly scheduled series?
A course is identified as a regularly scheduled series (RSS) when it is planned to have a series with multiple sessions that  occur on an ongoing basis (offered weekly, monthly, or quarterly)...
What is the significance of "Reporting Year?"
Annually, ACCME aggregates the activity data that is reported by providers and publishes an Annual Report that provides information to the CME community about the size and scope of the...
What is the difference between direct sponsorship and joint sponsorship of CME activities?
A directly sponsored activity is one that is planned, implemented and evaluated by the accredited provider.  Include co-sponsored activities (provided by two accredited providers) in this category if you are...
Is "Hours of Instruction" the same as the number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits that we designated for the activity?
Hours of instruction and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™  designated may be the same or may be different.  AMA PRA Category 1 Credits Designated is an optional field in PARS.
What type of information is ACCME looking for in the "Description of Content" field?
“Description of Content” is an optional field for a description of the information and topics that were discussed during the CME activity.  There is no specified format for this field,...
How does the ACCME define hours of instruction?
Hours of instruction equals the total hours of educational instruction provided.  For example, if a one-day course lasts eight (8) hours (not including breaks or meals), then total hours of...
How does ACCME define physician participants?
ACCME defines physician participants as non-resident MD’s or DO’s that participated in the activity. Related content: How does the ACCME define non-physician participants?
Is the number of physician participants the same as the number of learners who are awarded credit for the activity?
No. Please report the total number of non-resident MDs and DOs who participated in the activity, even if they did not seek CME credit for attending.
How does ACCME define non-physician participants?
ACCME defines non-physician participants as attendees other than MDs and DOs, such as nurses, physician assistants, and other health professionals. Include residents in this category. Related content: How does the ACCME define...
How does ACCME define Commercial Support?
Commercial Support for a CME activity is financial, or in-kind, contributions given by a commercial interest, which is used to pay all or part of the costs of a CME activity....
How do we report in-kind support?
In March 2011, the ACCME modified the requirement for reporting in-kind commercial support, in response to feedback from accredited providers. Below is a description of how to report in-kind commercial...
If two accredited providers are working in co-sponsorship, how do we report the amount of commercial support received if it is shared?
In a co-sponsorship relationship, if the commercial support is distributed amongst the accredited providers, each accredited provider should report the amount it receives.  It is also acceptable for the accredited...
Does an accredited provider have to report commercial support that is paid directly to a joint sponsor for an activity?
Yes, the accredited provider must report the full amount of commercial support received, even if the commercial support is distributed to other non-accredited joint sponsors.
What is meant by "Income from Other Sources" ?
On this line, please report the total of any and all income your activity received that does not fall under commercial support or advertising and exhibit income. The most common...
How should income and expenses associated with jointly sponsored activities be reported?
If your organization is the accredited provider for a jointly sponsored activity, the income (commercial support, advertising and exhibit, or other) and expenses associated with that activity should be included...

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