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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 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...
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 the co-sponsored accreditation statement?
There is no specific "co-sponsorship" accreditation statement. If two or more accredited providers are working in collaboration on a CME activity, one provider must take responsibility for the compliance of...
Do I have to include the accreditation statement on a save-the-date card?
No. Typically these cards contain only initial, preliminary information like the activity date and location. If more specific information is included, such as faculty and objectives, the accreditation statement must...
My organization is working with another ACCME accredited provider in co-sponsorship. Since the other provider's name does not appear in the accreditation statement, how can we acknowledge their involvement in the activity?
The decision regarding how you acknowledge their involvement or what words to use is up to you. See the ACCME's policies regarding the accreditation statement for a copy of the...
What are ACCME's expectations related ot the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The ACCME expects that providers will have policies or procedures in place to accommodate learners with disabilities. The ACCME's policy in this regard states, "The provider must operate the business...
Can a complaint be submitted anonymously?
No. The ACCME Process for Handling Complaints Regarding ACCME Accredited Providers requires that all complaints submitted "confirm the name, US Postal Service address and contact information of the person making...
What content is acceptable for CME?
ACCME-accredited providers must provide CME that contains content which falls within the definition of CME. The content of such CME must not promote recommendations, treatment or manners of practicing medicine...
If our organization is acquired in a merger, do we still maintain our accreditation status?
See "Informing ACCME of a Provider's Personnel or Organizational Changes."
Does the ACCME require a post test for an enduring material?
No. The ACCME does not require post-tests for any type of CME activity. In journal CME, some sort of challenge must be presented to the learner that is based on...
If a live activity is turned into an enduring material is that considered two separate activities?
Yes, if educational material from a live activity is turned into an enduring material, the enduring material is considered a separate activity.
If a live activity is turned into an enduring material, do faculty disclosure and acknowledgement of commercial support still need to be made?.
Yes. The new CME activity, must demonstrate compliance with all applicable ACCME accreditation requirements, including faculty disclosure and acknowledgement of any commercial support (SCS 6). For CME activities including those in...
I know I have to include a release date and date of last review on my enduring material, but do I also need to include an expiration date? How long is an enduring material "good for?
No longer than three years. The ACCME policy on enduring materials requires both an original release date and an expiration date. In addition, the ACCME policy requires that you review...
What should a provider do if a "retired" Internet CME activity has been selected for documentation review and is no longer available online?
This activity still needs to be available for review by the ACCME - even if it has been "retired." When an Internet CME activity is no longer available online, the...
Are there any special policies for journal CME?
Yes. See ACCME Policy on Journal CME for more information.
Can I have an advertisement in a journal article that is part of a journal-based CME activity?
No. See ACCME Policy on Journal CME for more information.
Does the ACCME require a CME committee?
No, there is no requirement that the provider have a CME committee.
Does the ACCME require sign-in sheets?
No. The accredited provider is required to record learner participation and be able to verify learner participation for six years from the date of the CME activity. See ACCME's policies...
What am I required to put on an activity brochure?
For brochures, the ACCME does not have any rules or requirements for name placement, brochure content, cover design, interior layout, font size, or formatting. Brochure design and associated content are...
How long do I have to keep attendance records for my CME activities?
An accredited provider must have mechanisms in place to record and, when authorized by the participating physician, verify participation for six years from the date of the CME activity. For...
How long do I have to keep my activity files for the purpose of ACCME accreditation?
An accredited provider is required to retain activity files/records during the current accreditation term or for the last twelve months, whichever is longer. For more information, see the ACCME's policy...
What is a commercial interest?
See the ACCME's definition of a commercial interest.
Why will the ACCME not allow commercial interests to act as joint sponsors?
Joint sponsors are expected to routinely have a role in making decisions about the elements of the planning process specified in SCS 1.1. Since these decisions must be "made free...
What is an example of a corporate structure that meets the ACCME's requirements for independence?
The ACCME offered several alternatives for corporate restructuring that met its requirements. For example, the ACCME determined that an accredited CME provider can have a sister corporation that is a...

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