Because there is no direct interaction between the provider and/or faculty and the learner, the provider must communicate the following information to participants so that they are aware of this information prior to starting the educational activity
- Principal faculty and their credentials;
- Medium or combination of media used;
- Method of physician participation in the learning process;
- Estimated time to complete the educational activity (same as number of designated credit hours);
- Dates of original release and most recent review or update; and
- Termination date (date after which enduring material is no longer certified for credit).
For CME activities including those in which the learner participates electronically (eg., via Internet, CD-ROM, satellite broadcasts), all required ACCME information must be transmitted to the learner prior to the learner beginning the CME activity (also see ACCME’s policies regarding disclosure in the Standards for Commercial Support).
Providers that produce enduring materials must review each enduring material at least once every three years or more frequently if indicated by new scientific developments. So, while providers can review and re-release an enduring material every three years (or more frequently), the enduring material cannot be offered as an accredited activity for more than three years without some review on the part of the provider to ensure that the content is still up-to-date and accurate. That review date must be included on the enduring material, along with the original release date and a termination date.
Sometimes providers will create an enduring material from a live CME activity. When this occurs, ACCME considers the provider to have created two separate activities – one live activity and one enduring material activity. Both activities must comply with all ACCME requirements, and the enduring material activity must comply additionally with all ACCME policies that relate specifically to enduring materials.
This policy describes ACCME requirements with regard to the ACCME-defined activity type, enduring materials.
The ACCME defines enduring materials as CME activities that are printed, recorded, or accessible online and do not have a specific time or location designated for participation. Rather, the participant determines where and when to complete the activity. Examples: online interactive educational module, recorded presentation, podcast.
