CME/SAM Resources
The American Roentgen Ray Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education credit. The Council has specific requirements for accreditation which are designed to ensure quality continuing medical education. Everything you need to know about the accreditation process along with the new criteria for future accreditation for CME providers is presented in this section. Current policies, practices and guidelines are now available. Announcements, examples of CME activities and a glossary will be available soon.
New Initiatives
The National Faculty Education Initiative, a medical education faculty program launched by the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education, the Alliance and the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is designed to teach faculty the differences between certified CME activity and commercial marketing/promotional programs. This 45-minute online activity, which helps medical education faculty comply with the most up-to-date federal regulations, accreditation and professional standards is available online at no charge at http://www.nfeinitiative.org/. Those completing the program will be added to the verification database.
New Criteria
The ACCME’s Essential Areas and Their Elements
Every CME accredited provider must comply with the updated criteria for reaccreditation and implement their programs in accordance with these guidelines.
ACCME General Information
For Information: June 2008
In eight sections, this document includes position statements and expectations of the ACCME for the future of CME. It covers the focus of CME; the independence of CME from commercial interests; monitoring and surveillance of educational activities; noncompliance follow-up; and ACCME operational changes that will occur in future years.
CME as a Bridge to Quality
This 2008 booklet emphasizes the importance of performance-based CME and lifeflong learning for physicians that addresses public health concerns, the healthcare environments and patient care. It encourages the development of innovative and interactive programs that build competencies, meet quality gaps and identify best practice.
ACCME Policy Documents
Statement from the ACCME to the Institute of Medicine Committee on Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice, June 2008
The role, goals and position of the ACCME regarding CME is presented, particularly in regard to establishing standards and managing conflicts of interest.
The Relationship between Commercial Support and Bias in Continuing Medical Education Activities: A Review of the Literature
This review of the literature commissioned by the ACCME, summarizes key studies that focus on the impact of commercial support and bias on CME and physician practice.
The Physician’s Recognition Award and Credit System Guidelines
This is the newly revised toolkit for physicians that provides information for accredited providers and physicians on the American Medical Association's guidelines for CME.