The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) offers accreditation to companies that provide CME content. Currently, there are over 1,700 accredited providers, offering over 200,000 CME activities each year.
However, not every organization that wants to offer CME courses is eligible for accreditation. An “ACCME ineligible company” can’t receive accreditation and, therefore, can’t offer credit-worthy content.
Below, explore the guidelines for what makes a CME provider eligible or ineligible for accreditation and why it should matter to you.
ACCME Standards and Criteria
The ACCME sets specific eligibility standards for CME providers. To receive accreditation, an organization must:
- Develop or present CME for physicians regularly
- Avoid presenting CME on the advocacy of unscientific diagnosis or therapy models
- Present CME activities that promote best practices and recommendations
- Refrain from promoting ineffective practices and those with risks that outweigh their benefits
Additionally, CME providers must provide evidence that demonstrates compliance with these standards.
Who Can Receive ACCME Accreditation?
Many organizations are eligible for accreditation so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Typically, CME providers that can receive accreditation include:
- State medical societies
- National physician membership organizations
- Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education
- National medical specialty societies
- Government agencies
- Hospitals or healthcare delivery systems
- Publishing or education companies
Keep in mind that if you need to earn credits for licensure or recertification, always verify the CME provider’s accreditation.
What Is the ACCME Definition of Ineligible Company?
In certain cases, organizations may be ineligible for ACCME accreditation. These are companies whose purpose is to produce, market, sell or distribute healthcare products used on patients.
Examples of such ineligible organizations include:
- Advertising, marketing and communication firms
- Device manufacturers and distributors
- Biomedical startups in the governmental regulatory approval process
- Growers, manufacturers or distributors of medical foods and supplements
- Manufacturers of health-related wearable products
- Pharmacies and diagnostic labs manufacturing or distributing proprietary products
Be wary of CME offered by unaccredited companies, such as those above, because they don’t qualify for credit.
The Importance of ACCME Accreditation for Physicians
While CME accreditation requirements are for CME providers, it also impacts medical professionals. First, practitioners must complete CME through accredited organizations to receive AMA PRA Category 1™ Credits.
These credits are required for the licensure, certification and credentialing processes. Before investing in an activity, look for an Accreditation Statement that verifies the organization’s ACCME status.
Other reasons why accreditation matters include:
- It ensures high-quality, evidence-based learning designed to enhance patient care.
- The educational content advances physician performance and teamwork, and improves patient outcomes.
- Accreditation demonstrates the CME provider’s commitment to professional development and healthcare quality.
- It ensures you receive the most up-to-date, bias-free knowledge.
- Accredited CME helps improve patient safety, control spending and increase physician retention.
Overall, accredited CME offers many benefits, from earning the credits needed to maintain your license to enhancing your performance.
If you’re ready to get started with your CME journey, look no further. At CME Seminars, we offer numerous high-quality conferences for physicians like you. Browse our upcoming events to learn more.