The Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education were released in December 2020 and went into effect on January 1, 2022, replacing the Standards for Commercial Support. All providers in the ACCME System are expected to comply with the Standards. This page features resources to support your successful implementation of the Standards, including a section with archived resources for the Standards for Commercial Support. If you need more information or have suggestions for additional resources, please contact info@accme.org. We’re happy to help.
Webinar: Working Together to Successfully Transition to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education
On October 28, 2021, we hosted a public webinar to highlight our newly available Standards resources and answer your questions about successfully transitioning to the Standards for Integrity and Independence. You can navigate to different sections of the video faster and easier with the chapter marker feature. Download the slide deck here. The Q&A chat log from the webinar is available here.
Webinar: Implementing the new Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education
On January 11, 2022, we hosted a public webinar to answer questions about the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. You can navigate to different sections of the video faster and easier with the chapter marker feature. Download a PDF with the slide deck.
Introductory Video
Getting Started Info Package
This PDF includes an introduction to the new Standards, with a transition timeline, Standards at a Glance, and full text of the Standards.
View the Standards for Integrity and Independence
- Standards for Integrity and Independence (webpage)
- Standards for Integrity and Independence (PDF)
- Accreditation Requirements (PDF): includes the Accreditation Criteria, Standards, and ACCME Policies
Toolkit for the Standards for Integrity and Independence
This toolkit includes templates, sample forms, and checklists in fillable PDF format for you to adapt and use as you choose. Use of these resources is completely optional.
- Download the full toolkit (fillable PDF)
- Download the full toolkit (fillable Word Doc)
- Download the tools from the Toolkit as separate fillable PDFs:
Excel Spreadsheet for Documenting Individuals in Control of Content in the Performance-in-Practice Structured Abstract
This spreadsheet template includes the precise information required for the accreditation process. Providers can use this template together with the Standards Toolkit to ensure they are adequately documenting information regarding individuals in control of content for accredited continuing education activities.
- Initial Accreditation: Excel Spreadsheet for Documenting Individuals in Control of Content in the Performance-in-Practice Structured Abstract
- Reaccreditation: Excel Spreadsheet for Documenting Individuals in Control of Content in the Performance-in-Practice Structured Abstract
Standards for Integrity and Independence: Transition Checklist
- Standards for Integrity and Independence: Transition Checklist (Word Doc)
- Standards for Integrity and Independence: Transition Checklist (PDF)
Managing the Use of Employees and Owners of Ineligible Companies in Accredited CE (Standard 3.2)
Case Scenarios: When It Is Acceptable to Use Owners and Employees of Ineligible Companies in Accredited Continuing Education
Take this self-guided quiz to practice and improve your understanding of the expectations of Standard 3 related to owners and employees of ineligible companies and relevant financial relationships. Participation in the quiz is free, anonymous, and the quiz can be shared freely for educational use. Also included below are the PDF and PowerPoint versions of the case questions and answers.
- Quiz—Case Scenarios: When It Is Acceptable to Use Owners and Employees of Ineligible Companies in Accredited Continuing Education
- Case Scenarios: When It Is Acceptable to Use Owners and Employees of Ineligible Companies in Accredited Continuing Education (PDF)
- Case Scenarios: When It Is Acceptable to Use Owners and Employees of Ineligible Companies in Accredited Continuing Education (PPT)
This FAQ includes additional scenarios that provide examples of content that is and is not related to the business lines of an ineligible company. This can be helpful in the implementation of Standard 3.2a: Employees of ineligible companies can participate as planners or faculty when the content of the activity is not related to the business lines or products of their employer/company.
Planning Guide for Independence in Accredited Continuing Education
Use these visual aids to explain Standards processes to those who may be recruited to plan, deliver, review, and/or evaluate accredited continuing education activities.
- Planning Guide for Independence in Accredited Continuing Education (PDF)
- Planning Guide for Independence in Accredited Continuing Education (PPT)
Compliance Check
Compliance Check is a series of quick tips to help accredited providers meet accreditation requirements. Explore Compliance Checks on the following topics:
- Information from Speakers and Planners
- Joint Providership
- Enduring Materials
- Mitigating Relevant Financial Relationships for CME Planners
- Non-Clinical Education and Standard 3
JAMA Article
"Changes to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Medical Education," by ACCME President and CEO, Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, published in JAMA, discusses the guiding principles behind the new Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Providers can use this article to share with faculty and other stakeholders to explain the new Standards, along with resources available on this webpage.
Archived: Standards for Commercial Support