CME 101: An Introduction to Accredited Continuing Medical Education

For Joint Providers and Activity Coordinators

This document provides an overview of accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME), the role of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), and expectations for organizations planning activities in joint providership with the Colorado Medical Society (CMS).

1. What Is Accredited CME?

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a structured educational activity designed to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Accredited CME:

• Addresses an identified clinical practice gap
• Is evidence-based and aligned with accepted standards of care
• Is designed to improve competence, performance, and/or patient outcomes
• Is independent of commercial influence
• Complies with the ACCME Standards

When these requirements are met, an activity may be designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ by an accredited provider such as CMS.

2. Who Is the ACCME?

The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) establishes national standards for accredited continuing education.

• Accredits organizations (not individual activities)
• Establishes the Standards governing independence and integrity
• Ensures accredited education remains free from commercial bias

CMS is accredited by the ACCME, and must ensure all jointly provided activities comply with these Standards.

3. What Are The Standards?

The ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education require that:

• Education is independent of ineligible companies
• Financial relationships are disclosed and mitigated
• Commercial support is handled transparently
• Content remains balanced and evidence-based

Compliance with The Standards is required for credit designation. More information on The Standards can be found here: https://accme.org/rules/standards/.

4. The Planning Framework

Every accredited activity must include:

• Identified Practice Gap – What should improve in clinical practice?
• Educational Need – What change in knowledge or competence is required?
• Measurable Learning Objectives – What will learners be able to do?
• Educational Design – How will the gap be addressed effectively?
• Evaluation Strategy – How will improvement be assessed?

5. Financial Relationships & Commercial Support

All individuals in control of content must disclose relevant financial relationships.

• CMS collects and reviews disclosures
• Potential conflicts are mitigated by CMS prior to the activity
• Commercial entities may not control content, faculty selection, or educational design
• Financial Support from a commercial entity is allowed, but must be strictly managed to maintain the Standards for Integrity and Independence.

6. What Accredited CME Is Not

• Marketing or product promotion
• Referral generation or business development
• Industry speaker bureau activity
• A certification or credentialing program
• Endorsement by CMS of a product or organization

Designation for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ signifies compliance with accreditation standards and does not certify individual competency.

7. Roles in Joint Providership

CMS:

• Maintains accreditation authority
• Oversees compliance and mitigation
• Approves educational materials
• Designates credit and issues certificates

Joint Provider:

• Collaborates in identifying the practice gap
• Assists with planning and faculty coordination
• Manages logistics and operational execution

8. Timeline Expectations

Most activities require a minimum of 8–12 weeks for documentation review and approval. Complex activities may require additional time.

9. Why This Structure Matters

Accredited CME protects learners, patients, and public trust by ensuring education remains independent, evidence-based, and focused on improving healthcare outcomes.

10. Questions?

CMS staff are available to guide joint providers and coordinators through the planning process. Early consultation is encouraged to ensure timely approval and smooth implementation.

For more information reach out to CME@CMS.org.