Call for Comment Executive Summary Now Available: Accredited Education Delivered via Online and Social Media Platforms
On September 12, 2023, ACCME opened a call for comment on Accredited Education Delivered via Online and Social Media Platforms. As platforms for delivering CME online have proliferated, ACCME was asked to clarify its expectations for accredited providers. Additionally, ACCME solicited input on a proposed designation for internet platforms, video players, and/or social media channels that wish to host accredited educational content and are willing to demonstrate they meet the ACCME’s expectations.
In seeking to support and facilitate the evolution of CME to meet evolving learner behavior and preferences, and to prevent CME from being constrained by more traditional formats of education, we reviewed our existing policies to develop proposed guidance and invited feedback from all stakeholders on the clarity of our expectations. In addition, ACCME solicited input on a proposed designation for internet platforms, video players, and/or social media channels that wish to host accredited educational content and are willing to demonstrate they meet the ACCME’s expectations.
Responses were accepted through October 12, 2023. There were 215 respondents to the online survey; in addition, we received responses via email. This summary includes quantitative and qualitative feedback on the proposed expectations of accredited providers and the proposed ACCME-compliant platform designation. In general, respondents support the expectations and proposed platform but expressed a variety of concerns about the practical implementation and presented an array of potential unintended consequences of crafting additional regulations in this area.
After analyzing the data and opinions provided by over 200 respondents, the ACCME concluded that the current requirements in the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence (the Standards) apply to all accredited education whether the venue is in-person or virtual. While no new standards are therefore planned, ACCME created answers to frequently asked questions related to online and social media platforms.
For more information, read the full Call for Comment Executive Summary.