Rule-Making Policy

The Policy

1. The notice and comment procedures utilized by ACCME for the adoption of rules and policies that directly impact members and accredited providers (the “Notice and Comment Procedures”) shall not apply to matters relating to internal ACCME structure, management, personnel or business policy/practices.
   • The Notice and Comment Procedures will only apply to matters which directly and materially impact the ability of accredited providers to conduct business.
   • The ACCME, in its sole discretion, will assess if any particular rule or policy will be subject to the Notice and Comment Procedures.
2. If the ACCME decides to seek and accept public comment or input, then the ACCME will publish the proposed rule or policy on its website and state that interested persons have an opportunity to submit written data, views, or arguments with or without opportunity for oral presentation.
3. If the ACCME decides to seek and accept public comment or input, then at least 30 days will be given to provide that comment or input; provided, however, that if the ACCME determines that there is a pressing need for issuance of a rule or policy on an expedited basis, the ACCME may either shorten or eliminate the period of time during which public comments may be submitted.
4. After any period for public comment, the proposed rule or policy will be submitted to the ACCME Board of Directors. The ACCME Board of Directors may modify, reject, defer, and/or adopt the proposed rule or policy. Subject to the rights of ACCME Members contained in Article III, Section 2(c) of the ACCME Bylaws, the decision of the ACCME Board of Directors shall be final and there shall be no appeal there from.
5. The final rule or policy as approved by the ACCME Board of Directors will be posted on the ACCME website, which will include an effective date for the final rule or policy.

ACCME Note

The ACCME Board of Directors undertakes a multistep, deliberative process to recommend new rules or modifications to rules. When considering possible changes, the Board first undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the issues, reviewing relevant historical and current data. If the Board determines that a new or modified policy or procedure has the potential for improving the accreditation system and serving the needs of the CME community, physician learners, and the public, the Board will develop a proposal. In most cases, the ACCME undergoes a formal call for comment for soliciting feedback from stakeholders and the public, according to the Rule-Making Policy, which says that the public will have the opportunity to comment on proposed rules or policies that directly affect member organizations and accredited providers.