Search
- Home
- Site Search
FAQ
What is the ACCME's definition of an ineligible company?
ACCME has incorporated eligibility information directly into the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Companies that are ineligible to be accredited in the ACCME System (ineligible companies) are those whose primary business is producing, marketing,… More
FAQ
When is a company that is developing its first product considered to be an ineligible company?
As described in the Standards’ section on eligibility, a biomedical startup is considered an ineligible company if it has begun a governmental regulatory approval process.
… More
FAQ
Are patent holders who receive royalty payments from ineligible companies considered to be owners of those companies?
No. Individuals who receive patent royalties from ineligible companies are not considered owners or employees of those companies. Those individuals may control content in accredited continuing education, if the appropriate… More
FAQ
Where can advertising for ineligible companies appear related to educational events?
ACCME requires the separation of education from all promotional activities, materials and messages. Many providers create a print or text based document that goes along with an activity and provides information that is supplementary to the education content - like reproductions of slides,… More
FAQ
If an individual reports that they own stock in an ineligible company, how should the provider manage the relationship?
Individuals who may be in a position to control accredited continuing education are expected to disclose all their financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24 months to the provider.
… More
FAQ
Can an accredited provider ask an ineligible company for suggestions related to topics or speakers for CME?
No. There is no reason for a CME provider to request suggestions for speakers or topics from ineligible companies, since it is unacceptable to act upon their suggestions. CME providers cannot receive guidance, either nuanced or direct, from an ineligible company on the content of the activity or… More
FAQ
Standard 3.2: What are some examples of content that is or is not related to the business lines of the ineligible company?
An activity is considered to be related to the business lines of an ineligible company when the content provides any opportunity for the individual to insert commercial bias toward the products of the company. It is best to err on the side of caution in determining relevance since the… More
FAQ
How can I determine if my organization is an ineligible company (formerly known as a commercial interest)?
The ACCME defines ineligible companies as "those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients." See ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education for more information. The… More
FAQ
What is an example of a corporate structure where an ACCME accredited provider has a sister company that is an ineligible company, and meets the ACCME's requirements for independence?
The most common example that ACCME has seen of a corporate structure that involves an eligible organization in association with an ineligible company is one in which both organizations are owned by a separate holding (or parent) company. The holding company does not participate in or control the… More