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The Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education were released in December 2020, replacing the Standards for Commercial Support. All providers in the ACCME System are expected to comply with the new Standards by January 1, 2022. Here are resources to support your successful transition to the new Standards. We’ve also included a section below 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, 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, 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

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.

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.

Standards for Integrity and Independence: Transition Checklist 

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.

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. 

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Archived Resources: Standards for Commercial Support