Compliance Steps for Supporters and Providers of Accredited CME: The New ACCME Standards

Please join us for the next Ropes & Gray Health Care Teleconference, during which our presenters will discuss how financial relationships with the health care industry can directly impact the ability of researchers, clinicians and medical educators to present the results of their research and clinical experience in the academic setting. There is a new focus on conflicts of interest in many areas of compliance, from corporate governance to the conduct of clinical trials. This teleconference will explore how the issue is poised to impact the planning, funding and content of continuing medical education. How should clinical trials and consulting relationships between physicians and industry be structured in order to preserve the flexibility to share cutting-edge medical information?

Our presenters will discuss recent updates to the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education’s Standards for Commercial Support and the evolving guidance on managing conflicts of interest in CME programs. Our presenters will outline the major changes to the ACCME Standards and will focus on how providers and funders of CME need to modify existing practices. They will review recent NIH activity and recent OIG compliance initiatives in the area of CME funding. Using common scenarios, our presenters will discuss best practices for pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and CME providers to avoid intractable conflicts.