ACCME Accreditation Data

As part of its highlights from the November 2010 Board meeting, the ACCME released data showing that accreditors continue to have a hard time demonstrating compliance with criteria requiring independence from commercial interests and analysis of physician changes. The data show that the three highest areas of non-compliance related to ACCME Criteria 7, 11, and 19. Criteria 7 requires that providers develop education independent of influence from commercial interests. Most of the findings of non-compliance in this area deal with disclosure and appropriate resolution of conflicts of interest of faculty and planners. Criteria 11 and 19 address analysis of learner changes and implementation of strategies to overcome barriers to change. According to the ACCME accreditation data, there are 704 ACCME-accredited providers and 1,451 providers accredited by ACCME Recognized Accreditors (state or territory medical societies that accredit local organizations offering CME). The lists of accredited providers on the ACCME web site will be updated in January 2011 to reflect the November 2010 accreditation decisions.