CME Sponsorship FAQ

UNC CME Planning Policy

The School of Medicine of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credits (TM). UNC SOM requires that all CME activities held under its accreditation be scientifically rigorous, balanced, objective, and independent of any commercial interest. UNC CME is the designated office within UNC SOM with the responsibility and authority to oversee all CME programs sponsored by UNC SOM.

UNC CME also provides a full range of meeting planning services, including arranging for meeting facilities, hotels, catering, promotional planning and distribution, and more.

What is the difference between Category 1 and Category 2 CME credit?

There are two types of AMA PRA credit: Category 1 and Category 2.

Category 1 credit can only be granted by an accredited provider. Physicians must have a certificate or transcript from the provider showing the credit.
Category 2 credit can be claimed for any educational activity that is not sponsored for Category 1 credit, if, in the opinion of the physician, the activity is educational and appropriate. No organization grants Category 2 credit. Physicians must keep records of their own Category 2 credit activities.

For more details about AMA PRA credit, please refer to the AMA website.

What kinds of activities does UNC CME sponsor for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (TM)?

We sponsor one-time and annual live activities and regularly scheduled conferences (such as grand rounds, M&M conferences, etc.) We also sponsor enduring materials and web-based activities.  We now offer Performance Improvement credit and Point of Care credit as well.

How do I obtain CME sponsorship for my activity?

To request a CME application, please contact Doug Hudson, Assistant Director of CME, via email or phone (919-972-7442).

The Assistant Director will review the application for ACCME compliance, then forward the application to the Director for final approval.  You will then be notified if the application has been accepted or rejected.

My application was rejected! What do I do?

We regret that we were unable to meet your needs. However, depending on the reason your application was declined, there are a number of other CME providers in North Carolina who may be able to sponsor your activity. The ACCME has a list of accredited providers on its website (www.accme.org).

My application was accepted. What happens now?

The Director will appoint a conference manager to help you with the CME requirements. The conference manager will contact you and set up an initial planning meeting to review our policies and procedures and obtain additional information. The initial planning meeting is also an opportunity for you to expand on your application and let us know what services you need.

Is there a lot of paperwork involved in getting CME credit?

We strive to make the CME sponsorship process as streamlined and painless as possible. However, there is some paperwork we need to comply with the ACCME Criteria and Standards and various university policies. Your conference manager will explain the requirements at the initial planning meeting.

How much does UNC CME charge for sponsoring an activity?

You will be provided a quote upon acceptance of your application.

What is the UNC CME policy on commercial support and faculty relationships with industry?

UNC SOM requires that all CME activities held under its accreditation be scientifically rigorous, balanced, objective, and independent of any commercial interest. We do allow commercial support, subject to the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support and University policies. If you are interested in getting commercial support, be sure to put this on your application and mention it at the initial planning meeting, as there is additional paperwork involved.

We require all planners and presenters to disclose any financial relationships with commercial interests, and any relationships must be resolved prior to their involvement in the activity. Your conference manager will provide more information at the initial planning meeting.

For more information on the requirements of certified CME, please contact the UNC CME office.  UNC CME also recommends the National Faculty Education Initiative, which provides online education regarding the differences between certified (accredited) CME and promotional activities.