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 can also sponsor enduring materials and web-based activities. We are nationally accredited, so we can sponsor activities throughout the country, although our primary mission is to serve the University and the people of North Carolina, and we do require a UNC faculty member to be involved in the planning.

We do not currently sponsor journal clubs, tumor boards, or journal-based CME, though you may inquire with the Associate Director about special circumstances.

How do I obtain CME sponsorship for my one-time or annual educational activity?

Inquires should be directed to the Associate Director, Deedra Donley, via email or phone (919-962-2118). Please note that we must be involved in the very earliest stages of the planning--if you have already done extensive planning or sent out promotional materials, we may not be able to sponsor your activity. Also, our calendar fills up fast, so we strongly recommend you submit your application at least six months before the date of the activity.

UNC CME can also arrange for other types of credit, including nursing, pharmacy, and social work, via partnerships with the other health affairs schools. These credits may have additional requirements and costs, so please let us know you are considering other types of credit in your initial application.

The CME Internal Review Committee meets to discuss all new applications. Three criteria are used to determine if we will sponsor a course: 1) does it fall within the mission of UNC CME? 2) is it an appropriate activity for Category 1 credit? 3) do we have the resources to sponsor the activity (given our other obligations)? If all three criteria are met, we will sponsor your activity. Either way, the Associate Director will contact you with our decision.

How do I obtain CME sponsorship for a recurring conference (rounds, case conference, M&M conference, etc.) held on UNC campus?
If you are interested in CME sponsorship for a grand rounds or case conference held on UNC Campus, please contact the CME Rounds Coordinator, Doug Hudson, at 919-962-1180, or at douglas_hudson@med.unc.edu.

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 Associate 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 Essentials and Standards and various university policies. Your course coordinator will explain the requirements at the initial planning meeting.

How much does UNC CME charge for sponsoring an activity?

You will be sent a fee schedule with the application form.

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.

Per the standards, we require all planners and presenters to disclose any financial relationships with commercial interests, and any relationships must be resolved prior to the activity. Your course coordinator will provide more information at the initial planning meeting.

 

Template for Powerpoint Talks (authorized by Dean Roper)

For forms, please call the Program Coordinator for your activity, or call the CME Office at 919-962-2118.