Essential Area 3: Administration
Element 3.1
A provider must,
Have an organizational framework for the CME unit
that provides the necessary resources to support its mission, including
support by the parent organization, if a parent organization
exists.
An organizational framework of the CME unit
including appropriate resources and physician involvement is necessary.
The DME, CME committee and CME Coordinator provide much of the needed
support on a daily basis. However, it is also important that
the provider's governing body demonstrate their support of the CME
program.
Accredited providers are required to have a
physician who serves as DME. This position should have a defined length
of term; however, a DME may be reappointed for an unlimited number of
terms.
The MMS requires accredited providers to have an
overall CME budget or an "allocation of funds" and provide examples of
the budget for two CME activities in the survey application.
Each provider must have a written policy about
honoraria. There are a number of good reasons to know the actual costs
of providing education to physicians. In these times of cost
constraints, a realistic idea of the expense is a sound business
practice. Some programs rely on contributions to the CME program from
physicians in the form of staff dues, and must report back about the use
of those funds. Another sound business practice is to be consistent
about expenses. Providing equitable and appropriate honoraria to faculty
is important. A listing of honoraria for all CME activities allows the
DME and Committee to know what is being spent for speakers’ fees
and a comparison can be made.
A separate account for commercial support is not
mandated to manage outside CME funds, although a full accounting of
those funds and a signed commercial support agreement form for each
instance of funding are necessary.
Next Page: Element 3.2
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