As an organization accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical
education activities for physicians, the Massachusetts Medical
Society (MMS) complies with the Essential Areas and Elements
(including the Standards for Commercial Support) and Accreditation Policies when designating AMA
PRA Category 1 Credit ™ for activities jointly sponsored with
non-accredited organizations.
When a proposed CME activity is consistent with the MMS mission
and strategic priorities on a regional or national scope, the MMS
will consider engaging in joint sponsorship through a written joint
sponsorship agreement.
All jointly sponsored CME activities must comply with the
American Medical Association (AMA) definition of CME and with the
AMA Ethical Guidelines on Gifts to Physicians from Industry. The
administration of the CME program will be consistent with
applicable federal and state laws and regulations and MMS policies.
The CME program is administered by the MMS Committee on Sponsored
Programs and the staff of the MMS Department of Continuing
Education and Certification.
The MMS limits its policy on joint sponsorship to working with
MMS District Medical Societies, MMS contracted Specialty Societies,
subsidiaries of the MMS, and physician-focused organizations whose
goals reflect the MMS mission and strategic direction. The
Massachusetts Medical Society's strategic priorities through 2011
are to improve health care quality, access, equity, and cost
effectiveness for the Commonwealth and promote a sound public
health system. The goals for the MMS strategic plan are
rooted with the long-term objective of quality improvement and the
effective control of health care costs.
The MMS may refuse or terminate joint sponsorship if time
constraints prevent adequate participation by the MMS CME
representative, or if the non-accredited organization fails to meet
any of the criteria as outlined in the Joint Sponsorship
Agreement. Joint sponsorship does not imply endorsement by
the MMS of the non-accredited organization.
