CCMEP A Certification Program for CME Professionals Serving the Public - Advancing the Profession

Why certification? Quality CME is vital to quality patient care, as recognized by many groups:  States – credits for re-licensure [MOL]  Specialty societies and Boards [MOC]  Hospitals [credentialing committees]  Institute of Medicine [5 core competencies]  JCAHO [national patient safety goals]

Value Proposition: The Public Certification will benefit the public by: Providing standards for a self-regulated enterprise that impacts health care Creating an objective, independent program that qualifies persons who develop CME for physicians Offering a measure of assurance that CME activities honor FDA and HHS-OIG guidelines Encouraging professionalism among persons who migrate into the CME community

Value Proposition: The Workers Certification will benefit persons who develop, administer, market, fund CME activities by : Positioning CME as a career path Acknowledging excellence Motivating new learning, self-assessment Serving as a rationale for promotion Providing evidence of competence and portability of skills when job hunting

Value Proposition: Employers Certification will benefit accredited providers by: Giving objective evidence of continuous quality improvement within the organization Providing rationale for promoting staff Encouraging professional development Sharpening skill sets Raising the quality of CME programming Aiding in screening job candidates

Value Proposition: Grantors Certification will benefit commercial supporters by: Demonstrating intent to “do the right thing” Reducing risk of non-compliance Responding to requirements of HHS-OIG Compliance Program Fulfilling Corporate Integrity Agreements

Why now? The integrity of the CME Enterprise is being called into question  Who is funding CME and what is their agenda?  What is the prevalence of bias?  Who should be producing CME activities?

In the Beginning … Feb 2005  Reviewed models of certification  Conducted a SWOT analysis  Powerful S&O; manageable W&T  Drafted the vision, mission and goals  Reviewed a 3-year plan  Decided to move forward  Two-day retreat; 11 attendees

Key Recommendations  Incorporate as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization  Develop core criteria for competencies  Contract with test developers to design and validate the exam  Be self-sufficient >3 years

The Goal of Certification To provide a method of measuring competence whereby employers, grantors, and the public can be assured that the person planning, implementing, and evaluating a CME activity has a minimum level of relevant education, experience, and knowledge.

Benefits of Being Certified Per NOCA  Enhance employment opportunities  Assist employers in making more informed hiring decisions  Protect the general public from incompetent and unfit practitioners  Establish a professional standard for individuals in a particular field

Certification ExperienceEducationExam The Certification Model

Scope of the Exam: Content Outline Domains Adult learning principles15% Educational interventions30% Relationships with stakeholders10% Leadership/administration 25% and management CME environment20%

Apply Education Experience Exam Passing Score CPD Continuing Professional Development Re- certification Reexamination The Certification Cycle

How to Register for the Exam FIRST: Read the CANDIDATES HANDBOOK 1. Fill out Eligibility Criteria Worksheet. 2. Submit Application Form online. 3. Register online for a date you choose, at a testing center near you. 4. Submit credit card payment. 5. Receive Letter of Admission via .

Details, details - Four “windows” each year  from the 13 th to the 30 th of March, June, September  entire month of December Deadlines for registering  The last day of the preceding month 2008 Exams - Earlybird Fee  $350 + $50 Nonrefundable Processing Fee 2009  $400 + $50 Nonrefundable Processing Fee