ACCME Modifies Interpretation of Standards for Commercial Support Regarding Relevant Financial Relationships

The ACCME modified the interpretation of the Standards for Commercial Support℠ (SCS): Standards to Ensure Independence in CME Activities (SCS) related to relevant financial relationships. In situations where a person in control of CME content discloses that their spouse or partner is an employee of a commercial interest and the content being controlled is related to the products/services of that commercial interest

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ACCME Modifies Interpretation of Standards for Commercial Support Regarding Relevant Financial Relationships

At the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee, several Recognized Accreditors, and some physician faculty members, the Board modified the interpretation of the Standards for Commercial Support℠ (SCS): Standards to Ensure Independence in CME Activities (SCS) related to relevant financial relationships. In situations where a person in control of CME content discloses that their spouse or partner is an employee of a commercial interest and the content being controlled is related to the products/services of that commercial interest, then that person will now be considered to have a relevant financial relationship. (Previously, that person would have been considered a commercial interest employee because of their spouse/partner’s employment.)

As with any relevant financial relationship, providers are required to implement mechanisms to resolve these conflicts of interest per SCS 2. (There is no change to the restrictions on the use of employees of ACCME-defined commercial interests as faculty and planners.)