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FAQs - CME Activity Certification
Does the AAFP conduct CME activity audits?
Yes. The AAFP conducts two types of audits:
Random educational - the AAFP will contact the CME Provider by email in the event the AAFP-certified activity is selected for an AAFP audit.
Complaint - in the event AAFP receives feedback from learner(s) regarding an AAFP-certified CME activity, the AAFP may conduct an audit.
Learn more about AAFP CME activity audits.
Random educational - the AAFP will contact the CME Provider by email in the event the AAFP-certified activity is selected for an AAFP audit.
Complaint - in the event AAFP receives feedback from learner(s) regarding an AAFP-certified CME activity, the AAFP may conduct an audit.
Learn more about AAFP CME activity audits.
How can I submit my CME application?
The AAFP has an online application process.
Optional: The AAFP will create an application for CME providers who cannot access the online application. An additional $100 data entry fee is required. Learn more about the application process.
Optional: The AAFP will create an application for CME providers who cannot access the online application. An additional $100 data entry fee is required. Learn more about the application process.
Can I appeal the AAFP CME credit determination?
Yes. Final approval of all CME credit rests with the Commission on Continuing Professional Development (COCPD).
Should a CME provider wish to appeal determination of credit, a letter of intent to appeal must be submitted within 30 days after approval of credit.
Learn more about AAFP’s appeal process.
Should a CME provider wish to appeal determination of credit, a letter of intent to appeal must be submitted within 30 days after approval of credit.
Learn more about AAFP’s appeal process.
What is the difference between a multi site/date and series activity?
A multi site/date activity is where an activity is presented multiple times/dates throughout one year. The length and content of the activity remains the same.
A series activity takes place weekly, monthly, or quarterly with global objectives. The maximum number of credits is 3.75 per session and the topics change with each meeting. Examples include Grand Rounds, Tumor Boards, Noon Conferences, etc. Once a year, an application must be submitted for each type of series activity.
A series activity takes place weekly, monthly, or quarterly with global objectives. The maximum number of credits is 3.75 per session and the topics change with each meeting. Examples include Grand Rounds, Tumor Boards, Noon Conferences, etc. Once a year, an application must be submitted for each type of series activity.
What does "CME provider" mean on the application?
A CME provider is the person, institute, or organization responsible for all aspects of the CME activity.
Is the activity director required to sign the application?
No. Attestation is required on the CME application that the activity complies with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support and the activity meets every requirement of the Standards. This is required whether or not the CME activity is being supported by commercial funding. The activity director's name and phone number must be included when attestation is made on the application.
I would like to apply for AAFP CME credit. What are the fees?
The fees vary depending on the type of CME activity review.
Learn more about AAFP CME Activity application review fees.
Learn more about AAFP CME Activity application review fees.
How will I be notified that my CME activity has been reviewed and approved for AAFP CME credit?
The person who submitted the online application will receive the official credit approval from AAFP by email. Please keep a copy of this approval in your files.
Our CME activity has already taken place. Can we still submit an application for review?
Yes. CME providers may apply for AAFP CME credit at anytime. The AAFP encourages CME providers to apply for CME credit before the education occurs to ensure learners can earn credit in a timely fashion.
What is the difference between Prescribed credit and Elective credit?
An activity is eligible for AAFP Prescribed credit when it is designed primarily for physicians with content directly related to patient care, patient care delivery, or certain non-clinical topics. A family physician who is an AAFP Active, Supporting (FP), or Life member must be directly involved in the development of the activity and attestation is required on the CME application.
An activity is eligible for AAFP Elective credit when it is designed primarily for other health professionals but includes content that is of interest to physicians and will improve a physician's professional ability. The content need not directly influence patient care or its delivery. These activities do not require AAFP member input.
An activity is eligible for AAFP Elective credit when it is designed primarily for other health professionals but includes content that is of interest to physicians and will improve a physician's professional ability. The content need not directly influence patient care or its delivery. These activities do not require AAFP member input.
Is AAFP Prescribed credit accepted by other associations?
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the AMA as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Many of the state licensing boards will accept AAFP Prescribed credit from members to meet CME requirements. AAFP recommends that participants contact their association to see if they will accept AAFP Prescribed credit.
What is the difference between AAFP Prescribed credit and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™?
When a CME activity is certified for AAFP Prescribed credit, it means that an application and supporting material were reviewed and approved by the AAFP's Commission on Continuing Professional Development (COCPD). An AAFP Active, Supporting (FP), or Life member was involved in the development of the activity, and the content is directly related to patient care and patient care delivery.
When a CME activity is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, the CME activity is directly or jointly sponsored by CME providers who are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or an authorized state medical society.
When a CME activity is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, the CME activity is directly or jointly sponsored by CME providers who are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or an authorized state medical society.
Does AAFP require a certificate of participation?
No. CME providers are not required to distribute certificates. AAFP members may report CME credits in the following ways: online; by calling the AAFP at (800) 274-2237; or by mail to 11400 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy, Leawood, KS 66211-2672, Attn: CME Records.
However, AAFP encourages CME providers to offer certificates since many members need one for state licensing and credentialing. View a sample certificate (1-page Word file; About Downloading).
However, AAFP encourages CME providers to offer certificates since many members need one for state licensing and credentialing. View a sample certificate (1-page Word file; About Downloading).
Does AAFP issue certificates to CME participants?
No. Certificates are created and distributed by the CME provider.
The AAFP does not require CME providers to give certificates to their CME participants; however, learners find this documentation helpful. CME providers are required to have a mechanism in place to document learner participation.
The AAFP does not require CME providers to give certificates to their CME participants; however, learners find this documentation helpful. CME providers are required to have a mechanism in place to document learner participation.
How long do we have to keep documentation about a CME activity on file?
All documentation associated with activity development, including records verifying physician participation, should be retained for six years by the CME provider.
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CME Activity Certification - FAQs
