Evidence-Based CME
2-for-1 EB CME to Sunset in 2011 -- AAFP News Now article, May 15, 2009
In 2002, the AAFP established criteria for categorizing the clinical content of CME as a way to incorporate the principles of evidence-based medicine into CME with the goal of improving medical practice and patient outcomes.
Then, in 2005, the AAFP established 2-for-1 credit for this type of CME as an incentive to increase the use of medical evidence in physicians' educational activities.
Today, evidence-based education is the norm, not the exception. In keeping with industry standards, the AAFP will no longer award 2-for-1 credit as of January 1, 2011.
To help with this transition, a new EB CME Faculty Presentation Form (2-page Word file; About Downloading) is now available. It simplifies the process and reduces paper consumption.
Please note the following deadlines to submit applications for 2-for-1 credit:
Then, in 2005, the AAFP established 2-for-1 credit for this type of CME as an incentive to increase the use of medical evidence in physicians' educational activities.
Today, evidence-based education is the norm, not the exception. In keeping with industry standards, the AAFP will no longer award 2-for-1 credit as of January 1, 2011.
To help with this transition, a new EB CME Faculty Presentation Form (2-page Word file; About Downloading) is now available. It simplifies the process and reduces paper consumption.
Please note the following deadlines to submit applications for 2-for-1 credit:
- Enduring material/journal applications with a two-year accreditation term -- June 30, 2009
- Enduring material/journal applications with a one-year accreditation term -- September 30, 2009
- Live activity applications* -- September 30, 2010
* Live activities with 2-for-1 EB CME accreditation must be held by December 31, 2010.
Please Note: Previous versions of faculty documentation forms and previously approved EB CME topics will no longer be accepted after September 1, 2009.
Submission Process
Each faculty member must complete the EB CME Faculty Presentation Form (2-page Word file; About Downloading) for each presentation and print all references listed on the form. For each reference, highlight the evidence that supports the learning outcomes. Visit AAFP recommended resources for references. All documentation should be forwarded to the CME provider, and faculty must retain a copy of the form and references for their records.
View a sample completed faculty presentation form (3-page Word file; About Downloading).
The CME provider must submit all faculty presentation forms (do not send copies of the references) when submitting their CME application to AAFP. Keep a copy of the forms and all references on file. You will be asked to provide the references if audited. When submitting the CME application online, include the form(s) with the attached agenda. Or, fax the form(s) to 913.906.6284 or e-mail to cmea@aafp.org. Please reference the application number of the CME activity.
The CME application and all faculty presentation forms must be submitted to AAFP no less than 30 business days (6 weeks) prior to the CME activity date. The 30-business-day (6-week) review process begins when the completed CME application, faculty presentation form(s), and full review fee are received by AAFP. Retroactive EB CME approval cannot be awarded.
There is no additional review fee when requesting EB CME designation.
View a sample completed faculty presentation form (3-page Word file; About Downloading).
The CME provider must submit all faculty presentation forms (do not send copies of the references) when submitting their CME application to AAFP. Keep a copy of the forms and all references on file. You will be asked to provide the references if audited. When submitting the CME application online, include the form(s) with the attached agenda. Or, fax the form(s) to 913.906.6284 or e-mail to cmea@aafp.org. Please reference the application number of the CME activity.
The CME application and all faculty presentation forms must be submitted to AAFP no less than 30 business days (6 weeks) prior to the CME activity date. The 30-business-day (6-week) review process begins when the completed CME application, faculty presentation form(s), and full review fee are received by AAFP. Retroactive EB CME approval cannot be awarded.
There is no additional review fee when requesting EB CME designation.
Post-Approval Process
After the CME provider receives official credit approval with EB CME credit statement, the AAFP EB CME logo may be used on promotional materials. The presentations approved for AAFP EB CME designation should be noted in the CME activity's agenda.
On the day of the event/distribution date, learners must be informed in writing of the learning objectives and must receive the complete list of all cited references.
Presentations approved for AAFP EB CME designation may be selected for a post-event random audit. If selected for an audit, the CME provider will need to provide copies of all references highlighting the evidence that supports the learning outcomes and documentation that shows that all references were disclosed to learners.
CME providers must keep all faculty presentation forms and copies of references on file for 2 years from the activity date, or, for enduring material and journal activities, 2 years after accreditation ends.
On the day of the event/distribution date, learners must be informed in writing of the learning objectives and must receive the complete list of all cited references.
Presentations approved for AAFP EB CME designation may be selected for a post-event random audit. If selected for an audit, the CME provider will need to provide copies of all references highlighting the evidence that supports the learning outcomes and documentation that shows that all references were disclosed to learners.
CME providers must keep all faculty presentation forms and copies of references on file for 2 years from the activity date, or, for enduring material and journal activities, 2 years after accreditation ends.
Reporting CME Credit
After the completion of the CME activity, AAFP members should report the total number of Prescribed and Elective credits earned. It is not necessary for members to label credit as evidence-based CME for reporting purposes.
CME faculty who develop the EB CME content may claim double credit equivalent to that awarded to the learners. This credit may only be claimed for the first time the presentation took place. AAFP members may self-report Prescribed credit for teaching, up to a maximum of 60 credits per election cycle.
CME faculty who develop the EB CME content may claim double credit equivalent to that awarded to the learners. This credit may only be claimed for the first time the presentation took place. AAFP members may self-report Prescribed credit for teaching, up to a maximum of 60 credits per election cycle.
