In our Compliance Corner articles, we address common areas of noncompliance that we, as your accreditor, frequently observe. The accreditation rules outlined in this article are based on the guidelines shared in 2024.

• Accreditation Statement: This statement informs your learners about both the organization providing the education and the accrediting body, and must be provided to the learners prior to the education. If your organization is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA), your Accreditation Statement must clearly reflect this.
• Standards for Integrity and Independence: When these standards became effective, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education (ACCME) provided templates and resources to assist with compliance. CMA strongly encourages you to utilize the Standard 3 Toolkit to help ensure compliance.
• Ineligible Company Definition: Have you updated your definition of "Ineligible Company"? This definition was revised under the new Standards for Integrity and Independence, and it’s crucial to include this definition on your disclosure collection form/mechanism.
• Implementing Standard 3 Requirements: Are you meeting all the necessary requirements under Standard 3? This article provides clarity on the five distinct steps you need to take to identify, mitigate, and disclose relevant financial relationships to your learners.

Additionally, ACCME periodically distributes Compliance Check articles and has recently released a "Year in Review" with helpful accreditation tips that may benefit your organization.

As always, feel free to contact CMA with any questions regarding accreditation requirements, assistance with the Program and Activity Reporting System (PARS), or the reaccreditation process. You can reach us at cme@cmadocs.org.