AAPA CME Accreditation

AAPA’s Self-directed Learning Pilot for PAs responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

AAPA recognizes PAs and healthcare teams are engaged in valuable learning activities as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have established a pilot program to enable CME providers to formally recognize these self-directed learning activities with AAPA Category 1 CME credit. Constituent Organizations must apply on the the accreditation management system to participate in this pilot and receive approval prior to awarding AAPA Category 1 CME credit. The pilot will run through June 30, 2020. At the conclusion of the pilot AAPA will evaluate outcomes and consider implications related to establishing self-directed learning as an acceptable learning format in the AAPA Category 1 CME credit system.  Application criteria and more details be can found here.

AAPA has moved to a new accreditation management system. It provides an improved user experience to better meet your needs as an AAPA CME provider.

You will notice a few improvements to the application process:

• You can now use your existing AAPA username and password to log in to cmeapproval.aapa.org and submit new applications. If you don’t already have an AAPA account, you can create an account.  Credentials for the old accreditation system will no longer be valid.
• A single application can include more than one learning format. For example, if you are planning an activity that has both Live and Self-Assessment components, you will be able to submit them via the same application, saving time and money.
• We’ve updated our management process for disclosures and conflicts of interest. The new application is designed with a clear and logical flow of questions to help providers navigate these requirements and ensure compliance with AAPA CME Criteria.
• Providers with existing accreditation can take advantage of expedited, discounted applications. Providers already designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, AAFP Prescribed Credit, or AOA Category 1-A Credit will be able to pay Simple fees and use a shortened, expedited application.

2020 CME Fee Structure Update

After analyzing application data from the past decade, we have updated our Application Fee Structure. The updated fee structure simplifies how fees are determined and more appropriately aligns the fees for more complex applications with the resources required to review them.

2020 CME Criteria Update

For applications submitted after March 12, AAPA’s CME Criteria now require CME providers issue learners a certificate that reflects the precise number of credits earned by that specific participant. This change was made in order to align more closely with CME industry norms and to increase precision in reporting. All accredited activities from before March 12 will continue to conform to the previous criteria, per the signed accreditation agreement.

Other Updates

• PA programs are now eligible to apply for up to a 2-year accreditation period, consistent with the AAPA House of Delegates’ action regarding Category 1 CME for Preceptors at AAPA 2019 in Denver. This change reduces administrative burden and accommodates programs whose clinical year is longer than 12 months.
• AAPA Category 1 PI-CME credit now qualifies as MIPS Improvement Activity, reflecting a 2019 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) change to the Quality Payment Program MIPS.

Overview

Why apply for AAPA CME Accreditation?

AAPA is the only accreditor for the AAPA Category 1 CME system. Obtaining AAPA Category 1 CME credit adds value and improves marketability of any continuing medical education (CME) activity.

• Reach a wide audience of PAs and NPs
• Enhance your credibility by meeting AAPA criteria
• Use the widely recognized AAPA CME logo in marketing materials
• Extend your reach by posting your activity on AAPA’s CME calendar (Fees may apply.)

What does it mean to PAs when an activity is designated for AAPA credit?

• It’s appropriate and relevant to their scope of practice.
• It will count toward requirements for national certification and state licensure.
• PAs are truly welcome and valued. The activity is not intended for physicians only.

Eligibility, Criteria, and Policies

Overview

AAPA Accreditation is criteria based and aligned with other accreditors in the health professions such as Joint Accreditation and ACCME/AMA. CME credits are awarded for appropriate clinical and professional educational activities designed to assist healthcare professionals with continued medical education needed to enhance the ability to provide quality care to patients.

All applications are reviewed for educational and scientific merit, audience scope, and compliance with legal, ethical and professional obligations.

Eligibility

To be eligible for AAPA CME approval, be sure to:

• Plan the activity in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria (PDF), in compliance with ACCME Standards for Commercial Support.
• Apply for AAPA approval prior to the event or activity launch date. AAPA does not grant retroactive approval for activities.
• Ensure that the activity is relevant to PA practice. The activity must empower PAs to improve patient care, improve systems of healthcare, or advance the profession as a whole.
• Determine in advance how you will record and verify learner participation.
• Create meaningful educational goals or learning objectives that are shared with prospective participants prior to the activity.
• Collect evaluations after the activity so that learners can provide feedback on the quality of the program and the extent to which it met the educational purpose and/or learning objectives of the activity.
• Collect and retain attendance or participation records.
• Approval of your activity is contingent upon your agreement to provide a small amount of follow-up data after the accreditation period ends. This varies slightly by learning formats, but includes a count and list of PAs who participated in the activity and an evaluation summary and may include other details.

AAPA Criteria & Policies

AAPA CME Criteria was updated in March 2020 in order to align more closely with CME industry norms and increase precision in reporting. The updated criteria now require CME providers to provide learners with a certificate that reflects the precise number of credits earned by that specific participant.

Previously, CME providers could issue a generic certificate indicating the total number of credits available, placing the burden on the learner to claim the appropriate number of credits with certification and/or licensing authorities. AAPA CME Criterion 11 already required that providers have a mechanism in place to record and verify learner participation. Building on that existing criterion, AAPA CME Criterion 12 now requires providers to document the specific number of CME credits claimed/earned by each participant on the CME certificate, along with the appropriate credit designation statement and CME approval logo.

• AAPA CME Criteria (PDF)
• AAPA Conflict of Interest Policy (PDF)
• AAPA Interpretation of ACCME Standard 4 at Live Meetings (PDF)
• How to Resolve Conflicts of Interest (PDF)
• Needs Assessments and Learning Objectives (PDF)
• PhRMA Code (PDF)

Pre-accreditation Statements

If your activity is approved by the AAPA Review Panel, you will receive an email with the precise accreditation statement and AAPA CME logo to include in your marketing materials and on certificates of completion issued to learners.

Language to Use Prior to Receiving AAPA Approval

You may publish the following statement in any advance marketing, prior to applying and/or receiving approval of AAPA Category 1 CME credit for your activity:

“This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for ____ AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.”

Already Designated for Physician Credit?

Activities already designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, AAFP Prescribed Credit, or AOA Category 1-A Credit may apply using an expedited AAPA CME review application and gain AAPA Category 1 Accreditation for their activity. These activities are automatically eligible for Simple application fees, as noted in the 2020 CME Fee Structure Update.

PAs generally know that programs approved for Category 1 CME credit by an ACCME accredited provider, AAFP and/or AOA will count toward PA certification maintenance requirements. If you wish to make this explicit in your promotional materials, you could use one of the following statements.

If your program is already designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

“PAs may claim a maximum of ____ Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.”

If your program is already designated for AOA Category 1-A Credit

“PAs may claim a maximum of ____ Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AOA Category 1-A Credit.”

If your program is already designated for AAFP Prescribed Credit

“PAs may claim a maximum of ____ Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AAFP Prescribed Credit.”

Application Fees

After analyzing application data from the past decade, AAPA has developed an updated CME fee structure effective March 2020. It simplifies how fees are determined and more appropriately aligns the fees for more complex applications with the resources required to review those complex applications.

Fees are now determined based on the complexity of the application as described below: 

Simple

An activity is considered SIMPLE if it meets ALL of the following criteria:

1. 5 or fewer CME credits
2. If there is no commercial support
3. If there is a single CME format included in the application*Activities already designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, AAFP Prescribed Credit, or AOA Category 1-A Credit will automatically be considered SIMPLE.

Complex

An activity is considered COMPLEX if it meets ANY of the following criteria:

• If there are more than 5 CME credits requested
• If there is commercial support
• If there is more than one learning format included in the application

Organization Tier

Click on a panel below to learn more about each tier.

Rush or Upload Fees

<pRush Processing:Required for application submitted within 21 days of an activity. Optional addition to any application for expedited review with a guaranteed result within 7 days.

Data Upload: Providers who would rather upload their session details in a properly formatted Excel file may pay an additional fee in lieu of entering that data manually into the system.

How to Apply

Timeline

• Submit your application at least 21 days in advance of the activity start date. Applications submitted less than calendar 21 days in advance of the activity start date are subject to mandatory rush fees. Applications submitted less than 7 calendar days in advance of the activity start date are not accepted for review.
• Please allow up to 3 weeks for the AAPA Review Panel to reach a decision. Actual review times vary and are impacted by total application volume, reviewer resources, and the number of rush applications we’ve received. If reviewers need to request additional information, review of your activity could take longer. If you’ve marked your application for rush processing, you will receive a decision within 7 calendar days.
• You may only use AAPA Category 1 CME credit logos in your marketing once your activity is approved. See Pre-accreditation Statements for more information.
• AAPA does not, under any circumstance, approve activities retroactively. Nor do we accept applications less than seven days in advance of the event/activity date.

Applying for CME Accreditation

AAPA’s application process is entirely online. Approval decisions and any requests for additional information are sent via email. It is incumbent on the submitter to monitor the status of applications, respond to correspondence in a timely manner, and ensure all appropriate documentation is provided. Failure to compete a request for further information or any other requests may result in the cancellation of the application.

1. Read through AAPA’s CME Criteria and Policies.
2. Review required information for your application and specific learning formats.
3. Go to AAPA’s CME Approval and log in using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t already have an AAPA account, creating one is straightforward and intuitive. If you already have a personal account, you should not create a new one when applying. Credentials for the old system will no longer be valid.
4. Click “Submit New Applications” to begin your application. Complete all required fields marked and. pay the application fee. Paying the fees by credit card is strongly recommended because your request will move into our review queue without delay and you can obtain a receipt immediately (click on the “Invoices” link). If paying by check, be sure to include the Request ID on the check stub or in the memo line or risk a delay in your application. Please bear in mind that we will not begin reviewing your application until we receive payment. If your delay moves your application too close to, or after, your event’s start date, your application will not be reviewed, and no refund will be issued.
5. Allow up to 3 weeks for a decision from the AAPA Review Panel. If our review panel requires more information or your application is incomplete, you will receive a request for more information via email. The AAPA Review Panel’s decision on your request is also sent via email.

After Your Activity is Approved

1. Accept AAPA’s CME Agreement. Log in to AAPA’s CME Approval System and navigate into your application. You will now have access to the “Agreement” stage of the application, which you must review and accept. You must accept the agreement within 7 days of receiving temporary accreditation or risk your activity being cancelled and subsequently unaccredited, without refund.
2. Use the AAPA CME logo and accreditation statements in your marketing materials, printed program, and front matter. A link to the AAPA credit logo and an accreditation statement can be found in your CME Agreement. Please use the accreditation statement verbatim; this is also found in your agreement.
3. Issue certificates to participating learners when appropriate. Sample certificates are available from the pages detailing each of the learning formats. As the CME provider, issuing certificates is your responsibility. PAs are responsible for logging the credits they earn. AAPA does not perform either of these functions. Please use the accreditation statement provided to you in your CME Agreement verbatim.,
4. Provide AAPA with follow-up information in your Post Activity report. Within 90 days of completion of your activity (or at the end of your accreditation period), return to AAPA’s CME Approval Software, return to your application, and click on the “Post Activity Report” link. This entails entering the number of learners (PAs and other professionals) who completed your activity, uploading a participant list), a summary of the evaluations collected from participants, and any other lingering information or updates specific to your application.

Learning Formats

AAPA offers Category 1 CME accreditation for 6 learning formats.

Use the pages below to access the definition, accreditation period, any eligibility requirements unique to that type, and to download sample supporting documents for your application.

• Live
• Enduring Material
• Precepting / Clinical Teaching
• Regularly Scheduled Series
• Self-Assessment
• Quality or Performance Improvement (PI)

Joint Accreditation

AAPA joined a collaboration with Joint Accreditation, an organization that establishes the criteria to deliver continuing education planned by the healthcare team for the healthcare team. This collaboration gives jointly accredited organizations the option to include PAs in their interprofessional continuing education (IPCE) programs without needing to attain separate accreditation through AAPA.

In addition to increasing the accessibility of AAPA Category 1 CME credit, Joint Accreditation provides greater recognition of the PA’s role in educational activities developed for the team and offers organizations simultaneous accreditation of all team members through a unified accreditation process and set of accreditation criteria.

Guidelines for Designating AAPA Category 1 CME Credit Through Joint Accreditation

APPLY FOR JOINT ACCREDITATION

We are pleased to recognize the following providers for their adoption of AAPA Category 1 credit through Joint Accreditation:

CME for Preceptors

Through a partnership between PAEA and AAPA, ARC-PA accredited PA programs may apply to become eligible to award AAPA Category 1 CME to their PA preceptors for up to two years at a time.

If you are a PA interested in precepting or a current preceptor interested in earning AAPA Category 1 CME for your efforts and your program is not accredited, please reach out to your program director. The cost of an application for up to a 24-month accreditation period is $400.

This page contains a regularly updated list of the name and location of every PA program in the United States as well as their eligibility to provide AAPA Category 1 CME to their preceptors.

Current as of: July 30, 2020

Total number of ARC-PA accredited programs: 260

Frequently Asked Questions

For any other questions, comments, or concerns, you may contact us at 703-836-2272 or [email protected].