CE Policy

Policy on Resolution of Personal Conflicts of Interest

Resolution of conflict means ensuring that the content of the activity is aligned with the interest of the public. 

1. SCCM shall identify all conflicts of interest for individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity. A conflict of Interest can be said to exist under the following conditions:
   1. The individual has a financial relationship with an ineligible company, and
   2. The individual has the opportunity to affect the content of accredited continuing education (ACE) about the products or services of that ineligible company.
2. SCCM shall mitigate all conflicts of interest before the education activity occurs through one or more of the following steps:
   1. Introduce a debate format with an unbiased moderator (point/counterpoint)
   2. Conduct peer review for evidence-based content
   3. Provide faculty with alternate topic
   4. Select alternate faculty for specific topics
   5. Ensure divestiture of the relationship by faculty
   6. Include a moderated panel discussion in the activity
   7. Limit content to evidence with no recommendations
   8. Review all materials associated with a CE/ACE activity by board or planning committee
   9. Limit equipment representatives to providing only procedural demonstrations and no logistics or operation support
   The mitigation process may involve the cochairs, moderator/facilitator, faculty, board, or planning committee members who shall have no conflict of interest in the matter to mitigate.
3. If an infraction occurs regardless of the resolutions noted above, SCCM shall mitigate the issue through the following steps:
   1. The committee/board will review the infraction and determine if it was biased.
   2. A formal letter will be sent to the individual(s) involved in the perceived bias.
   3. If the perceived bias continues by the individual(s), a second formal letter will be sent.
   4. If a third instance occurs, the individual(s) will be formally notified and will be unable to present and/or participate in any SCCM CE/ACE activity for a period of two years.