Modifications keep happening to our model CME Planning Document, which we make available to you to use ‘as is’ or modify to fit your planning process. However, remember that CME planning today is, by definition, complex, so simplifying the document is not to your advantage particularly if you are seeking a Level 3 accreditation.

New to this version are the following:

• Enhancement for demonstrating compliance with Criterion 3—Designation of intended outcome is tied to each identified gap and a section to notate the rationale for the intended outcome is provided. This last section is a critical feature for the updated ACCME Criteria. What is your rationale for the decisions you made? PEARL: The checkboxes in this section should match what you say in your mission’s purpose statement.

• Cross-linked Physician Attributes chart. This allows you to demonstrate multiple competencies from the list that apply to your activity. Conversely, the list should spark ideas for development of content relating to these competencies.

• New section on selection of formats—This relates to Criterion 5 and, again, includes a place to record your rationale for the selection of formats designed to engage learners in their own education and reinforce and sustain educational goals.

• Outcomes Constructor—If you haven’t seen the planning document for a while, then this section is also new to you. The outcomes builder—based in part on materials supplied by Derek Dietze from ImproveCME—provides options for your planners to use in building outcomes measurements that relate to the designation of intended outcomes from above. Every CME activity today must measure for the outcome you designated in terms of improvements in competence and/or performance and/or patient outcomes.

• Sample Case Study—New Appendix C provides a sample case study for use in measuring improvement in competence that was developed for you by Judy Sweetnam.

The most updated version of the planning document may be downloaded at www.passinassociates.com/downloads/planningdocument.doc.