Frequently Asked Questions about the SDMS CME Guidelines

The SDMS CME Guidelines is a dynamic document that is frequently reviewed by the Continuing Education Committee and revisions are made, as approved by the Board of Directors. You are encouraged to read the CE Corner in each issue of News Wave because this column is one of the main methods of communicating information about revisions to the CME Guidelines, helpful hints for applying for SDMS CME credit approval, and other CME-related topics.

1. Do you have to be a member of SDMS to apply for SDMS CME credit?

No, you don't have to be a SDMS member to apply for SDMS CME credit. However, SDMS members receive a discount on the CME credit application processing fees as a benefit of membership.

2. If I have applied for SDMS CME credit in the past, do I still have to send in all the application forms?

Yes, with every initial and renewal application, you must submit all the required forms and documentation regardless if you have previously submitted the same forms.

3. Can you put a rush on applications that aren't submitted 30 business days prior to the educational activity?

No, in fairness to all applicants, applications are processed in the order they are received…first come, first served. If the application for SDMS CME credit has not been processed and approved by the time of the educational activity that you are sponsoring, participants can be told that application has been made to the SDMS and CME credit approval is pending. However, applications for SDMS CME credit are not accepted if the educational activity has already taken place. SDMS does not award retroactive CME credit.

4. Can I issue SDMS CME credit(s) before I receive SDMS CME credit approval?

No, for several reasons: 1) it is possible that the educational activity may not be approved for CME credit; 2) all CME credit certificates must contain a unique SDMS file number or they will not be accepted by the ARDMS and/or ARRT. This file number is provided when you receive the written CME credit approval letter from the SDMS. Falsifying CME credit approval can result in revocation of your SDMS CME provider status. In addition, issuing SDMS CME credit without approval by the SDMS or after the SDMS CME credit approval expiration date (which appears on the CME credit approval letter) may also result in legal action.

5. I sent my CME credit certificates to the SDMS, why aren't those credits appearing on my CME transcript in CME Tracker?

CME credit certificates should not be sent to the SDMS. They should be sent to the ARDMS and/or ARRT. The only CME credits that will appear on your CME transcript in CME Tracker are the CME credits that you earned from SDMS-sponsored products, such as Annual Conference, SDMS publications or videotapes, JDMS CME tests, etc. CME Tracker is a benefit for SDMS members only. For example, you may attend a meeting/seminar or complete a CME credit activity on the Internet and earn SDMS CME credit. This is because the organization or company, or institution, etc, applied for and received approval by the SDMS to issue the CME credit. However, the educational activity/event was not sponsored by the SDMS. Therefore, these CME credits will not be reported in CME Tracker and you must submit the CME certificate directly to the appropriate registry.

6. Can I earn SDMS CME credit for completing college courses?

Yes, you can receive CME credit for college courses if the courses meet the eligibility criteria. Please refer to 'college course' category in the SDMS CME Guidelines for information on the courses that are accepted for credit and the procedures for applying for credit.

7. I am going to be listed as the program director on the CME credit approval application but I am not a member of the SDMS. If someone else I know is a member, can I use her/his SDMS member number on the application and pay the member application processing fee?

No, in order to receive the member discount, the individual serving as the program director (listed on the application) must be a SDMS member. The role and responsibilities of the 'program director' of an educational activity are described in the CME Guidelines. Using someone's SDMS member number to receive the benefits restricted to SDMS members also raises ethical concerns.

8. If applying for CME credit for a seminar, do I have to fill out a documentation form (B-3) for each lecture in the seminar?

You must fill out a meeting documentation form (B-3) for each lecture unless you have a conference/seminar brochure that contains all the required information outlined in the CME Guidelines. In that case, you complete the top portion of the documentation form (B-3) and attach the brochure to it and write, "see attached". Be sure ALL the required information is included in the brochure or the application will be returned to you for completion of the missing information.

9. For self-instructional activities, why do I need to send in two copies of the material, e.g., publication, videotape, etc.?

Two copies of the self-instructional activity are required because one copy is maintained for file at SDMS and the other copy is sent to the SDMS CE Committee for external review. If the self-instructional activity is web-based, in addition to two print copies, providing the URL on the application is requested if available. This enables to reviewers to evaluate the activity online as it will actually be displayed.

10. What is the difference between a Study Group and a Local Ultrasound Society?

A Study Group (also known as in-service provider) consists of individuals employed by a specific institution (e.g., hospital, medical/imaging center, clinic or physician's office, urgent care center, etc. or satellite facilities owned by the sponsor/provider and in the same geographic area) that conduct continuing education for its employees only.

Local Ultrasound Society is an organization or group comprised of individuals from multiple institutions (e.g., hospital, medical/imaging center, clinic or physician's office, urgent care center) and/or multiple geographic areas) that conduct continuing education meetings/activities.

The SDMS CME Guidelines can be viewed/printed at:

     http://www.sdms.org/pdf/cmeguidelines.pdf

or you can request a copy by mail by contacting SDMS Headquarters.

The CME Guidelines are reviewed and revised annually. Be sure that you have the most current edition.