|
Progress reports are due today. Are you scrambling?
If you're an approved - scratch that… accredited provider, you're probably already knee-deep in progress reports, updated templates, and the alphabet soup of CPME forms.
Some of you are applying for accreditation for the first time. Some are making minor corrections to stay compliant. And some are in the “Hail Mary” zone, staring down probation and hoping to hold on.
No matter where you fall, one thing is universal: This stuff is not easy.
With the new version of CPME 720 now in effect, there’s a whole new rulebook and it’s more than just a revision. It’s an overhaul. There’s a lot to unpack, but before we dive into the chaos, let’s start with a little good news.
Some Helpful Tools Were Added
Back in 2019, CPME added sample documents to their website. Things like the Faculty Disclosure Form and the Commercial Interest Agreement. That was a smart move. Those documents are frequent trouble spots for providers trying to stay compliant.
Now, they’ve expanded that library with:
- A sample Gap Analysis template (formerly called the Needs Assessment),
- A sample Self-Study template (formerly the Self-Assessment).
If you’ve ever sat there wondering, “What does this form even need to look like?”, these templates can be life-savers.
Attention Doctors Earning Credits
Here’s something that might catch you off guard: CECH will now be awarded based on the exact duration of an activity.
So, if a speaker talks fast and finishes early and the morning session ends up being 3.34 hours instead of 3.5? That’s what participants will get credit for. Not the scheduled time. The actual time. This seemingly small change will absolutely affect how you track and report CECH moving forward.
About That June 2 Training…
CPME hosted a training webinar on June 2 to walk providers through the new 720 document. A 22-minute recorded version is now available on their website. But here’s the thing, the live version was closer to an hour long, and the Q&A was where the juicy stuff came out.
If you’re wondering where all the nuance went… it’s in that missing 38 minutes.
I attended live and asked several questions myself. I also had two of my team members taking notes. Between the three of us, we captured just about everything.
My Honest Take
Look, I get it, CPME has a tough job. But sometimes, their responses feel more confusing than clarifying.
In the training, many providers asked thoughtful, valid questions.
The answers? Let’s just say they often raised more questions than they answered.
I don’t believe there’s malice behind the ambiguity. But I do believe that the system could be more transparent, more consistent, and more collaborative.
Oh, was there always a $500 fee for extra progress reports? Is “approval with report” status a new thing? I thought it was referred to as “approval with additional information requested.”
Wanna work together?
If your organization is overwhelmed or unclear about the new CPME requirements, you’re not alone. Whether you need help building templates, preparing a progress report, petition, or application, or just making sense of the language, I’m here to help. Reply to this email and let's chat.
| 
