AAN CME Guidelines and Policies Regarding Industry

Continuing medical education (CME) is one of the most significant and highly regarded services the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) provides to its members. The AAN recognizes industry as a partner by accepting sponsorship and support funding as one of the many revenue sources for AAN programs. The AAN also recognizes the potential for commercial bias, perceived or otherwise, as well as members' concerns regarding industry involvement.

For these reasons and others, the AAN annually reviews and revises its rules governing industry participation in a effort to make them more comprehensive, unambiguous, and fully transparent. The AAN's zero-tolerance policy for any real or perceived commercial bias in AAN educational or scientific offerings is the fundamental guiding principle in its interactions with industry.

The AAN's annual guidelines, policies, and processes are based on this guiding principle as well as the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, American Medical Association, and Food and Drug Administration guidelines and policies. This means that all AAN programming is developed and implemented solely by the Education Committee, Science Committee, their respective subcommittees, and staff. Industry has no role in selecting programming, faculty, or program content. Industry influence or promotion on slides or computer-based presentations are prohibited, and the use of brand names of products should be avoided. All presenters must disclose, in writing, ties to industry and any other actual or perceived relationships. Industry and presenters, alike, are required to sign letters of agreement explicitly stating that they understand and will adhere to AAN guidelines. The AAN Education & Research Foundation (AANERF) sponsors a Corporate Round Table (CRT), comprised of representatives from both the AAN and industry, and one of the functions of the CRT is to promote awareness of the AAN's rules governing industry participation in the Annual Meeting and other activities.

Infractions

The great majority of the AAN's industry partners and presenters abide by the AAN's guidelines in a very positive manner, but there have been a few occasions when infractions occurred. Although most are minor, the AAN is committed to a zero-tolerance policy and for this reason have implemented mechanisms whereby infractions can be reported and sanctioned. Specifically, the AAN has revised all education and scientific evaluations to allow attendees to report on what they may perceive as commercial bias. The AAN has outlined specific sanctions in their guidelines, should infractions occur. Although the Annual Meeting Management Committee deals with infractions and perceptions of bias in a rigorous and impartial manner, our committee, on occasion, also seeks input from the AAN's Ethics Committee on these issues.

The AAN Promise

We value the partnership the AAN has established with industry, however, the AAN will never compromise the independence of its programs through its relationships with its corporate partners. Appropriate guidelines and input from attendees are essential components of managing our relationship with industry if we are to maintain our integrity as an organization and the confidence of the medical profession.