Comments on: Why is the American College of Rheumatology barring the media from adding CME? http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2009/11/american-college-rheumatology-barring-media-adding-cme.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:27:00 +0000 hourly 1 By: HealthPRhttp://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2009/11/american-college-rheumatology-barring-media-adding-cme.html#comment-117684 HealthPR Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:53:07 +0000 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/?p=41205#comment-117684 PR person here. I have to agree with Nuclear Fire and Ernie G. I see nothing objectionable in the ACR guidelines. Our organization doesn't offer CME, but we would also distinguish between reporters covering the meeting as news and those using our content as the basis of non-news revenue when evaluating their eligibility for press credentials. Press credentials are a courtesy, not a right. We're happy to support the dissemination of news by providing free access to our meeting and resources to make reporting easier. But you're selling CME based on the content; I don't see how that counts as reporting. They aren't closing you out of the meeting - which would be questionable. You can, and did previously, pay to attend.I'm not a member of ACR, don't work for them and have never attended the meeting. However, I don't seen anything in their policy that is contradictory to policies at other associations and meetings with whom I have worked. PR person here. I have to agree with Nuclear Fire and Ernie G. I see nothing objectionable in the ACR guidelines. Our organization doesn’t offer CME, but we would also distinguish between reporters covering the meeting as news and those using our content as the basis of non-news revenue when evaluating their eligibility for press credentials. Press credentials are a courtesy, not a right. We’re happy to support the dissemination of news by providing free access to our meeting and resources to make reporting easier. But you’re selling CME based on the content; I don’t see how that counts as reporting. They aren’t closing you out of the meeting – which would be questionable. You can, and did previously, pay to attend.

I’m not a member of ACR, don’t work for them and have never attended the meeting. However, I don’t seen anything in their policy that is contradictory to policies at other associations and meetings with whom I have worked.

]]> By: Ernie Ghttp://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2009/11/american-college-rheumatology-barring-media-adding-cme.html#comment-117674 Ernie G Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:31 +0000 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/?p=41205#comment-117674 I agree with Nuclear Fire-- you're free to pay to go to the ACR and create CME credits, just not go as a "reporter" who will then issue CME credits for content you had no role in creating. You can disseminate information without having to issue CME, so the rule doesn't stop you from doing that either. And if you don't care to get the ACR's approval, then why write this long letter? Honestly, how does reporting about a news conference qualify one as a CME writer? I would be hesistant if I were a leader of an medical organization to endorse a policy to allow reporters in as reporters if that reporter's newspaper issued CME for reading an article without clear assistance from the presenters at that conference. I don't think it reflects poorly at all on the ACR. (by the way, never heard of MedPage Today until now)Disclaimer: I too am a member of the ACR, but did not attend this conference I agree with Nuclear Fire– you’re free to pay to go to the ACR and create CME credits, just not go as a “reporter” who will then issue CME credits for content you had no role in creating. You can disseminate information without having to issue CME, so the rule doesn’t stop you from doing that either. And if you don’t care to get the ACR’s approval, then why write this long letter? Honestly, how does reporting about a news conference qualify one as a CME writer? I would be hesistant if I were a leader of an medical organization to endorse a policy to allow reporters in as reporters if that reporter’s newspaper issued CME for reading an article without clear assistance from the presenters at that conference. I don’t think it reflects poorly at all on the ACR. (by the way, never heard of MedPage Today until now)

Disclaimer: I too am a member of the ACR, but did not attend this conference

]]> By: Nuclear Firehttp://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2009/11/american-college-rheumatology-barring-media-adding-cme.html#comment-117668 Nuclear Fire Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:07:58 +0000 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/?p=41205#comment-117668 It's the ACR's meeting. You're not barred from going. You just don't get special privileges unless you abide by their rules. I'm not sure your complaints are going to endear you to the many physicians who do pay to go to the meeting.Disclaimer: I'm a member of the ACR and attended the 2009 meeting. It’s the ACR’s meeting. You’re not barred from going. You just don’t get special privileges unless you abide by their rules. I’m not sure your complaints are going to endear you to the many physicians who do pay to go to the meeting.

Disclaimer: I’m a member of the ACR and attended the 2009 meeting.

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