Terms of Reference
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation Committee

Role

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation Committee (CPD-AC) is a subcommittee that reports to the Accreditation Committee. The purpose of the committee is to develop innovative approaches and establish the standards and processes relevant to the accreditation and re-accreditation of continuing professional development (CPD) providers.

Responsibility and Authority

The CPD-AC’s core responsibilities are to:

  • Develop, maintain, and recommend policies, standards, and criteria for the accreditation of CPD providers;
  • Develop and maintain policies, standards, and criteria for the accreditation of CPD activities under Section 1 and Section 3 of the Maintenance of Competence (MOC) Program;
  • Oversee the (re)application process related to CPD providers; and
  • Review the reports of periodic evaluations of accredited CPD providers.

The CPD-AC has a collaborative relationship with the Professional Learning and Development Committee (PLDC), where the vice-chair of the CPD-AC will also participate as a non-voting member in PLDC meetings. One voting member of the CPD-AC will hold a dual role; as a voting member and as vice-chair of the CPD-AC. The chair of the CPD-AC will serve as co-chair of the Scientific Planning Committee for the National CPD Accreditation Conference.

Composition

The CPD-AC has nine (9) voting members, including the chair and vice-chair*. The 9 voting committee members include:

  • One (1) committee chair who is selected from one of the categories of voting members below;
  • Two (2) members from university offices of Continuing Medical Education (CME) or equivalent;
  • Four (4) members from National Specialty Societies or other national CPD providers;
  • One (1) member from the Simulation Accreditation Integration Working Group; and
  • One (1) Chair of an accredited rounds, journal club, or small group program.

*One of the voting members listed above (with the exception of the committee chair) will also hold the role of vice-chair for the CPD-AC.

The committee will also include the following three (3) non-voting members who may attend meetings but shall not be counted for the purposes of establishing quorum: ·

  • Chair, Committee on Accreditation of Continuing Medical Education, AFMC;
  • One (1) representative from the Collège des Médecins du Québec; and
  • One (1) representative from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Key Competencies and Characteristics

Generally, committee members should possess the following key competencies and characteristics:

  • Knowledge of the vision, mission, and goals of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program;
  • Knowledge of the ethical principles governing physicians and industry (including pharmaceutical companies, medical supply, and simulation development companies);
  • Knowledge of and interest in the evaluation of CPD activities and providers;
  • Experience in the development or implementation of standards for educational and assessment programs;
  • Experience or expertise in the educational planning processes of CPD activities; and
  • An ability to integrate strategic thinking and risk management in the formulation of accreditation policies and standards.
  • The ability and willingness to meet the strategic directions of the Royal College and the willingness to participate effectively in committee meetings.

Term of Office

The usual term of office of the chair is two years, renewable once (maximum of four years). The term of the vice-chair is one year, renewable three times (maximum of four years). The terms of office take effect as stipulated so long as the member’s total years of service on the committee do not extend beyond 10 years.

The usual term of office for members is two years, renewable twice (maximum of six years).

All terms shall begin and end at the time of the Annual Meeting of the Members when vacancies need to be filled.

Meetings

The CPD Accreditation Committee usually meets two times virtually in the spring and once face-to-face in the fall. Quorum consists of a majority of the voting members of the committee (i.e., 50% plus one). The chair is counted as a voting member in constituting quorum. However as the presiding official of the committee, the chair does not move motions. Furthermore, the chair shall only vote when the vote is conducted by secret ballot. Every question shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast. In the event of a tie vote, the question shall be defeated. When a committee is called to make a decision outside of a meeting by e-ballot, the same rules apply.

Appointment to a Royal College committee carries significant responsibilities, and all committee members are expected to adhere to the Volunteer Code of Conduct. In addition, committee members are required to maintain absolute discretion and not divulge, re-produce, or release any confidential information except when authorized by the Royal College. Committee members may download a copy of committee materials for the sole purpose of participating in committee work. All downloaded materials must be deleted once the related committee work is completed. The Royal College retains copies of committee materials should committee members wish to access them at a later time for related work.

Committee work product

In the course of performing their committee duties, committee members may produce or contribute to materials, content or other work products. These work products and the related intellectual property will be owned by the Royal College. The Royal College is open to discussing other ownership arrangements for specific projects. Alternative arrangements must be confirmed in writing by the project contributors and the Royal College.

TOR record

Approved by: CSE
Approval Date: June 12, 2023
Approval path: Accreditation Committee, CSE
Effective date: June 12, 2023
Date of next review: Spring 2025
Royal College Office: OSA
Version status: Approved