The AHA and ACCME have reached an agreement on industry scientists presenting at their annual meeting. The ban on industry scientists has been lifted.
The AHA has long believed in the integrity of science that is rigorously peer reviewed by content experts, and is absolutely independent in the positioning and delivery of its content. As noted in the ACCME statement of 6/23/10, in which they stated their belief in the value of constructive debate and input about their policies and all issues related to managing conflict of interest in accredited CME, the ACCME is committed to setting fair and reasonable standards that support education about scientific research and developments, while ensuring that accredited CME is independent and free of commercial influence. During in-depth discussions with the AHA, and after thoughtful deliberation, the ACCME agreed that AHA’s extensive internal controls assure independence, and are appropriate for CME accreditation for a scientific meeting.
Thus, there will be no variance from past Scientific Sessions and CME will be available for all presentations within the scientific program. This will insure that the flow of science will remain unfettered as it always has been and as would be in keeping with the mission of the AHA.
For those submissions that were withheld, we will reopen abstract submissions shortly and enter the newly submitted material into our ongoing peer review process.
This is an encouraging move from the ACCME as industry scientists should be able to present their research at scientific meetings.
This opens the door for other organizations to also provide CME for basic and translational and clinical research conducted by industry scientists.