Reaccreditation was granted for the maximum period of four years. This is important to us because the Health Center is currently the only institution in the East Texas area that is accredited by the State to designate credit for continuing medical education to physicians. When we received our most recent review, not only did we acquire the maximum number of years of continuing approval, but we also received commendations in two of the areas surveyed.
Few programs receive even one, much less two commendations.
Dr. Frank applauded the hard work of his staff and noted that the Continuing Medical Education Committee is made up of devoted physicians and staff who oversee the activities of this program that reaches hundreds of Texas physicians each year. The TMA strives to increase physician access to quality, practice-based CME in local communities by identifying and accrediting institutions whose overall CME programs substantially meet or exceed established criteria for educational planning and quality. These criteria, called the Essentials and Guidelines for the Accreditation of CME Sponsors in Texas, are based on specific elements of organization, structure, and method believed to significantly enhance the quality of formal CME programs. Each CME educational activity is rigorously evaluated. Dr. Owens says Grand Rounds is one area where participants can gain CME credits that are required to maintain licensure in Texas.