Dear Reader,

One of the AAFP’s most important priorities is to provide high-quality continuing medical education (CME). We understand that Academy members and others value this service, and we are committed to offering learning opportunities that improve your competence, support your performance and preparedness for certification and licensure, and increase the vitality and efficiency of your practice. As a CME provider, the AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to award AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ (the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award) in addition to AAFP Prescribed credit.

The AMA recently announced changes to the AMA PRA that will take effect for all accredited providers, including the AAFP, on July 1, 2011. In short, for journal-based and self-study CME activities (including audio, CD-ROM, online, print, video, etc.), AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may be awarded only to participants who meet a minimum performance level.

For the AAFP to demonstrate compliance with the new rule requires that we make changes in the way you claim CME credit for some AAFP-produced learning materials – including American Family Physician, Family Practice Management, FP Essentials and FP Audio. Credit for CME content published on or after July 1 will need to be submitted online; printed quiz cards will no longer be offered.

To make this as easy as possible for you and all of our members and learners, the AAFP is currently in the process of enhancing its online quizzes to include the additional features needed to meet the new requirement. This upgrade includes enabling you to complete quizzes on your iPhone or Android smartphone, iPad or other web-enabled mobile device and receive instant credit. Look for more information about these enhancements in the next few weeks.

For Family Practice Management, AAFP members and paid subscribers will have access to the online quiz as usual.

What about older quizzes? Printed quiz cards published before July 1 will continue to be accepted until the expiration date published on the card, which is approximately one year from the date of publication.

Thank you for your understanding as we adjust to these new requirements. If you have any questions about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact the AAFP Contact Center at 800-274-2237.