CEAU GUIDELINES

Dermatology Nurses’ AssociationContinuing Education Approver Unit

GUIDELINES FOR CONTINUINGEDUCATION APPROVAL:

A Manual for Providers

October 2002Revised August 2008

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CEAU GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION

A primary purpose of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) is to provide continuing education (CE) focused on nursing care of individuals with skin disorders. In 1993, DNA was accredited as an approver of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA). As a result, DNA may approve CE activities with its constituents, thereby increasing the opportunity for continuing education for nurses in dermatology.

The guidelines for approval of continuing education programs have been developed by the DNA Education Committee and Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) to assist DNA constituents in CE activity planning and approval. This manual is designed as a resource for the activity planning committee to ensure that all the necessary elements of a CE activity are present, that appropriate records are maintained, and that participants receive appropriate documentation of their earned contact hours. The section of completed sample forms and appendices on adult educational processes may be especially helpful as you plan your CE activity.

The information requested in the activity application is required to meet DNA's obligations as an approver of continuing nursing education as well as to assist the Education Committee in assessing CE needs and trends in dermatology nursing. Furthermore, these guidelines are reviewed periodically and updated as necessary. Please note that in addition to the form evaluating your CE activity, we have included a CE Approval Process Evaluation Form. This form allows you to evaluate the CEAU and the application process. Please refer to this form as you plan your activity, noting your responses and comments regarding the manual and the CEAU. Once returned to DNA, it will be used to assess our quality of service to you and to make procedural and quality improvements.

CEAU Committee and Staff Executive Director: Victoria E. Elliott, R.Ph, MBA, CAEChairperson: Janice Harris, MSN, RNCo-Chair: Janet Crawford, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC, DNC;Committee: Melissa Cooper, RN, CWOCN, DNC; Cynthia Heaton, RN, BSN; Nina

MacDonald, RN, BScN, DNC; Sue McCann, MSN, RN, DNC; Barbara McKeehen MSN, ARNP; Susan Moore, BSN, RN, DNC; Marrise Phillips, BSN, RN, CCRC, DNC; Sherri Garver Smith, BSN, RN; Josephine Worrell, MSN, RN

CE Manager: Joanna CarlsonAdministrative Coordinator: Jay Parker

Dermatology Nurses' Association15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C

Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054800-454-4362 / 856-642-4415

Fax: 856-439-0525E-mail: [email protected]

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DERMATOLOGY NURSES' ASSOCIATIONCONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVER UNIT

Philosophy

The Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) believes that individuals are complex, holistic beings in constant interaction with a changing environment. Furthermore, we believe that individuals are purposeful, sentient, perceiving, action-oriented, social beings who have a right to participate in decisions that influence their lives.

We believe that nursing is a learned profession that is both a science and an art. It is rooted in intellectual judgment, abstract knowledge, and human compassion. Furthermore, it is a collaborative profession that participates with professionals of other health disciplines to meet the health needs of the individual, family, community, and greater society.

Dermatology nursing encompasses the provision of holistic care to individuals suffering from skin disorders as well as education on the prevention of skin disease. The dermatology nurse, as an essential provider of dermatologic care, promotes maintenance and improvement of health, prevention of illness, restoration of an optimum level of wellness (including acceptance and coping with chronic illness) and imparting dignity and meaning to death.

We believe the delivery of high quality health care is promoted by specific education for nurses in the specialty of dermatology. Continuing education provides opportunities for the practitioner to develop proficiency in skills and expand their knowledge of dermatology nursing. Continuing education is essential for maintaining currency in an environment of rapidly changing technology and treatment modalities. Moreover, the advancement of the discipline of dermatology nursing is achieved through education and research in the specialty of dermatology. Professional dermatology nursing is achieved and maintained through participation in educational and research activities related to improving dermatologyhealth care, developing and testing nursing practice, and increasing the body of dermatology nursing knowledge.

We believe that learning is an individual, dynamic, life-long process. To maintain and enhance nursing competence and expertise, nurses must continually upgrade their knowledge and skills through participation in continuing education. This participation fosters the individual nurses' accountability and responsibility for practice.

We believe that continuing education in nursing is a planned process that is grounded in principles of adult learning, communication and education. This process is facilitated when it is goal directed, based on identified learner needs, and takes place in an environment conducive to learning.

We believe the responsibility of the DNA Continuing Education Approver Unit is to review and monitor the quality of continuing education offered by DNA's constituency. This responsibility is best achieved through a peer review process intended to ensure a variety of learning experiences and situations that will both meet the needs and interest of individual practitioners and learners as well as adhere to the continuing education standards established by the nursing profession.

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Purpose

The purpose of the Continuing Education Approver Unit is to review continuing education activities developed by DNA's constituents. This will be accomplished through a peer review process and in a manner that reflects the philosophy of DNA and the CEAU.

Goals

The goals of the Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) reflect the philosophy of DNA and the CEAU as well as the Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Professional Development (ANA, 2000), ANCC Accreditation Manual, 2006, and the needs an characteristics of the Approver units potential applicants.

1. Encourage the pursuit of continuing education in dermatology nursing.2. Monitor continuing education needs and requirements for dermatology nurses.3. Establish and maintain criteria for awarding contact hours for quality continuing nursing

education according to the guidelines of the ANCC-COA.4. Establish and maintain the process of reviewing, approving, and awarding contact hours for

continuing nursing education for DNA's constituency.5. Serve as a resource to DNA's constituents regarding questions pertaining to planning,

implementing, and evaluating continuing nursing education.6. Maintain and ensure confidentiality of continuing education records submitted by constituents

and educational activity participants.7. Review and revise, as needed, the CEAU philosophy, purpose, goals, policies, and procedures on

an annual basis.

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CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION ACTIVITYCRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

A CE activity may be provider-paced (where content is covered in a specified amount of time, e.g., seminars, workshops) or learner-paced (where each learner covers content at a pace suited to their needs, e.g., journal articles, CD programs).

Knowledge and use of adult learning principles should be reflected in all aspects of the educational design, including the objectives, content, teaching methods, physical facilities, etc.

Review of evaluation feedback from learners is an important aspect of monitoring the effectiveness of the activity.

Information specified in the criteria for approval of a CE activity must be submitted on the forms provided. Information on the entire activity must be submitted.

I. Planning the Continuing Education Activity

A. Planning Committee1. A person is identified to be administratively responsible for planning and producing the education

activity. This person is identified as the planning committee chairperson.

The planning committee chairperson must submit a Biographical Data Form (form provided) that specifies the educational and professional qualifications for leading the activity.

2. The planning committee must consist of a minimum of two people (but there can be more). At least one of these must be a registered nurse who holds a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing. The other individual(s) are identified as the planning committee members. Between the committee members, one must be identified as the expert in ANCC criteria, one must be a representative of the target audience and one must be a content expert. If there are only two people on the committee, then one of the two must satisfy two of these roles.

Example committees…

Example 1 (all three roles are represented):Jane Doe, MSN, RN (meets nurse requirements, representative of target audience)Betty Smith, BRN, RN (expert in ANCC criteria, content expert)

Example 2 (all three roles are represented):Jane Doe, MSN, RN (meets nurse requirements) Paul Jones, MD (content expert)Karen Hamilton, RN, BScN (representative of target audience)Betty Smith, BRN, RN (expert in ANCC criteria)Polly Sherman, BRN, RN (representative of target audience)

Each planning committee member must submit a Biographical Data Form that specifies the educational and professional qualifications for being involved in planning and producing the educational activity.

3. All planning committee chairpersons and members must submit a Disclosure Form.

B. Target Audience and Needs Assessment1. The target audience for the educational activity is identified.

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Submit a brief description of the target audience on the Continuing Education Approval Application (form provided). This description should include the professional titles, practice setting and patient population served of the activity’s anticipated audience.

2. The educational activity is developed in response to, and with consideration for the unique education needs of the target audience. These may include general professional issues, specific practice problems, or issues related to future trends in practice.

Submit a description on the Continuing Education Approval Application of how the need for this educational activity was assessed. Include how learner input was considered in areas such as content and presentation method.

C. Purpose/Goal(s)1. The purpose/goal(s) for the activity is/are clearly stated and supported by the educational design.

It/they should describe how the activity would enrich the nurses’ contributions to quality health care and their pursuit of professional career goals.

Submit the continuing education activity purpose/goal(s) statement(s) on the Continuing Education Approval Application.

Note: Information described below in sections D-H must be submitted using the 5-Column Form found in the Continuing Education Approval Application.

D. Objectives1. Educational objectives define the expected outcomes for the learner.

2. Objectives for the entire educational activity are stated in operational/behavioral terms that can be measured at the conclusion of the program.

List the objectives in operational/measurable terms on the application.

Use a separate 5-Coumn Form for each portion of the program that…a. may be attended independently of other sessions, b. is expected to be attended in its entirety,c. would be assigned an individual amount of credit for successful completion

…regardless of the number of speakers within that portion.

Examples: (keynote, panel, individual sessions, etc.)a. 60-minute keynote with one speaker = use a single 5-column form to submit the

information for this sessionb. 90-minute session composed of five speakers talking on related topics = use a single 5-

column form to submit the information for this session. Do NOT use a separate 5-column form for each speaker in this type of session. Simply list the objectives, content and other items for each speaker in the order that they will be speaking.

E. Content1. Educational activity content is related to and consistent with the educational activity objectives.

Each objective has corresponding content and all major content areas have corresponding objectives.

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2. Content is described in the form of a content outline with corresponding time frames for each content area.

Outline the content to be presented and indicate its corresponding objective on the 5-Column Form.

F. Time Frame1. The amount of time allotted for the educational activity is consistent with the objectives and

appropriate for the content being presented.

Indicate (in minutes) the amount of time allotted to each major content area. The minimum amount of time allowed for an education activity is 60 minutes (one contact hour).

G. Presenters1. Presenters take an active part in planning their presentations.

Describe, on each session’s 5-Column Form, how the presenter took part in planning their presentation.

2. Presenters have knowledge and expertise in the content that they present.

List each presenter's name with their corresponding content area on the 5-Column Form. Submit a Biographical Data Form (form provided) that specifies the educational and professional qualifications for each presenter.

3. Each presenter must submit a disclosure form, regardless of whether s/he has anything to disclose.

H. Teaching Strategies1. Teaching strategies are congruent with the educational activity objectives and content presented

and reflect adult learning principles.

List the teaching strategies used by the presenter for each content area on the 5-Column Form. Teaching strategies utilized should reflect audience participation (discussion, question & answer), recognition of life experiences (case presentation, demonstration), recognition of various learning styles (visual media, handouts as well as lecture, demonstration), problem-oriented (brainstorming, case presentation, role play), etc.

I. Commercial SupportIn the event that any form of commercial support is provided for an education activity, the provider will maintain control of the educational content and disclose to the learners all financial relationships, or lack thereof, between the commercial supporter and the provider, the planners and/or the presenters.

NOTE:Constituents applying to the DNA CEAU for activity approval must be aware that DNA is not, and cannot be, the “provider” of the activity. The applying constituent organization is the “provider” of the activity, not DNA. DNA should NEVER be listed as the activity provider on any document relating to the activity. This is especially crucial in regards to commercial support documents.

1. Funds from a commercial source should be in the form of an educational grant to the provider of the education activity and must be acknowledged in printed material and brochures.

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2. Arrangements for commercial exhibits will not influence the planning of or interfere with the presentation of education activities.

3. Learners will be made aware in writing of the nature of any commercial support of an education activity.

4. Education activities are distinguished as separate from endorsement of commercial products. When commercial products are displayed, participants will be advised that approved status as a provider refers only to its continuing education activities and does not imply ANCC Commission on Accreditation endorsement of any commercial products.

5. Education activities that present research conducted by commercial companies will be designed and presented with scientific objectivity. The content may note promote any specific commercial company or any specific commercial product.

6. Learners will be informed in writing of any off-label use of a product that is presented in education activities.

J. EvaluationThere is a clearly defined method for evaluating the following Continuing Education activity criteria.

1. Learner's achievement of each objective.

2. Each individual presenter, if applicable.

3. Relationship of objectives to overall purpose/goals of activity.

4. Appropriateness of teaching strategies.

5. Appropriateness of physical facilities, if applicable.

Describe the method used to evaluate the educational activity. Indicate the category of evaluation (i.e., learner satisfaction, knowledge enhancement, skill and attitude change, change in practice/performance, relationship of the practice change to quality of service). The DNA Continuing Education Evaluation Form (form provided) may be used or you may design your own form addressing the above components. A sample of any applicant-designed evaluation form materials must be included with your application for review by the CEAU.

K. Verification of Participation and Successful Completion1. Criteria for verifying participation and successful completion of the learning activity must be

specified. Verification of participation may include sign-in sheets, self-reported attendance or return of evaluation tools. Successful completion may be achieved by a variety of methods, including submission of a written post-test, self-reported rating of objectives achieved, return demonstration, attendance at entire activity, etc. Applicants must identify the criteria for verifying participation and successful completion of the learning activity and how the learners will be informed of these criteria.

2. Participants will receive written verification of the following:

a. The name of the learner.

b. A statement that the learner has “successfully completed” the activity.

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c. The number of contact hours awarded.

d. The provider’s (that is, your organization’s) name and address.

e. Title, date, city, and state of the educational activity.

f. Appropriate statement of approval, which identifies that DNA has approved the educational activity for contact hour credit.

A sample of the verification form/certificate to be awarded must be submitted with the application. The form must specify each of the criteria listed above.

The applicant must maintain verification/completion records in case participants need verification of successful completion of the activity and contact hours awarded at a later date.

II. Record Keeping and Storage System

A. Records

1. A system exists for the provider to store activity and participant records. Records are kept for six years for each educational activity and include the following essential information:

a. Title, date and location of the activity.

b. Description of target audience.

c. Method and findings of the needs assessment.

d. Names, titles and expertise of the activity planners (completed biographical data forms will meet this requirement).

e. Disclosure forms for all planners and presenters.

f. Disclosure resolution forms (if applicable).

g. Purpose, objectives, content, teaching methods (completed 5-column forms will meet this requirement).

h. Delivery methods, resources and learner feedback mechanisms to be used.

i. Marketing and promotional materials.

j. Notice to learners of how successful completion will be measured.

k. Method or process used to verify participation.

l. Means of ensuring content integrity with commercial support, if commercial was used (completed Commercial Support Agreements(s) will meet this requirement).

m. Evaluation tools used, including an evaluation summary.

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n. Record of participant names and addresses and the number of contact hours awarded to each.

o. Sample certificate of completion.

B. Storage

1. A provider must establish and maintain a record storage system that assures confidentiality and easy retrieval of records by authorized individuals.

Describe the record-keeping and storage system, including retention of records, confidentiality, filing, storage, and retrieval of records.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVER UNIT (CEAU) GLOSSARY

This glossary is adapted, in part, from the glossary supplied by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation (COA) Manual for Accreditation as an Approver of Continuing Education in Nursing, 2001-2002.

Accreditation - a voluntary process in which an institution, organization, or agency submits to an in-depth analysis to determine its capacity to provide or approve quality continuing education over an extended period of time.

Accredited Approver - an eligible organization credentialed by the ANCC after having submitted to an in-depth analysis to determine its capacity to approve quality continuing education over an extended period of time.

Accredited Provider - an eligible organization credentialed by ANCC after having submitted to an in-depth analysis to determine its capacity to provide quality continuing education over an extended period of time.

Adult Learning Principles - Approaches to adult learning which utilize principles of the individuals autonomy, self-direction, life experiences, readiness to learn, and problem orientation to learning. Some specific approaches include mutual, respectful collaboration of teachers and learners in planning, diagnosing needs, formulating objectives, designing sequences, and evaluating learning. Beneficial adult learning activities tend to be experiential and inquiry focused.

Appeal - a process that allows the applicant to obtain a predetermination by an appellate body with regard to an adverse decision made by the original decision-making body (the Continuing Education Approver Unit).

Appeals Committee - appellate body within the Education Committee but separate from the CEAU responsible for reviewing applications denied approval by the CEAU.

Applicant - individual, organization, or agency seeking approval for a continuing education activity from the DNA CEAU.

Approval (Continuing Education) - a decision made by the CEAU that the criteria for approval of continuing education have been met.

Approver Unit - see Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU).

Behavioral Objective - An intended outcome of instructions stated as a specific behavior of the learner that can be measured by performance.

Constituency - those providers eligible to submit continuing education activities to the DNA as defined in the Constituency Eligibility Policy. Constituency must be identified at the time of application for accreditation.

Contact Hour - A unit of measurement that describes 60 minutes of an approved, organized learning experience (either didactic or clinical experience). Contact hours are also awarded for offerings organized as an independent study.

Content - Subject matter of or definitive information about an educational activity which relates to the behavioral objectives.

Content Specialist - Person responsible for developing and/or presenting a topic. Must have participated in planning the CE activity.

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Continuing Education - learning activities intended to build upon the educational and experiential bases of the DNA constituents for the enhancement of practice, education, administration, research, or theory development to the end of improving the health of the public.

Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) - the administrative body of the DNA credentialed by the ANCC to approve continuing education and responsible for coordinating all aspects of the continuing education approval process.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) - Ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience that meets the criteria published by the national council on the Continuing Education Unit, including responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.

Criteria - indicators by which standards are measured and evaluated.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) - a succinct resume which specifies education and professional qualifications.

Deferral - a decision made by the CEAU to delay action on an application.

Denial - a decision made by the CEAU to disapprove an application.

Educational Design - a plan for instruction consisting of a minimum of a documented assessment of learning needs, behavioral objectives, content outline, teaching methods, learning experiences, resource utilization plan, and evaluation strategies.

Evaluation - a systematic assessment of administrative, program and learning outcomes.

Goal - a broadly stated objective, direction, or general intent.

Guidelines - statements for direction in implementing criteria and policies.

Independent Study - a self-paced learning activity developed for individual use which may be institutionally offered (provider-directed) or self-prescribed (self-directed).

Interdisciplinary Continuing Education - planned, organized learning experiences designed for a target audience of members of two or more separate but interrelated professions.

Monitor - a periodic assessment to determine continuing compliance with the criteria.

Need (Educational) - knowledge, skills, or attitudes that are absent but necessary to attain more desirable conditions and are capable of being satisfied by learning experiences.

Needs Assessment - a process by which a potential learning experience is analyzed and a discrepancy between what is desired and what exists is identified.

Philosophy - a statement of beliefs.

Planning Committee - a group of knowledgeable persons, including potential participants or representatives of a target audience, brought together for the purposes of planning an educational activity.

Program - a series of offerings/educational sessions with a common theme and common overall goals. Attendees may be allowed to choose among several individual/concurrent educational sessions. An example of a program is a conference or course with multiple sessions.

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Program Chairperson/Coordinator - the person responsible for bringing together and managing elements needs for a continuing education provider unit or program.

Provider - an individual, institution, organization, or agency responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, financing, record keeping, and maintenance of a quality assurance mechanism for a continuing education offering, program, or a total continuing education curriculum.

Provider Unit - the administrative body responsible for coordinating all aspects of the nursing continuing education activities sponsored by a provider.

Purpose - a statement describing why and for whom an educational program has been designed.

Quality Assurance - a process to ensure the excellence of continuing education activities and the CEAU. The process includes measurement of the degree to which goals are met, and the introduction of changes based on information supplied by the measurement with the view toward improvement of the total continuing education effort.

Reconsideration - a process that allows the applicant to obtain reconsideration of an adverse decision on an application for accreditation by submission of clarifying materials to the CEAU.

Resources - individuals, materials, space, and funds needed to implement an educational program.

Resubmission - a process which provides for review and action on applications which have been previously submitted and withdrawn prior to committee action.

Revoke - to rescind approved/accredited status.

Specialty Nursing Organization - a national nursing body that has a majority of voting members who are registered nurses that practice in a specialized nursing area, as so defined in the organizations scope of practice statement. The organization has in place bylaws that identify as a purpose and function the improvement of health care and the advancement of nursing.

Staff Development - a process consisting of orientation, in-service education, and continuing education for the purpose of promoting the development of personnel within any employment setting, consistent with the goals and responsibilities of the employer.

Standard - a norm that expresses an agreed-upon level of excellence that has been developed to characterize, to lead to criteria for measurement, and to provide guidance in achieving excellence in education.

Target Audience - group for which a learning experience has been designed.

Teaching Methods - a system of instructional procedures based upon educational principles.

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Policy No. 10.1Original Date: 8/95Revised: 9/99, 6/00, 11/01, 6/02,12/05, 12/06, 8/08

DERMATOLOGY NURSES' ASSOCIATIONPOLICY/PROCEDURE

QUALIFICATIONS OF APPROVER UNIT PERSONNEL

CEAU Chairperson/Administrator

PolicyThe CEAU Chairperson serves as both the administrator and the nurse responsible for the peer review process. The administrator is defined by ANCC-COA for approver units as the person who is administratively responsible for the approver unit. The registered nurse responsible for the peer review process is defined as the person who implements and evaluates the peer review approval process. In compliance with ANCC-COA criteria for approver units, candidates for this position must have a graduate degree and one degree - baccalaureate or graduate degree - must be in nursing. The candidate should also possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills and demonstrate the ability to be self-directed. The candidate should also possess a DNC certification credential and be a DNA member in good standing

PEER REVIEWERS:

PolicyCandidates for this position must be registered nurses with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing and be an active member of DNA. In addition, the candidate should possess experience with developing, implementing, and evaluating nursing continuing education; and have experience in one or more areas of dermatology. Certification in dermatology nursing is desirable but not mandatory. Peer reviewers must be able to communicate electronically.

CE MANAGER:

PolicyThe CE Manager handles the daily operations of the Approver Unit such as receiving applications, checking for completeness, interacting with providers, mailing and e-mailing applications for review, sending out approval letters, and filing.

APPEALS COMMITTEE:

PolicyThe Appeals Committee consists of three DNA members with the same qualifications as thepeer reviewers described above. None of the Peer Reviewers is eligible to concurrently serveon the Appeals Committee.

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Policy No. 10.3Original Date: 8/95Revised: 9/99, 11/01, 6/02, 12/05, 12/06, 8/08


PUBLICATION OF ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS AND FOR PUBLICATION OF THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

ACTIVITIES

POLICY:

DNA’s Guidelines for Continuing Education Approval: A Manual for Providers (2002) (revised 2008) is the authorized guide for the application submission process and contains the fee schedule to be used for the approval of continuing education activities.

PROCEDURE:

1. Applicants may obtain information on the application submission by reading the Guidelines for Continuing Education Approval: A Manual for Providers (2002) (revised 2008). In addition, the CE Manager is available to answer any questions about the submission process.

2. Applicants can obtain information on the approval fee schedule for Approval of Continuing Education Activities on the DNA website. In addition, the CE Manager is available to answer any questions about the submission process.

3. The Guidelines for Continuing Nursing Education manual is available to DNA members and constituents on the DNA Website and by request from the CE Manager.

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Policy No. 10.5Original Date: 8/95Revised: 9/99, 11/01, 6/02, 12/05.12/06, 8/08


SYSTEM FOR AWARDING CREDIT

POLICY:

1. The CEAU implements the ANCC COA's system of awarding credit.2. The contact hour is the acceptable unit of measurement for a continuing education activity. Applicants

requesting approval of contact hours may contact the CE Manager or read the Manual (obtained from the website) to clarify the definition of contact hour. The applicant is then asked to submit an application for contact hours.a. A contact hour is defined as 60 minutes of an approved organized learning activity that is either

didactic or clinical experience.b. The educational activity must be at least 60 minutes in duration to receive continuing education

approval. The educational activity cannot be less than 60 minutes in length; however, several topics/speakers can be used in one session.

3. After the first contact hour, partial credit may be awarded. For example, 75 minutes of approved learning activity equals 1.25 contact hours.

4. Evaluation is included as part of the educational activity and included in the calculation of contact hours.

5. Welcome, introductions, breaks, and viewing exhibits are not included in the calculation of contact hours.

PROCEDURE:

1. Applicants indicate the number of minutes for the activity on the Continuing Education Approval Application. Upon approval, the number of minutes is divided by 60 to determine the amount of contact hour credit awarded.

2. Once an application is approved, the CE Manager sends a letter to the applicant stating the application has been approved and the number of contact hours awarded.

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Policy No. 10.6Original Date: 8/95Revised: 4/94, 11/01, 6/02, 12/05, 8/08


TIME LINE FOR FILING AN APPLICATION

POLICY:

To provide deadlines for submission of applications for continuing education approval by the Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU).

PROCEDURE:

1. A complete application for an educational activity must be received at the national office 60 days before the activity date to be considered for review of contact hour approval.

2. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the CEAU for review.3. Applications will not be accepted by fax; they must be submitted via E-mail.4. The appropriate fee must be received before the review process can begin.5. The CE Manager forwards the pre-screened, complete application to the CEAU Chairperson and two

Peer Reviewers.6. If the application is filed 60 days before the activity date, the planning committee chairperson will

receive notification of the results and the review process before the activity date.7. Applications received after the 60 day deadline will be assessed a late fee and will be reviewed at the

discretion of the CEAU Chairperson.8. Applications will be accepted up to 30 days before the presentation of the education activity.9. Applications received less than 30 days prior to the activity date will not be considered for review or

approval.10. The review process must be completed before the educational activity is presented to receive

continuing education contact hour credit.11. Applications are not reviewed nor approved retroactive to the CE activity.

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Policy No. 10.7Original Date: 8/95Revised: 4/94, 6/02, 12/05, 8/08DERMATOLOGY NURSES' ASSOCIATION

POLICY/PROCEDURE

FEE SCHEDULE FOR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

POLICY:

Fees are necessary to defray administrative and review process costs, therefore, fees are required for approval of continuing education activities by the Continuing Education Approver Unit.

PROCEDURE:

1. The application fee is based on 1) the number of contact hours for the activity and, 2) the category of constituent.

2. The fee schedule may be found in the manual and in the application form.

3. A late fee will be assessed for all applications that are not received in the national office 60 days in advance of the activity. The late fee will be double the amount of the submitted application fee. The late fee will be required before the application is sent for review.

Example: If the original application fee is $100, the late fee would $100 in addition to the original application fee.

4. The appropriate fee, check or money order, payable to DNA, must be received before review can begin.

5. Applications that are submitted without a fee will not be forwarded for review until the fee is received.

6. If a constituent wishes to withdraw an application, a written request must be received prior to the review process. If the written request to withdraw the application is received prior to the initiation of the review process, the application fee, minus an administrative fee of $10, will be returned to the applicant.

7. Fees are not refundable if an application has begun the review process.

8. For educational activities to be repeated within the two-year approval period, each subsequent presentation requires an administrative fee of $50. This fee is in addition to the application fee that is paid with the initial CE application.

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Policy No. 10.8Original Date: 8/95Revised: 12/05, 8/08


ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN ON AN APPLICATION

POLICY:

DNA’s Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) uses the ANCC Commission on Accreditation criteria for activities to determine action taken on an application. Actions may include approval, approval pending, or approval denied.

PROCEDURE:

1. For approval of an application, all review criteria established by the ANCC Commission on Accreditation must be met.

a. The peer reviewers will assess the application’s compliance to the criteria.

b. All criteria must be met for the activity to be approved. Approval cannot be awarded if criteria are only partially met.

c. The results of the review process are sent to the planning committee chairperson.

d. The CEAU Chairperson will forward the decision to the CE Manager who will inform the provider contact person of the CEAU’s decision.

2. For approval pending of an application, applications that do not meet all criteria will be assigned Approval Pending by the reviewer.

a. The peer reviewers will assess the application’s compliance to the criteria.

b. The CEAU Chairperson will review the results of the review process.

c. Upon receipt of a review stating that the application has been given approval pending status, the CE Manager, on behalf of the CEAU Chairperson, will notify the provider contact person of the decision and the rationale.

d. If the provider contact person wishes to amend the application, he/she must submit an electronic copy incorporating the suggested changes to the CE Manager within 10 days.

e. The CE Manager will forward the revised documents to the CEAU Chairperson for re-review.

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Policy No. 10.8Original Date: 8/95Revised: 12/05, 8/08

DERMATOLOGY NURSES' ASSOCIATION Page 2POLICY/PROCEDURE

ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN ON AN APPLICATION

PROCEDURE:

f. Upon receipt of the revised documents, the CEAU Chairperson will reach a decision to approve the program, assign approval pending, or submit changes to the original reviewers for their comments.

g. If the program is deferred a second time, the CEAU Chairperson will instruct the CE Manager to contact the provider contact person and request additional information. This information must be submitted electronically to the CE Manager within 10 days. The CE Manager will forward the revised documents to the CEAU Chairperson for re-review.

h. If, after a second deferment, deficiencies in the application are not corrected within the 10-day deadline, the activity will be placed in approval denied status.

i. A program may not be deferred a third time.

j. The provider contact person may appeal the decision per policy and procedure.

3. For the approval denied decision, if the activity/program does not meet all the ANCC-COA criteria after two deferments, it will be considered denied.

a. The CEAU Chairperson will make every effort to assist the provider contact person with incomplete applications.

b. If an approval pending application is not successfully completed, the CEAU Chairperson will instruct the CE Manager to notify the provider contact person in writing that the application has been denied.

c. A copy of the approval denied correspondence will be maintained at the National Office.

d. The provider contact person may appeal the decision per policy and procedure.

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NOTIFICATION OF ACTION TAKEN

POLICY:

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding the outcome of the review process and the decision rendered.

PROCEDURE:

1. If approved, the CEAU Chairperson will submit a letter to the activity chairperson via the Association Coordinator. The letter will include the number of contact hours for which the activity was approved, the approval language to be used on activity materials and the length of time the approval is valid.

2. If approval is pending, applicants will be given an explanation of the action taken and recommendations for corrective measures to bring the application into compliance with the criteria.

3. If approval is denied, applicants will be given an explanation of the action taken and the procedure for the appeals process.

4. The applicants will be notified of approval status as soon as possible, but no later than 6 weeks after the application is submitted.

5. Every effort is made to assist applicants in receiving approval for their educational activity. Recommendations/ideas from peer reviewers and CEAU Chairperson are offered to help them meet criteria.

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WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION PRIOR TO REVIEW

POLICY:

Withdrawal of a submitted application from the approval process may be done at any time prior to completion of the application review process (i.e., the rending of a decision of “approved” or “denied”).

PROCEDURE:

1. The applicant must contact the CEAU Chairperson in writing.

2. If the request for withdrawal of an application is received prior to initiation of the review process, the application fee, less an administration fee of $10 will be returned to the applicant.

3. If the request for withdrawal of an application is received after the review process has begun, the peer reviewers will be notified of the withdrawal by the CE Manager. If the review of the application is in progress, the application fee is non-refundable.

4. If the request for withdrawal of an application is received after the CEAU has completed the review of the application, the process will continue as for any completed activity review. The application fee is non-refundable.

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RESUBMISSION OF A DENIED OR WITHDRAWN APPLICATION

POLICY:

All denied or withdrawn applications may be resubmitted at any time.

PROCEDURE:

1. An application that does not meet the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation (ANCC) criteria is subject to denial. A new application for the activity may be resubmitted at any time. An application may also be resubmitted if it is withdrawn prior to the completion of the review process.

2. Resubmitted applications must meet all criteria and submission policies.

3. A new fee must accompany the resubmitted application.

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APPEAL OF ACTION TAKEN ON APPLICATIONS

POLICY:

Applicants whose educational activities are denied approval may file an appeal.

PROCEDURE:

1. An applicant may invoke the appeals process only after requesting reconsideration from the CEAU and having the application denied a second time.

2. Appeals must be submitted in writing along with the application and copies of all communication to and from the CEAU within 10 days of the receipt of the approval denied notice from the CEAU. Retroactive approval is not possible; therefore, an appeal must be completed before the program start date.

3. The appeal must include rationale supporting the applicant's claim that the application met all approval criteria.

4. The President and the Board Liaison will, with input from the CEAU Chairperson, appoint an Appeals Ad Hoc Committee.

a. The Appeals Ad Hoc Committee members will have the same qualifications as the CEAU members.

b. The Appeals Ad Hoc Committee members cannot serve concurrently on the CEAU.

5. The CE Manager is responsible for providing the Appeals Ad Hoc Committee with the application, supporting documents, and all correspondence. Additional information may be added by the activity/program chairperson.

6. The Appeals Ad Hoc Committee will review the appeal and issue a decision within 10 days. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final. The CE Manager will notify the applicant of the decision in writing. The CE Manager will also notify the Board of Directors and the CEAU in writing of the decision of the Appeals Committee.

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Policy No. 10.13Original Date: 4/94Revised: 11/01, 6/02, 12/05, 8/08


REVOCATION OF APPROVAL

POLICY:

DNA may revoke approval of an activity when criteria are not followed.

PROCEDURE:

1. An audit will be conducted on randomly selected activities.

2. Activity provider’s continuing education records must accurately reflect the educational activity as presented in the application (speaker, objectives, planning committee Chairperson and presentation times).

3. To audit the implementation of selected educational activities, several attendees will be selected to complete an evaluation.

4. The CEAU Chairperson and a designated committee member not involved in the review process will investigate any complaints or evidence that an approved educational activity has been misrepresented.

5. The provider contact person will be notified in writing of the investigation and any questionable criteria.

6. The provider contact person will have an opportunity to reply within 14 days before any action is

taken.

7. The entire CEAU committee will review and render a decision when the investigation is completed.

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POLICY/PROCEDURE

REPEAT PROGRAM

POLICY:

A program approved by the DNA CEAU may be repeated multiple times within the two-year period following the approval.

PROCEDURE:

1. To repeat an activity, the activity provider must submit a letter in advance of each repeat offering and state the intent to repeat the activity and that no changes were made in content, objectives, or speakers.

2. If there is a change in speakers, a completed Biographical Data Form and a Disclosure Form (and Conflict Resolution Form, if applicable) for each new speaker must be submitted with the cover letter. The CEAU Chair/Co-Chair will review the forms to ensure that the new faculty is qualified to present the activity.

3. The CE Manager will send a confirmation letter at the request of the Chair/Co-Chair to inform the activity provider that their request was received and they may proceed with the repeat offering.

4. Recordkeeping requirements for each repeat offering of the program remain the same as for the original offering.

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CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION-RELATED MATERIALS

POLICY:

The CE Manager will maintain confidentiality and proper storage and retrieval of the records of the Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU). Confidentiality mechanisms are ensured through limiting access to CEAU materials and reviewing the importance of confidentiality with CEAU personnel on an annual basis.

PROCEDURE:

1. During the review process and after each continuing education activity, the following appropriate records for each activity are maintained in the National Office for a minimum of six years in a locked file cabinet, on computer and/or a locked storage box in the National Office.

a. Approved Activities1) Application2) Review sheets and copy of letter of notification of action taken related to the application/activity3) Correspondence

b. Denied Activities1) Application2) Review sheets3) Letter of notification4) All correspondence

c. Appealed Activities1) Application2) Review sheet3) Correspondence as outlined in the Policy/Procedure

2. Records of the CEAU are only available to the following persons:a. Executive Directorb. CEAU Chairperson/Co-Chairc. Peer Reviewersd. CE Manager

3. Authorization for access to information for persons other than those listed above must be obtained in writing from the Board of Directors.

4. Peer reviewers dispose of applicant materials except for review forms, which are returned to the CEAU Chairperson.

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DERMATOLOGY NURSES' ASSOCIATION Page 2POLICY/PROCEDURE

CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION-RELATED MATERIALS

PROCEDURE:

5. The CEAU Chairperson returns all review forms to the National Office for storage, and disposes of other applicant materials.

6. DNA maintains the following in the file for each program submitted to it for review:

a. Title of the education activityb. Number of contact hours awardedc. Names, titles, and expertise of persons responsible for planning the education activity and

presenters/content specialistsd. Description of the needs assessmente. Description of the target audiencef. Location(s) and date(s) of the activityg. Names and addresses of participants and number of contact hours awarded to eachh. Purposei. Objectives and contentj. Teaching/learning strategies, including resources, materials, delivery methods, and learner

feedbackk. Process to verify completion of the education activity and how learners were informed of

these requirementsl. Sample of the certificate awarded to participantsm. Copy of the evaluation tool(s), including a summative evaluationn. Marketing/promotional materialso. If applicable, documentation of how program integrity was maintained for an education

activity receiving commercial supportp. Biographical data formsq. Disclosure formsr. Conflict Resolution forms, if applicable

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Policy No. 10.17Original Date: 8/95, Revised: 9/99, 11/01, 6/02, 8/08


EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CEAU

POLICY:

The CEAU will evaluate its effectiveness in fulfilling its beliefs, goals, and functions.

PROCEDURE:

1. The provider contact person completes a Continuing Education Approval Process Evaluation form after each education activity. The summary results of the evaluation are shared with the CEAU at its annual meeting.

2. The CEAU chairperson and peer reviewers participate in the CEAU evaluation process. This includes an annual evaluation of its goals, processes and quality improvements, utilizing a self-assessment approach.

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MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE WITH CURRENT ANCC COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATIONCRITERIA, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES

POLICY:

DNA, as an accredited approver of continuing education in nursing by the ANCC Commission on Accreditation, consistently operates within the current commission’s current operational requirements and criteria. In addition, DNA will comply with any revisions in operational requirements and criteria implemented by the Commission on Accreditation.

PROCEDURE:

1. The CEAU Chairperson, Executive Director and CE Manager review all Approver Unit communications from ANCC.

2. The CEAU policies and procedures are revised as needed under the direction of the CEAU Chairperson. These changes assure compliance with ANCC Commission on Accreditation operational requirements and criteria.

3. The CEAU implementation of ANCC Commission on Accreditation operational requirements and criteria is demonstrated in the Guidelines for Continuing Education Approval: A Manual for Providers (2002). (revised 2008)

4. With any application they are to review, the Approver Unit peer reviewers receive a copy of the CEAU Activity Review Form, which reflects ANCC criteria.

5. The reviewers use these forms to determine if the applicant has provided sufficient evidence to meet ANCC Commission on Accreditation criteria, and then complete the “For Reviewers Use” section on the form.

6. The DNA CEAU approves but does not provide continuing nursing education activities.

7. Activities are approved prior to implementation. Retroactive approval is not possible.

8. DNA’s CEAU peer review forms are available to peer reviewers online on the DNA web site.

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REQUIRED COMMUNICATION WITH ANCC COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION FOR THEFOLLOWING AREAS: REPORTING DATA, ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE, AND

TERMINATION OF APPROVAL ACTIVITIES

POLICY:

DNA will maintain direct communication with the ANCC Commission on Accreditation.

PROCEDURE:

1. When a request for Approver Unit data from ANCC Commission on Accreditation is received in the National Office, the CE Manager will notify the CEAU Chairperson. The request will be reviewed and the requested data sent to the ANCC Commission on Accreditation within the specified deadline.

2. Any changes in name, ownership or structure of the organization, change in the nurse responsible for the peer review process, or change in the name of the contact person will be sent, in writing, to the ANCC Commission on Accreditation by the CE Manager within 30 days of the change.

3. The CE Manager will notify the ANCC Commission on Accreditation in writing within 30 days of

DNA’s decision to terminate approval activities.

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RECOGNITION OF THE ANCC COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION SYSTEM AND USE OFAPPROPRIATE APPROVAL LANGUAGE

POLICY:

The CEAU recognizes the ANCC Commission on Accreditation system and uses the appropriate approval language as specified by the ANCC Commission on Accreditation.

PROCEDURE:

1. When DNA is referring to its own accredited approver status (e.g., on communication and marketing materials), those materials will contain the following terminology:

DNA is an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

2. Organizations requesting activity approval will be instructed to:

a. use the following statement of approval on all documents related to the approved activity:

This continuing nursing education activity has been approved by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

b. indicate the number of hours approved on a line separate from the statement of approval

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IMPLEMENTATION OF PEER REVIEW APPROVAL PROCESS FOR ALL CATEGORIES OFAPPLICATIONS FOR WHICH APPROVAL MAY BE GRANTED

POLICY:

A consistent peer review process is implemented for continuing nursing education activities.

PROCEDURE:

1. A copy of the application is received at the National Office.

2. The CE Manager prescreens the application for completeness. If anything is unclear or missing, the CE Manager will obtain the clarifying or missing information from the applicant.

3. The CE Manager emails the completed application to the CEAU Chairperson and two CEAU peer reviewers.

4. The reviewers have 14 days to review the application for adherence to the criteria.

5. The reviewers send their forms to the CEAU Chairperson with either “approval”, “approval pending”, or “denied” noted.

6. When the CEAU Chairperson reviews the application and the two reviews, he/she informs the CE Manager of the decision.

7. If the application is approved, the CE Manager notifies the applicant by email of the approval including number of contact hours approved.

8. If the application approval is pending, the CEAU Chairperson directs the CE Manager to contact the applicant to clarify and/or correct the information in order to meet criteria.

9. Once the clarification(s) and/or correction(s) are made, the CEAU Chairperson notifies the CE Manager that the application is approved.

10. As in step 7, the CE Manager notifies the applicant by email of the approval including number of contact hours.

11. If an application cannot be clarified or corrected, the CEAU Chairperson notifies the CE Manager that the application is denied.

12. The CE Manager notifies the applicant by email that the application has been denied.

13. The CEAU Chairperson will make every effort to assist the provider contact with incomplete applications.

14. A copy of the approval denied correspondence will be maintained at the National Office.

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15. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal, they may invoke the appeals process (as outlined in Policy and Procedure 10.12) only after requesting reconsideration from the CEAU and having the application denied a second time.

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Policy No. 10.22Original Date: 8/95Revised: 9/99, 11/01, 6/02, 8/08


REQUESTS FOR RETROACTIVE APPROVAL

POLICY:

Educational activity approval is granted prior to implementation. The DNA CEAU does not grant retroactive approval.

PROCEDURE:

1. The application must be received at least 60 days prior to the implementation date of the educational activity. Any application received less than 60 days prior to the implementation date will subject to increased fees and will be eligible for review based upon discretion of the CEAU Chairperson and available resources.

2. Submission deadlines are clearly specified in the Guidelines for Continuing Education Approval: A Manual for Providers (2002) (revised 2008).

3. When a request for retroactive approval is received, the CE Manager informs the applicant that retroactive approval cannot be granted. The applicant is invited to resubmit when they will be able to hold their activity at least 60 days after application submission.

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POLICY/PROCEDURE

SEPARATION OF PROVIDER AND APPROVER UNITS

POLICY:

The activities of the Dermatology Nurses Association’s Provider and Approver Units will remain separate and distinct.

PROCEDURE:

1. The Administrative Coordinator will serve as the administrator of, and will oversee the activities of both the Provider and Approver Units to ensure the activities of each remain separate and distinct.

2. The DNA will appoint separate Chairpersons and committees for the DNA’s Provider and Approver Units.

3. The Provider and Approver Units’ activities, including record keeping and evaluation, will remain separate and distinct functions of each unit.

4. The Provider and Approver Units’ records are maintained in separate storage areas.

5. The Provider and Approver Units conduct separate annual evaluations.

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POLICY/PROCEDURE

CONSTITUENCY ELIGIBILITY POLICY

POLICY:

1. The DNA Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) defines specific constituents who may apply for approval of continuing education activities. The constituents are:

a. DNA Chapters b. Professional/Voluntary Organizations, Health Care Facilities and Independent Education

Consultants presenting dermatology related content.

c. DNA Corporate Members

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Policy No. 10.25Original Date: 12/06, 8/08DERMATOLOGY NURSES' ASSOCIATION

POLICY/PROCEDURE

DISCLOSURE OF OFF-LABEL USE DISCUSSION

POLICY:

When any discussion of off-label use of a pharmaceutical agent is to occur, the learners will be informed at the beginning of the education activity.

PROCEDURE

1. A speaker/author will disclose to the DNA/CEAU any anticipated discussion of off label use of a pharmacologic agent.

2. A speaker/author will disclose to the participants prior to an education activity (verbally or via slide/PowerPoint) that off-label use of a pharmacologic agent will occur.

3. Written notification of the inclusion of any off-label discussion of pharmacologic agents will be given

to learners in the program materials provided prior to the beginning of the activity via the Participant Notification form

4. An example of the Participant Notification form will be included in the application.

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POLICY/PROCEDURE

APPROPRIATE USE OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT

POLICY:

Commercial support is defined as financial or in-kind contributions given by a commercial interest which is used to pay all or part of the costs of a continuing nursing education activity.

PROCEDURE

1. For each commercial interest from which commercial support is obtained, the applicant will secure a signed commercial support agreement defining the terms and conditions of the support, including terms and conditions ensuring the independence of the activity from influence on the part of the commercial interest.

2. A commercial support agreement meeting ANCC’s criteria regarding commercial support will be

provided in the application for the use of the applicant.

3. Disclosure of the source(s) of all commercial support will be given to learners in the program materials provided prior to the beginning of the activity.

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POLICY/PROCEDURE

CONFLICT OF INTEREST OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

POLICY

The Dermatology Nurses’ Association defines a conflict of interest of educational programming as any relationship which could influence the content of an education activity. Participants must be informed of any conflicts of interest prior to an activity so that they may come to their own conclusions regarding the validity of the information received during the activity.

PROCEDURE

1. Applicants must include completed disclosure forms for each of the following:

a. The members of the planning committee

b. The speakers/authors/content experts involved in the activity

c. Any other persons involved in discussions about the content of the activity

2. Disclosures of conflict of interest, or lack thereof, will be given to learners in the program materials provided prior to the beginning of the activity.

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Policy No. 10.28Original Date: 8/08


CONFLICT RESOLUTION

POLICY

All conflicts of interest discovered during the disclosure process must be resolved prior to the persons with the conflicts being allowed to have influence over the education portion of the activity.

PROCEDURE

1. Each person having control over the educational portion of the activity must complete the disclosure process.

2. If a conflict of interest of interest is found, the conflict must be resolved to remove any potential bias within the educational content of the activity.

3. DNA will provide in its activity application a Conflict Resolution Form that will contain several methods of resolving the conflict.

4. The activity chairperson shall have each person with a conflict complete and submit a Conflict Resolution Form indicating how the conflict will be resolved.

5. Completed Conflict Resolution Forms shall be kept in the applicant’s files for six years.

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Health & Medicine

CEAU GUIDELINES