We want to use patients as planners and teachers in our accredited CE program – but doesn’t this compromise privacy and confidentiality?

The ACCME encourages using patients to contribute to education activities and serve as planners and faculty, as well.  They also advise providers to “seek appropriate guidance from institutional policies and practices concerning the protection of confidential and private information when including patients in CME activities”.  HIPPA does not prohibit using patients in accredited CE (as planners, faculty, or learners) as long as they have given their permission to the providing organization.