Since our last newsletter, the healthcare continuing professional development (CPD) community has experienced an exceptionally active period. From accreditation and outcomes expectations to artificial intelligence policy, transparency requirements and evolving expectations from funders and regulators, the pace of change continues to accelerate.

Below is a concise summary of key developments most relevant to Alliance members over the past month, along with what they may mean for your programs and organizations.

Alliance Community and Scholarship: AI, Program Management and Outcomes

Our own Alliance Almanac editorial board continues to do excellent work under the guidance of Dr. Katie Robinson! The Alliance community remained highly active through March and April, particularly following the 2026 Annual Conference. Last month, the Almanac focused on the continuation of its 50-year anniversary series, Kristi King highlighted how the role of program management in CPD has shifted from mostly administrative tasks to being strategic in optimizing learner impact and experience. 
as well as key topic areas like:

• Applying AI with analytic rigor in independent medical education.
• Leveraging AI to translate faculty insights into measurable outcomes.

These themes reflect a broader maturation of AI use in CPD, from experimentation toward responsible, ethical and outcomes-driven application.

 Coming soon, Heather Ranels describes how the Alliance’s early adoption of technology over the years has guided the community to stay current on these advances and advance our profession.

Why this matters:

Members should expect growing expectations, from funders and accreditors alike, to demonstrate not just innovation, but disciplined governance, transparency and evaluation around AI-supported educational design.

Accreditation and Governance: ACCME Systems Modernization and Commendation Focus

In late March, the ACCME announced the rollout of its Modernized PARS Web Services API, marking a significant operational shift for accredited providers and commercial supporters with integrated reporting systems. The modernization replaces XML with JSON formatting, introduces enhanced security through JWT authentication and is intended to improve data accuracy, automation and scalability for reporting accredited education activities.

In parallel, ACCME has intensified its emphasis on accreditation with commendation, featuring our own Alliance Vice President Andy Crim! Launching a new educational series highlighting flexible approaches to meeting commendation criteria and demonstrating educational impact. Providers achieving commendation in March cited innovation, clearer outcomes linkage and increased organizational visibility as tangible benefits — reinforcing the continued shift from compliance toward measurable impact. 

Why this matters:

Alliance members should anticipate continued expectations for more sophisticated data infrastructure, clearer documentation of outcomes and strategic alignment of education with healthcare quality priorities.

Federal Policy and Artificial Intelligence: A Pivotal Month

March marked a major inflection point in U.S. artificial intelligence policy. On March 20, 2026, the White House released the National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence, outlining legislative recommendations aimed at creating a unified federal approach to AI adoption while preempting overly burdensome state laws. 

Key healthcare-relevant themes include:

• Encouraging responsible AI innovation.
• Emphasizing protections for minors and vulnerable populations.
• Promoting transparency, clinical oversight and disclosure in AI-enabled health tools.
• Reducing regulatory fragmentation across states.

While the framework itself is nonbinding, it signals a more AI-permissive federal posture, particularly relevant for healthcare education, learner analytics and outcomes measurement.

Why this matters:

Alliance members using or considering AI in educational design, content personalization, outcomes analysis or learner engagement should reassess governance, documentation and ethical review processes in light of emerging federal expectations.

Transparency and Compliance: CMS Open Payments Continues to Evolve

CMS Open Payments remains a critical compliance issue for many Alliance members, particularly those engaged in commercial support and industry collaboration. CMS has confirmed that:

• Program Year 2024 data is now publicly available.
• Next major data update is scheduled for June 2026.
• Reporting thresholds for 2026 Sunshine Act data collection remain tied to inflation-adjusted de minimis amounts ($13.82 per occurrence; $138.13 annual aggregate). Home | OpenPayments

While no new rules were issued during this period, ongoing scrutiny of financial relationships underscores the importance of accurate, timely reporting and internal review processes.

Why this matters:

Providers should continue strengthening systems that align educational grants, honoraria and learner participation records with open payments reporting requirements to mitigate risk.

FDA and Regulatory Education: Increased Focus on AI and Digital Evidence

The FDA announced its 2026 Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI) Annual Conference, scheduled for May 19-20, with new emphasis on:

• AI-enabled drug development.
• Digital health technologies in clinical trials.
• Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR).
• Real-world evidence and benefit-risk frameworks.

In addition, FDA training programs throughout April highlighted emerging expectations for AI use in clinical research, data integrity and regulatory submissions. 

Why this matters:

These trends further reinforce the need for CPD programs to align educational content with evolving regulatory science, particularly for learners in regulated environments.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the pace and scope of change over the past few weeks, I’m struck less by how much is shifting and more by how thoughtfully the Alliance community continues to respond. Regulation, technology and expectations around impact are evolving quickly, but what remains constant is the creativity, professionalism and commitment I see across Alliance membership every day.

Many of the developments highlighted above, whether related to artificial intelligence, outcomes expectations or increased transparency, can feel complex or even daunting at times. But they also represent real opportunities: to design education that is more meaningful, to tell a clearer story about the value of our work and to strengthen trust with learners, partners and the public.

What gives me confidence as we move forward is knowing that we are not navigating this moment alone. The Alliance exists precisely for times like these, to share insights, ask hard questions, learn from one another and move the profession forward together. I encourage you to stay engaged, lean into the community and take advantage of the resources and conversations that make Alliance such a powerful network.

Thank you for the work you do, the leadership you show and the care you bring to healthcare education every day. I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Warm regards,
Vince Loffredo
President, Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions