2026
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
for accredited CME or nursing CE conferences, symposiums, workshops, etc.

Currently accepting applications for  SECONDARY Submission Window

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2025

How does this impact you?

If you intend to host an accredited CME or nursing CE conference, symposium, workshop, or generally half day or longer activity, you must apply during one of two designated review cycles (PRIMARY or SECONDARY).

Please note — This process does not apply to requests for activities currently scheduled in 2025. 

For which CME and nursing CE activities does this apply?

• The application process applies to:
  • All activities seeking CME and/or Nursing CE credit that are generally a half day or longer. Examples include conferences, symposiums, or workshops/labs (including those held in MITIE) that are at least a half-day in length.

Questions regarding applicability and eligibility should be directed to: 

Houston Methodist CME
Houston Methodist Nursing CE

The application process does not apply to:

• The application process does not apply to:
  • Certain system or hospital initiatives, such as projects with the primary goal of enhancing patient safety, implementing safe medical practices, improving healthcare quality, and strengthening infection control measures.
  • MITIE Only activities (i.e. activities occurring in MITIE that DO NOT have CME or Nursing CE).
  • Select research activities or requirements.
  • Grand Rounds, regularly scheduled series, standalone lectures, and other similar activities.

What is required for the application?

Needs Assessment and Activity Scope
Identify the educational need of the proposed activity, objectives, potential impact of the activity and logistical needs.

In addition, the following attachments will be required at the time of submission:

1. Activity Agenda and Proposed Faculty List
   -“Good faith” agenda* with topics and timings. 
   -Must include all proposed faculty*, including credentials and titles/affiliations and proposed honoraria (please ensure you abide by the system honorarium policy CME 06 – Honorarium and Reimbursement Policy).
         *A final agenda and confirmed speakers are not needed at the time of submission, but will be required within six months of the activity start date.
2. Financial Disclosures
   -Required for all course directors and content planners. 
         *Speaker disclosures are not required at the time of submission.
3. Course Director Attestations
   -Course directors are required to attest to adhere to policies and procedures, accreditation requirements, and activity deadlines.
4. Bibliographical References

When are the submission windows? What are the timelines?

There are two application submission windows (PRIMARY and SECONDARY), and both are scheduled to occur before annual department budgeting closes.

Submitting during the primary window is highly recommended for better scheduling opportunity.

IMPORTANT ***If your activity is expected to occur in Q1 2026 then you must submit your application within the primary window.***

*Applicants are required to provide multiple dates. The review committee will select from dates provided by the applicant based on available space and resources

NOTE: Applications not submitted within the Primary or Secondary windows will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to limited options for date selection. Contact the office for CME for further details.

What is the budget development/review/approval process?

1. DRAFT — Budgets will be drafted for you based on the information in your application
2. REVIEW — Drafted budgets will be reviewed with you, the applicant, to ensure accuracy and notify you of any amount your department will be responsible for (e.g., catering, specialty lab supplies, etc.)
3. APPROVE — You must get your budget approved by your department management or leadership. This includes signing a financial agreement accepting responsibility for any projected expenses.

What is the application review process review/approval process?

The application along with all required application components must be submitted within the designated application windows above. Applications will be reviewed by an interprofessional committee. Application decisions will be communicated by the key dates listed above.

What is the potential funding for CME activities?

Applicants may choose to have their applications considered for funding (CME ACTIVITIES ONLY). These applications will undergo committee review and be graded on a rubric in the following criteria:

• Needs Assessment
• Educational Significance
• Innovation
• Approach
• Feasibility
• Financial Impact

High scoring applications may receive support of up to $10,000 in direct costs only. Awarded funds must be spent on the approved activity and must reflect the actual needs of the proposed activity. No carryover of unspent funds is allowed. Funds can only be used for the following:

• Marketing and promotional expenses
• Food and beverage expenses (excluding speaker/faculty dinners and receptions)
• Speaker/faculty expenses (excluding speaker/faculty gifts; applies to speaker/faculty honorarium and transportation/travel costs only)
• Audio/Visual expenses
• Lab/Simulation center expenses

Funding is available for submissions received during the Primary Submission Window ONLY.

I’m working with an external professional society to host an activity at Houston Methodist——Do I need to apply here?

Yes. Even though the primary client may be an external entity, we recommend you submit through this process if the activity is being championed by a Houston Methodist faculty member. This will ensure the best chance of getting on the schedule for 2026.

Submission guidelines

Applications must be received by end of day on the last day of the submission window. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be completed using the designated electronic forms and attachments. Hand-written applications or attachments will not be accepted.

Contact Information

For questions related to this RFA, please contact:

Houston Methodist CME
Houston Methodist Nursing CE

Currently accepting applications for SECONDARY Submission Window
Submission Deadline: June 30

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION