Can commercial interests receive exhibit space in exchange for providing CME grants for the CME activity?
No, receiving exhibit space in return for providing an educational grant would be placing a condition on the grant and that is not allowed. Selling exhibit space to commercial interests is considered to be a business transaction. Income from selling exhibit space is not considered to be commercial support as defined by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. Educational grants should be kept completely separate and distinct from the purchase of exhibit space.
