What does using “patient/public representatives as faculty/planners” really mean in Criterion 24?

Criterion 24 requires the provider to use patients, their families, and other members of the public as planners and faculty members in accredited CME.  Providers have quite a bit of freedom in how they define these roles – as is most appropriate to their CME program and activities.  For example, a patient or public representative could potentially serve on a planning committee to advise the faculty members and/or provider, could be a speaker at the actual activity, or could be a participant in a case-based discussion.