The main goals of the 2017 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting are to serve as a primary source of continuing medical education tailored specifically to the specialty, to advance neuroscience research and to promote a climate conducive to excellence in clinical practice. The 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting Committee is dedicated to meeting these goals. The 2017 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting is the principal mechanism for the transfer of scientific, technical and intellectual information to the neurosurgical community. Feedback obtained from the online attendee evaluation survey is an important factor in determining the program content of this meeting. Special recognition is extended to the individuals of the 85^th Annual Scientific Meeting Committee and the committees they represent for their perseverance and commitment to making the 85^th AANS Annual Scientific Meeting a success.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

The AANS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The AANS designates this live activity for a maximum of 43.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

*A maximum of 32.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ can be claimed for general sessions.

CME Credit for Practical Clinics

Attendees will receive a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for all eligible half-day clinics and 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for all eligible full-day clinics. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Credit for Breakfast Seminars

Attendees will receive a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each Breakfast Seminar they attend. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Credit for Dinner Symposia

Attendees will receive a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for all eligible Dinner Symposia. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Credit for Electronic Presentation

Physicians may claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ directly with the American Medical Association (AMA) for preparing an electronic presentation, which is also included in the published abstracts. To obtain credit from the AMA for this, physicians can either claim them on their AMA PRA certificate application or apply directly to the AMA for an AMA PRA Category Credit(s)™ certificate. Physicians may claim AMA PRA Category 2 Credit(s)™ for viewing scientific electronic presentations. Physicians should self-claim credit to the AMA on their AMA PRA certificate application form.

Continuing Education for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

Practical Clinics, Breakfast Seminars and afternoon sessions are designed with the APP in mind. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) must self-report their credit on MyAANS.org after completion of the meeting. PAs may print a certificate of attendance that can be submitted to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) for acceptance toward the Physician Assistant Category I (pre-approved) CME requirement.

Disclosures

ACCME Updated Standards for Commercial Support require that anyone in a position to control the content of this or any CME activity has disclosed all of his or her financial relationships with any commercial interest. The ACCME defines a “commercial interest” as any entity producing, marketing, re-selling or distributing health-care goods or services consumed by or used on patients. Failure or refusal to disclose will result in the withdrawal of the invitation to participate in this or any AANS CME activity. Similarly, should AANS be unable to satisfactorily resolve an identified conflict of interest, this may result in the withdrawal of the invitation to participate in this or any AANS CME activity.

Disclaimer

The material presented at the 2017 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting has been made available by AANS for educational purposes only. The material is not intended to represent the only, nor necessarily the best, method or procedure appropriate for the medical situations discussed, but rather it is intended to present an approach, view, statement or opinion of the faculty, which may be helpful to others who face similar situations.

Neither the content (whether written or oral) of any course, seminar or other presentation in the program, nor the use of a specific product in conjunction therewith, nor the exhibition of any materials by any parties coincident with the program should be construed as indicating endorsement or approval of the views presented, the products used or the material exhibited by the AANS or its Committees, Commissions or Affiliates.

The AANS makes no statements, representations or warranties (whether written or oral) regarding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) status of any product used or referred to in conjunction with any course, seminar or other presentation being made available as part of the 2017 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting. Faculty members shall have sole responsibility to inform attendees of the FDA status of each product that is used in conjunction with any course, seminar or presentation and whether such use of the product is in compliance with FDA regulations.

The AANS disclaims any and all liability for injury or damages to any individual attending the 2017 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting and for all claims that may arise out of the use of the techniques demonstrated therein by such individuals, whether these claims shall be asserted by physicians or any other person. There may be, on occasion, changes in faculty and program content. AANS is not responsible for expenses incurred by an individual who is not confirmed and for whom space is not available at the meeting. Costs incurred by the registrant, such as airline or hotel fees or penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant.

AANS CME Cycle

The AANS CME cycle mirrors the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) cycle for those members who are participating in MOC. For all other members, the new cycle is Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2019. AANS FAANS, Provisional and Affiliate members are required to document receipt of the Continuing Education Award in Neurosurgery to maintain membership. This award is earned by documenting at least 60 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ during each CME cycle.