An accredited/certified CME system that is free from undue commercial influence is an integral component of lifelong learning and professional development. The CME system in the United States was not always designed around this principle. Prior to 2000, commercial entities were permitted to serve as accredited CME providers, and prior to 2006, commercial entities were permitted to suggest topics or faculty for CME activities. However, since the release of the updated standards of commercial support in 2004 by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), along with subsequent strengthening of the firewall, these sorts of avenues for undue influence are historical and do not represent the CME enterprise circa 2011.