Continuing Medical Education

Ethics: Copyright, Plagiarism, and the Internet

Second revision: June 30, 2008
First revision: August 25, 2006
Original release: June 25, 2005
Credits: 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

See link to Course Materials below.

CME Information — Overview

This course provides physicians and others with an overview of ethical and legal issues in publishing both in journals and on the Internet. Specific topics include copyright infringement and plagiarism. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable use of materials help learners understand the intricacies of US copyright law. The course comprises three lessons:

Lesson 1: Copyright Law
Lesson 2: Plagiarism
Lesson 3: The Internet

Needs Assessment
All publishing physicians must be knowledgeable about the ethical and legal issues of copyright infringement and plagiarism to protect their work and the work of others. This online activity prepares physicians to meet the high standards of the copyright law as it applies to both publishing in biomedical journals and presenting materials on the Internet.

Educational Objectives
The intended result of this monograph is increased knowledge. Participants should be able to –

Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate use of copyrighted materials.
Identify and recognize how to avoid plagiarized materials.
Review appropriate methods of capturing and using information found on the World Wide Web.

Target Audience
The intended audience for this continuing medical education monograph includes physicians, fellows, and others interested in preparing presentations and publishing in biomedical journals or on the Internet. Others include those who are seeking a refresher course in current acceptable methods of referencing and citing materials accurately.

Method of Instruction / Participation
This online activity comprises one electronic monograph with three lessons, post activity assessment, and evaluation.

Evaluation / Feedback
We value your comments; please send your suggestions and comments to the office of continuing medical education.

Faculty and Contributors

Donna J. Stewart, RN, M Ed, Author
Formerly of Texas Heart Institute

Christina Chambers, MA, ELS, Editor
Formerly of Texas Heart Institute

Lori Buffum, MA, Editor
Texas Heart Institute

Carolyn Harty, RN, MLS, Editor
Texas Heart Institute

Patrick J. Hogan, MD, FACC, Medical Reviewer
Texas Heart Institute

Barbara Ann Smith Michael, JD, MS, Reviewer
Baylor College of Medicine

Acknowledgment of Support
Funding for this course was provided by Texas Heart Institute.

Accreditation / Credit Designation

Texas Heart Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Texas Heart Institute designates this educational material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This material has been designated by Texas Heart Institute for 1 hour of education in medical ethics and/or professional responsibility.

Estimated Study Time
The estimated time to complete this activity, including review of the materials and completion of the course assessment is 1 hour.

Term of Approval
July 1, 2008 through July 1, 2009. Continuation of CME credit from July 1, 2009 depends on a thorough review of the content for currency and accuracy.

First revision: August 25, 2006. Second revision: June 30, 2008.

Peer Review
In June 2008, this continuing medical education activity was reviewed by Patrick J. Hogan, MD, FACC, Director, Learning Resource Center and Co-Chairman, Medical Education Committee—Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas.

Disclosure of Relationships
It is the intent of the Texas Heart Institute to assure that its educational mission and its continuing medical activities in particular, should not be influenced by the special interests of individuals associated with its program.

In accordance with the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, faculty members have disclosed their relationships with one or more of the manufacturers of commercial products discussed, or with one or more of the corporate organizations offering educational grants for this continuing medical education activity.

Faculty Disclosure
Faculty members do not have any disclosures relevant to this activity.

Donna J. Stewart does not have any disclosures relevant to this program.

Christina Chambers does not have any disclosures relevant to this program.

Lori Buffum does not have any disclosures relevant to this program.

Carolyn Harty does not have any disclosures relevant to this program.

Patrick J. Hogan, MD does not have any disclosures relevant to this program.

Barbara Ann Smith Michael, JD does not have any disclosures relevant to this program.

Course Materials and CME Credit

This online activity has three lessons. By clicking on the Course Materials link, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the CME information provided above. After reading all lessons, you must complete an assessment and evaluation to obtain CME credit for this activity.

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