Program Overview
The joint providership of Medical Education Resources and Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers presents 2026 RHAPP REGIONAL CHAPTER SUMMITS. This educational activity will address some of the most rapidly evolving and practice-relevant topics in rheumatology.​
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Target Audience
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician associates involved in the management of patients with rheumatic disease.
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
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CAR-T CELL THERAPY FOUNDATIONS
• Describe the mechanism of action of CAR-T cell therapy and its investigational role in treating SLE
• Explain the key steps in the CAR-T treatment process including the role of the rheumatology provider
• Evaluate current clinical trials investigating CAR-T cell therapy in SLE and summarize their eligibility criteria
• Apply referral strategies to identify appropriate patients for enrollment in SLE CAR-T clinical trials using available tools and checklists
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UPDATES IN SJÖGREN’S DISEASE
• Differentiate glandular from extra-glandular manifestations of Sjögren’s disease to support earlier recognition and accurate diagnosis.
• Assess the multidimensional impact of Sjögren’s disease on patients’ quality of life.
• Explain the immunologic pathogenesis of Sjögren’s disease and its relevance for targeted therapeutic approaches.
• Evaluate the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of current and emerging therapies for Sjögren’s disease.
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OBESITY IN RHEUMATOLOGY: KEY INSIGHTS
• Explain the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which obesity worsens rheumatologic disease activity, progression, and treatment response.
• Apply evidence-based obesity treatment options to improve outcomes for patients with obesity and rheumatologic diseases.
• Demonstrate effective communication approaches that support shared decision-making with patients regarding obesity and rheumatologic disease.
Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medical Education Resources (MER) and Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers. MER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Associate Credit
Medical Education Resources has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
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Pharmacist Credit
Medical Education Resources (MER) designates this continuing education activity for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Program Number – JA0003680-9999-26-179-L01-P)
This activity is certified as a knowledge-based CPE.
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Nurse Credit
Medical Education Resources designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 ANCC nursing contact hours. Nurses will be awarded contact hours upon successful completion of the activity.
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This activity is designated for 0.3 ANCC pharmacotherapeutic contact hour(s).
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Disclosures – Planning Committee & Faculty Disclosures
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Locations of this information may vary per program
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Disclosures will be provided in each presentation
Disclosure of All Financial Relationships
Medical Education Resources ensures balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all our educational activities. In accordance with this policy, MER identifies all financial relationships with its instructors, content managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of an activity. Reported financial relationships are mitigated by MER to ensure that all scientific research referred to, reported, or used in a CE activity conforms to the generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. MER is committed to providing learners with high-quality CE activities that promote improvements or quality in health care and not the business interest of an ineligible company.
MER and Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers planners have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Disclaimer
The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Medical Education Resources, Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, and/or Bristol Myers Squibb and Lilly. The authors have disclosed if there is any discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA in their presentations. Before prescribing any medicine, primary references and full prescribing information should be consulted. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management.
MER Privacy Policy: http://cmepartner.org/privacy
Fee Information: There is no fee for this educational activity.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: The event staff will be glad to assist you with any special needs (i.e., physical, dietary). Please contact us prior to the event at info@rhapp.org.
Jointly provided by the Medical Education Resources and Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers.
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Supported by educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Lilly.
