ACC Clinical Policy Documents

Type Definition Oversight Committee Approval Body Publication
Appropriate Use Criteria Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) define common clinical scenarios for specific disease states and provide ratings indicating when testing/procedures are reasonable. AUC methodology involves writing groups that create patient scenarios and independent rating panels that use a modified Delphi process to classify options as Appropriate, May Be Appropriate, or Rarely Appropriate. While AUC do not replace clinician judgment or experience, they serve as tools to enhance patient care and cost-effectiveness. Ratings consider scientific evidence, costs, alternative tests, and physician judgment. SSOC CPAC JACC
Clinical Practice Guidelines (ACC/AHA) Developed through a rigorous review of medical literature, Clinical Practice Guidelines define the role of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions—both noninvasive and invasive—in managing cardiovascular diseases. They assist clinicians in clinical decision-making by outlining a range of acceptable approaches for diagnosis, management, and prevention. Recommendations are categorized using a classification system grading the strength of the recommendation and the level of evidence.  Guidelines are developed in partnership with the American Heart Association. ACC/AHA JCCPG ACC: CPAC/SQC
AHA: SACC/EC		 ACC: JACC
AHA: CIRC
Competence and Training ACC develops competencies covering a cardiologist's career spectrum, from core and advanced training to ongoing practice, as well as competencies for nurse practitioners and physician associates. These competencies—both clinical and nonclinical—define the knowledge, skills, and behaviors expected of cardiologists that align with the six ACGME/ABMS competency domains and contribute to the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) the ACC has defined for the cardiovascular profession. Each competency statement includes assessment tools for evaluating proficiency and identifying learning needs. CMC LLOC JACC
Concise Clinical Guidance Concise Clinical Guidance documents provide clear, focused guidance, using figures, tables, and checklists to illustrate clinical decision-making processes. Consensus- and evidence-based, these documents translate research into practice by outlining actionable steps to support clinicians at the point of care. SSOC CPAC The JACC Journals
Expert Consensus Decision Pathways Expert Consensus Decision Pathways (ECDPs) offer "how to" guidance in areas where evidence is limited, new, or evolving. Developed by expert panels, these documents build consensus on key clinical questions using figures and tables to clarify complex decisions clinicians face in everyday practice. ECDPs complement Clinical Practice Guidelines by transforming recommendations into practical, actionable insights. SSOC CPAC JACC
Expert Consensus Systems of Care Systems of Care documents summarize ACC and partner society positions on the organization, delivery, and quality of cardiovascular care. As new technologies rapidly evolve, these consensus statements help establish benchmarks for clinicians, institutions, and healthcare systems to optimize access and outcomes. Wherever feasible, recommendations are evidence-based. SSOC CPAC JACC
Performance Measures Performance Measures for cardiovascular diseases and procedures support the implementation of evidence-based guidelines. They help practitioners assess and improve care quality by defining specific, measurable elements of care. Developed in collaboration with the American Heart Association, these measures provide tools for evaluation and improvement. ACC/AHA JCPM ACC: CPAC/SQC
AHA: SACC/EC		 ACC: JACC
AHA: CIRC
Scientific Statements Scientific Statements provide expert analyses of emerging clinical challenges or trends in cardiovascular care, particularly in areas classified as Class 2a or 2b in the latest ACC/AHA practice guidelines. They offer timely synthesis of available evidence to answer therapeutic and clinical questions, helping clinicians integrate new scientific developments into practice with consensus recommendations. SQC/SPC Leadership CPAC JACC

ACC = American College of Cardiology; AHA = American Heart Association; CIRC = Circulation; CMC = Competency Management Committee; CPAC = Clinical Policy Approval Committee; EC = Executive Committee; JACC = Journal of the American College of Cardiology; JCCPG = Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines; JCPM = Joint Committee on Performance Measures; LLOC = Lifelong Learning Oversight Committee; SACC = Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee; SQC = Science and Quality Committee; SPC = Scientific Publications Committee; SSOC = Solution Set Oversight Committee