What is the first step in the audit process for CME compliance?

The correct answer highlights that the first step in the audit process for Continuing Medical Education (CME) compliance involves the random selection of sample license holders. This step is crucial for ensuring that the audit process is fair and unbiased. By randomly selecting individuals, it helps to create a representative sample of practitioners rather than focusing on specific individuals who may or may not be compliant.

This approach also promotes transparency and fosters public trust in the auditing process. It is essential to start with a random selection before any documentation is requested or reviewed, as it establishes the basis for the selection and ensures that all license holders have an equal chance of being audited, thus preventing discrimination or targeted inspections.

Once the random selection is made, subsequent steps like notifying the selected license holders and reviewing their CME records will follow, but those actions are contingent on the initial step of selection.