CAAHEP Communiqué August 2022

CAAHEP Communiqué

August 2022

From the President

Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA

2022-2023 CAAHEP President

The Changing Landscape of Institutional Accreditation:

USDE Withdraws Recognition of ACICS

On August 19, 2022, the United States Department of Education (USDE) withdrew its recognition of the American Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The result of this action, as stated in a USDE press release, is that “ACICS is no longer a nationally recognized accrediting agency and can no longer serve as a ‘gatekeeper’ of institutional eligibility for federal student aid programs” (U.S. Department of Education [USDE], 2022).

ACICS is “an accrediting agency for certain private postsecondary institutions offering degrees for professional, technical, or occupational careers.” According to the USDE, 27 schools are currently accredited by ACICS, with a total enrollment of 5,000 students.

If a school is not accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education, its students are not eligible to participate in federal student aid programs. Mindful of potential harm to students in schools accredited by ACICS, the USDE “will provisionally certify ACICS-accredited institutions for continued participation in the federal student aid program for up to 18 months from [August 19, 2022], the date of the Deputy Secretary’s final decision. This 18-month provisional certification period allows institutions time to seek accreditation from another nationally recognized accrediting agency.”

Mindful of potential harm to students in schools accredited by ACICS, the USDE “will provisionally certify ACICS-accredited institutions for continued participation in the federal student aid program for up to 18 months from [August 19, 2022]”

The Department of Education is taking other steps to minimize hardships on students while protecting taxpayer dollars. Note the following from the USDE press release:

Within 30 days, all ACICS-accredited institutions will be required to submit teach-out plans for helping students complete their academic programs elsewhere if necessary and submit information about recent and ongoing investigations to ensure the Department is aware of key risks in this new environment of reduced oversight. Other new requirements for ACICS-accredited institutions include:

Submitting teach-out plans to ensure a path to completion for students in the event of closure;
Providing enhanced disclosures to students regarding potential loss of federal student aid eligibility;
Limiting enrollment of new students who would be unable to complete their program of study before the 18-month provisional period ended;
Ceasing additions of new programs or locations that qualify for Federal student aid;
Submitting monthly student rosters and a record retention plan; and
Posting a letter of credit to protect against taxpayer losses associated with school closure.

While it is surprising that the USDE withdrew its recognition of an institutional accreditor, it highlights the agency’s enhanced oversight of institutional accreditors and role as a consumer advocate. In 2022 alone, changes from the USDE affecting accreditors and Title IV eligible institutions include revisions to the USDE Accreditor Handbook, proposed changes to the “90/10” rule, and statements warning against Accreditor Shopping (USDE, 2022). Higher education administrators and program directors are encouraged to attend informational sessions on campus or follow reputable higher education publications to stay abreast of changes in accreditation and the distribution of Federal Student Aid. While these changes may seem far from everyday instructional activities, the changing landscape of regulation can profoundly impact institutions, health professions programs, and students.

Resources:

U.S. Department of Education [USDE] (2022, August 19). U.S. Department of Education terminates federal recognition of ACICS, enhances federal aid program participation requirements for ACICS-accredited colleges. https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-terminates-federal-recognition-acics-enhances-federal-aid-program-participation-requirements-acics-accredited-colleges

CAAHEP's New Website is Live

CAAHEP recently rolled out a new website with a crisp, modern look! The new site includes enhanced search functions to Find an Accredited program, where visitors can search for all accredited programs in one location, filter by profession, international or distance education, and produce a map to see where the accredited programs are located. If you haven't already, please check it out!

ARC/STSA Momentous Anniversary

During the July CAAHEP meeting in Fort Lauderdale, the Accreditation Review Council for Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) was recognized on its 50th anniversary! CAAHEP Vice President Jennifer Spegal congratulated ARC/STSA for their commitment to excellence in surgical technology and surgical assisting education since 1972, and congratulated them on 50 years of service.

ARC/STSA Staff Ron Kruzel, Executive Director, MA, CAE, CST, FAST; Christy Baily-Byers, MBA. APR, Director of Education; and Tamara Simmons, BA, Director of Accreditation.

CAAHEP presented a special celebratory cake for the 50th Anniversary of the ARC/STSA!

ASAHP Advocacy Toolkit

The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) has developed a great tool for those interested in advocating for health professions. Developed by the ASAHP Advocacy Committee, the ASAHP Toolkit is a free publication that includes information on contacting hill offices, preparing for advocacy meetings, and much more. The 36-page guide is a valuable resource for advocating for health professions education. The ASAHP has been a sponsoring organization of CAAHEP since the organization's inception and has a Commissioner that serves on the Board. CAAHEP appreciates ASAHP's generosity in sharing the Advocacy Toolkit with our members, programs, and institutions.

NREMT Rescinds Expanded Eligibility Resolution

The following press release from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, a CAAHEP sponsoring organization, is provided as a follow-up to the June 2022 Communiqué article.

On August 17, 2022, The National Registry Board of Directors voted to rescind 22-Resolution-13 (the resolution on extending eligibility requirements) and will continue the conversation with national partners and key stakeholders to progress towards more inclusive solutions.

This decision came after an informative 60-day comment period, during which the National Registry received over 1,000 different perspectives, questions, and concerns. We realize the magnitude of this decision and its impact on the national EMS System.

While we regret the magnitude of the disruption from the draft resolution, we are confident that the nation’s EMS system has emerged with a collaborative and common purpose. We witnessed the passion behind the ‘systems approach,' a concept forged years ago to unite all parts of our profession. This resolution started conversations that many have signaled were needed. We are excited to continue that discussion and pursue solutions that best serve the needs of the local to national EMS communities while preserving the tenants of the EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach.

That conversation will continue with a national task force comprised of representatives from 10 national organizations. This task force will work collaboratively, with transparency, and with a vested interest in our broader national EMS community, to further the conversation and explore solutions for the challenges facing our “EMS education systems.”

We will provide updates from this task force and share public notes summarizing the discussions, so you remain informed and involved in this conversation.

While the public comment period for this resolution is closed, our channel for feedback remains open. We encourage you to reach out to us and ask the crucial questions you have and to participate in improving our profession and moving it forward.

For additional informmation, visit the NREMT's website.

In Memorium

It is with sadness to report the passing of Dr. James “Jim” Tweddell, a long-time volunteer for CAAHEP. Dr. Tweddell was Executive Co-Director of the Heart Institute and Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He was a pioneer in the treatment of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and generously gave of his time to the Accreditation Committee-Perfusion Education (AC-PE). He served as one representative for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, a CAAHEP sponsoring organization, on the AC-PE from 2006 to 2018.

More personally, Dr. Tweddell was known as a kind, humble, and caring man who was passionate about helping people. We send our sincere condolences to his family.

August is National Breastfeeding Month

In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, CAAHEP highlights the Lactation Consultants profession and the vital role Lactation Consultants play in working with parents and their babies to overcome breastfeeding challenges.

CAAHEP accredits Lactation Consultants upon the recommendation of the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC). LEAARC was established in 2008 and the initial CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for Lactation Consultant Education Programs were approved in 2011. The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) are sponsors of CAAHEP and LEAARC.

About the Profession:

The lactation consultant is an allied health care professional who possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding assistance to families. They educate families, health professionals, and the community about breastfeeding and human lactation, and provide holistic, evidence-based breastfeeding support and care for families from preconception to weaning. Lactation consultants perform comprehensive assessments related to lactation, develop and implement an individualized feeding plan in consultation with families using evidence-based information, integrate cultural, psychosocial and nutritional aspects of breastfeeding, and more Lactation consultants provide follow-up services as required, and make necessary referrals to other health care providers and community support resources when necessary.

Currently, there are 10 CAAHEP accredited Lactation Consultant programs. Institutions and universities interested in starting a Lactation Consultant program can review the CAAHEP Standards here, and learn more about the accreditation process on the LEAARC website.

Accreditation Actions

Each profession in the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) system has a Committee on Accreditation (CoA) that consists of experts in the profession that are responsible for reviewing programs and making appropriate recommendations for accreditation to CAAHEP. CAAHEP reviews recommendations received from its CoAs in each profession, assures due process was followed and takes final action on an accreditation status.

CAAHEP took the following actions at its July 15, 2022 meeting. Actions are identified by profession, action taken, date of the next comprehensive evaluation, and whether a progress report to improve program compliance is required. In some cases, the concentration and/or degree are also specified. Where available, links to each program's website is provided below. To view a copy of the most recent accreditation award letter for a program, which includes information about the accreditation decision, visit the program’s listing on the Find An Accredited Program section of the CAAHEP Website

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2026. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Medical Assisting

Rend Lake College, Ina, IL (Certificate)

Terra State Community College, Fremont, OH (Certificate)

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2027. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Advanced Cardiovascular Sonography

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Gateway Community College-New Haven, New Haven, CT (Abdominal-Extended)

Gateway Community College-New Haven, New Haven, CT (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Gateway Community College-New Haven, New Haven, CT (Vascular)

Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY (Abdominal-Extended)

Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY (Adult Cardiac)

Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA (Adult Cardiac)

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Fayetteville Technical Community College, Spring Lake, NC

Somerset Community College, Somerset, KY

Temple College, Temple, TX

Medical Assisting

Muskegon Community College, Muskegon, MI (Certificate)

Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician

Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL

Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA

Orthotist/Prosthetist

California State University-Dominguez Hills, Los Alamitos, CA

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2029. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Cardiovascular Technology

Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ (Adult Echocardiography, Diploma)

Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ (Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diploma)

Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ (Noninvasive Vascular Study, Diploma)

Cytotechnology

Hunter College of the City of University of New York, New York, NY

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2032. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Southwestern Community College-Sylva, Sylva, NC (Abdominal-Extended)

Southwestern Community College-Sylva, Sylva, NC (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Exercise Physiology

Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (Applied)

Exercise Science

University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI

Westfield State University, Westfield, MA

The following programs were found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The programs were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2027.

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL

Advocate Sherman Hospital, Elgin, IL

Community College of Aurora, Denver, CO

Kilgore College, Longview, TX

Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY

Presence St. Mary's Hospital, Kankakee, IL

South Piedmont Community College, Monroe, NC

Suffolk County Community College, Selden, NY

Neurodiagnostic Technology

Alvin Community College, Alvin, TX

The following program was found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The program was granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2029.

Medical Assisting

Lower Columbia College, Longview, WA (Certificate)

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2027. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Anesthesia Technology

Chemeketa Community College, Salem, OR

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Ascension St. Vincent College of Health Professions, Indianapolis, IN (Adult Cardiac)

Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Dublin, GA (Abdominal-Extended)

Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Dublin, GA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Rockford Career College, Rockford, IL (Abdominal-Extended)

Rockford Career College, Rockford, IL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sovah School of Health Professions, Danville, VA (Abdominal-Extended)

Sovah School of Health Professions, Danville, VA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sovah School of Health Professions, Danville, VA (Vascular)

Exercise Physiology

Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (Clinical)

Exercise Science

Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Medical Assisting

Collin County Community College District-Technical Campus, Allen, TX (Certificate)

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2030. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Art Therapy

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

The following programs were found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The programs were granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2027.

Medical Assisting

Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario, OR (Certificate)

Neurodiagnostic Technology

Concorde Career College Memphis, Memphis, TN (Polysomnography Add-On)

The following program had a transfer of sponsorship approved with a status of continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2026. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Art Therapy

Pennsylvania Western University, California, PA

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

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