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Notice of Appointments and Elections

March 4, 2024

There's still time to Register for The 20th Anniversary 2024 Annual Conference!

February 20, 2024

Department of Education – Final Regulations, effective July 1, 2024

March 8, 2024

ABHES Webinar: Evaluators Preparing for Successful Evaluation Visit

December 20, 2023

Notification of Final Commission Actions

December 19, 2023

2024 Master Teacher Award

December 18, 2023

9th Annual Christopher J. Eaton Memorial Scholarship Nominations

December 6, 2023

ABHES Evaluator Interest Meeting

December 1, 2023

Conference Registration NOW OPEN!

November 9, 2023

Annual Report Due Today!

November 1, 2023

Notification of Final Commission Actions

October 26, 2023

Annual Report Due in 2 Weeks!

October 18, 2023

The Fall 2023 Advantage

September 29, 2023

2022-2023 Annual Report Reminder

September 5, 2023

Notification of Final Commission Action

September 1, 2023

CLOSING SOON - ABHES Call for Speakers

August 28, 2023

2022-2023 ABHES Annual Report

August 1, 2023

Commissioner Nominating Committee Election Results

June 26, 2023

Call for Advantage Newsletter Articles

June 12, 2023

Notice of Commissioner Nominating Committee Election and Ballot

June 8, 2023

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

June 1, 2023

Call for Nominations – Commissioner Nominating Committee

May 24, 2023

2023 Commissioner Appointment and Election Results

May 22, 2023

ABHES 2023 Notice of Commissioner Election: Ballot of Nominees

May 5, 2023

Committee Member Nominations Due Tomorrow!

April 27, 2023

Call for Committee Member Nominations

March 28, 2023

Reminder! Call for ABHES Commissioner Nominations Due Friday

March 21, 2023

Notice of Appointments and Elections

February 17, 2023

Stone Academy Closure

February 15, 2022

Webinar: The Role of Accreditation in Addressing Demands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

January 4, 2023

New Commissioner Appointments

December 23, 2022

Reminder - Master Teacher Nominations Now Being Accepted!

December 12, 2022

ABHES Commission Considerations January 2023

December 9, 2022

Early Bird Discounts End on December 7!

December 6, 2022

Nominations for the 2023 Master Teacher Award are OPEN!

November 21, 2022

Registration for ABHES' 19th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education is Now OPEN!

November 10, 2022

Nominations for Scholarship Due December 2nd!

November 10, 2022

New Commissioner Appointment

November 4, 2022

Annual Report Due TODAY!

November 1, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Actions

October 31, 2022

Annual Report Due Tomorrow!

October 31, 2022

Reminder - Now Accepting Nominations! CJE Scholarship

October 27, 2022

ABHES Annual Report Due in 2 Weeks!

October 18, 2022

2023 Adequacy and Relevance Surveys

October 14, 2022

8th Annual Christopher J. Eaton Memorial Scholarship

October 14, 2022

ABHES Annual Report Due in 3 Weeks

October 11, 2022

Call for Commissioner Nominations - Distance Education Specialist

October 6, 2022

Reminder - Call for Commissioner Nominations Due October 14, 2022

October 5, 2022

Reminder - 2021-2022 Annual Report Due November 1, 2022

October 3, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Actions

September 29, 2022

ABHES Bulletin - Fall 2022

September 16, 2022

*EXTENDED* Submit your Speaker Proposals today!

September 15, 2022

Reminder - 2021-2022 ABHES Annual Report Now Available

September 1, 2022

Call for Commissioner Nominations

August 29, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Actions

August 24, 2022

Azure College (ABHES ID#: I-360)

August 22, 2022

July 2022 Final Commission Actions & Statistical Summary

August 12, 2022

Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual - Effective January 1, 2023

August 12, 2023

Call for Speakers - 19th Annual NCAHE

August 8, 2022

The 2021-2022 Annual Report is now available online

August 1, 2022

The ABHES Office is Moving

June 10, 2022

ABHES Commission Considerations - July 2022

June 8, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Action

June 8, 2022

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

June 1, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Action

May 26, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Action

May 24, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Actions

May 5, 2022

ABHES 2022 Commission Elections: Ballot of Nominees

May 4, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Actions

April 29, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Action

April 12, 2022

Notification of a Final Commission Action

March 16, 2022

Call for Committee Member Nominations

March 3, 2022

Notice of Commissioner Appointment and Election

February 23, 2022

January 2022 Final Commission Actions & Statistical Summary

February 18, 2022

Commissioner Appointment

February 16, 2022

ABHES Winter Bulletin

January 28, 2022

Notification of Final Commission Actions

March 31, 2022

ABHES Fall Updates Bulletin

Fall 2021

Notice of ABHES Institutions/Programs to be Considered List

November 23, 2021

Nominations for Master Teacher and CJE Scholarship Due December 3rd!

November 16, 2021

Early Bird Registration Ends Today!

November 1, 2021

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Master Teacher & Scholarship

October 21, 2021

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

October 5, 2021

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

October 1, 2021

July 2021 Final Commission Actions and Statistical Summary

August 13, 2021

2020-2021 Annual Report Now Open

August 9, 2021

ABHES Press Release

July 16, 2021

Commissioner Nominating Committee Election Results

June 28, 2021

Reminder! You are invited to submit a speaker proposal for the ABHES 2022 Conference

Reminder! ABHES is now accepting speaker proposals to lead a breakout session at our upcoming conference. In an ongoing effort to provide various educational and innovative sessions to our attendees, we invite industry leaders and members with speaking experience who want to share their expertise with peers and colleagues from across the industry to submit a proposal today. Submission deadline: Sunday, August 15, 2021. To find out more, or to submit a speaker proposal, click on the link below. 18th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education: Call for Speakers

June 28, 2021

Notice of Commissioner Nominating Committee Election and Ballot

June 23, 2021

Final Revisions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual – Effective July 1, 2022

June 23, 2021

Final Revisions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual – Effective January 1, 2022

June 15, 2021

Notice of ABHES Institutions/Programs to be Considered List

June 10, 2021

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

June 8, 2021

Call for Nominations – Commissioner Nominating Committee

June 4, 2021

Commissioner Appointment and Election Results

May 28, 2021

2021 Commission Election: Ballot of Nominees

May 12, 2021

Application Center

March 30, 2021

ABHES Proposed Accreditation Manual Revisions - Call for Comment 32021

March 12, 2021

2021 Notice of Commissioner Election and Appointment

March 5, 2021

Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual - Effective July 1, 2021

February 16, 2021

ABHES Winter Updates Bulletin

January 29, 2021

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

November 16, 2020

Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual - Effective January 1, 2021

October 30, 2020

Membership Portal Training

Webinar trainings will be held every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., ET, starting on October 14, 2020, and will continue through November 4, 2020, to demonstrate how to complete the new Annual Report and answer any technical questions in real time. To register for these webinars, please use the following link - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsc-yqrzMuHNCtyCgg6IUILaLsK7m1U7yA If you have questions or concerns about the new Member Portal and/or the 2019-2020 Annual Report, please contact Steven Gelfound directly at sgelfound@abhes.org.

October 6, 2020

Update on the 18th Annual National Conference

After careful consideration of the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the ABHES Commission has made the difficult decision to cancel the 18th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education, scheduled for February 24 – 26, 2021 in Palm Springs, California.

ABHES still plans to host its Accreditation Workshops and Evaluator Trainings virtually in February 2021, so please stay tuned for additional details in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, thanks for your patience and understanding. We hope that everyone remains safe and healthy, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2022! Details regarding dates and location to be provided soon.

October 5, 2020

Membership Portal Update - Annual Report Now Available!

September 28, 2020

Membership Portal

September 21, 2020

Call for Commissioner Nominations

August 31, 2020

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

August 28, 2020

July 2020 Final Commission Actions

August 13, 2020

Final Revisions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual - Department of Education Regulations

July 31, 2020

Final Revisions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual - Surgical Technology

July 31, 2020

Call for Speakers - 2021 ABHES Conference

ABHES is now accepting speaker proposals to lead a breakout session at our upcoming conference. Each year, we strive to provide a variety of informative and relevant sessions to our attendees and we invite industry leaders and members with speaking experience to submit proposals. Please note, the submission deadline is Friday, August 14, 2020. To find out more, or to submit a speaker proposal, click on the link below. 18th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education Thank you. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) registrations@abhes.org

June 15, 2020

2020 Commission Appointment and Election Results

May 29, 2020

2020 Commissioner Election Ballot

May 15, 2020

New Submission Requirements

United States Postal Service (USPS)/FedEx/UPS Please note that staff are primarily working remotely and therefore unable to sign for deliveries requiring a signature. If you would like to continue to send correspondence to the ABHES office, you must send it without a signature required upon receipt to avoid couriers from returning mail to the sender. See below for more information relative to preferred methods for submitting information to ABHES.

Self-Evaluation Reports Institutions and programs scheduled to submit draft or final self-evaluation reports (SER) must upload them via DropBox SER.

Response Directives • Responses related to show-cause, program-specific warning, deferrals, or additional information requests, must be uploaded via DropBox Commission Responses.

• Responses related to reporting or requests for additional information related to outcomes and the last submitted Annual Report , must be uploaded via DropBox Outcome Responses.

• Responses related to reporting or requests for additional information for financial information, must be uploaded via DropBox Financial Responses.

• Responses related to reporting or additional information requests for Surgical Technology programs, must be uploaded via DropBox Surgical Technology Responses.

**All responses must be submitted in accordance with the directions in Preparing Your Response and the file name must include your ABHES ID#, type of response (ex. show-cause_rsp, outcomes_reporting_rsp, st_reporting_rsp), and date of submission.

Application Submissions Any new applications should be submitted to ABHES online via DropBox Applications. All applications must indicate the type of application and the file name must include your ABHES ID#, type of application, and date of submission (ex. I-100_ChangeinLocation_112023).

Fees Payment of any fees are to be electronically via bank transfer in lieu of a hardcopy check. Please contact the Accounting Department at accounting@abhes.org or (301) 291-7550.

March 31, 2020

Notice of Commissioner Election and Appointments

February 24, 2020

Final Conference Program Now Available

February 20, 2020

January 2020 Accreditation Decisions

February 15, 2020

ABHES Proposed Accreditation Manual Revisions - Call for Comment

February 3, 2020

PAC Call for Nominations

January 3, 2020

17th Annual Conference Registration Now Open

October 7, 2019

Accreditation Manual - Final Revisions, Effective January 1, 2020

August 18, 2019

Commission Action: Stratford University - Woodbridge, VA

Pursuant to Chapter III.C. of the Accreditation Manual, Stratford University - Woodbridge, Virginia did not elect to appeal the Commission's action to withdraw Medical Assisting programmatic accreditation.  The last date of accreditation of the Medical Assistant - Associate of Applied Science program, will be December 21, 2019, the date all current students are projected to complete the program according to a teach-out plan approved by ABHES.
Action Letter - August 1, 2019
Action Letter - August 13, 2019

August 13, 2019

2018-2019 Annual Report

August 9, 2019

Commission Action: Ross Medical Education Center - Huntsville, AL

The Commission has acted pursuant to Chapter III.E.2.i of the Accreditation Manual to implement the decision of the Appeal Panel. The decision to withdraw program approval for the Dental Assistant – Diploma program is now final and not subject to further appeal. The last date of accreditation of the Dental Assistant -Diploma program, will be March 23, 2020, the date all current students are projected to complete the program according to a teach-out plan  approved by ABHES.
Action Letter July 2, 2019
Action Letter July 11, 2019

July 3, 2019

Call for NCAHE Session Speakers

July 3, 2019

Commissioner Nominating Committee Election Results

TO:                   ABHES-accredited Institutions and Programs
FROM:              India Y. Tips, Executive Director
DATE:               June 21, 2019
SUBJECT:         Commissioner Nominating Committee Election Results
________________________________________________________________________________
In accordance with the Bylaws of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a ballot was sent to the membership on June 21, 2019, to elect two members from an ABHES-accredited institution or program to serve on the Commissioner Nominating Committee.
ABHES is pleased to announce the election of the below individuals to serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2019.
Chuck Ericson, Chief Operating Officer, Eagle Gate College, Murray, UT
Fred Freedman, CEO/President, Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ
Thank you to all who participated in the election process for the Commissioner Nominating Committee.

June 21, 2019

July 2019 Commission Considerations

June 18, 2019

Notice of Commissioner Nominating Committee Election

June 17, 2019

Christopher J. Eaton Scholarship

November 9, 2018

2019 Master Teacher Award

November 9, 2018

Adonis College of Nursing Withdrawal

Pursuant to Chapter III.C of the ABHES Accreditation Manual, Adonis College of Nursing abandoned its opportunity to appeal the Commission’s action to withdraw accreditation from the institution; therefore, the withdrawal of Adonis College of Nursing’s accreditation is effective October 5, 2018.

October 23, 2018

Adequacy and Relevance Survey - Chapter VI and IX

October 18, 2018

16th Annual NCAHE Registration Now Open

October 11, 2018

Harrison College - Student Fact Sheets

Please click here for general information on closed schools. For specific information related the state you attended Harrison College in, please click below link.
Indiana Student Fact Sheet
North Carolina Fact Sheet
Ohio Student Fact Sheet

September 24, 2018

Call for Commissioner Nominations

September 18, 2018

Call for Nominations - Commissioner Nominating Committee

12-01-2017

Call for Commissioner Nominations

12-01-2017

Upcoming Commission Considerations - January 2018

12-01-2017

Christopher J. Eaton Scholarship Nominations Now Being Accepted

Attention ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs:
 
Nominate your most deserving student for the 4th Annual $5,000 Christopher J. Eaton Scholarship!
 
ABHES is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2018 Christopher J. Eaton Scholarship are now being accepted.  One individual will be chosen for the scholarship to be awarded on March 2, 2018, during the 15th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education being held at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.  The winner will also receive complimentary conference registration and two nights’ hotel and airfare.  For details regarding the conference and/or to register online, CLICK HERE.  Early bird conference registration expires December 1, 2017.
Eligibility
The individual nominated must:
  • Be actively enrolled in an ABHES-accredited program at the time of the nomination and actively enrolled at the time of award or have successfully completed the program.
  • Display a high level of integrity and perseverance.
  • Exhibit persistence, dedication and a highly positive attitude.
 
Process
Nominations must be made by the Chief Executive Officer, President or Director of an ABHES-accredited institution or program.  The nominations should be emailed to info@abhes.org on or before Friday, December 8, 2017, and must include the following information:
 
♦ Name, address and telephone number of nominee
♦ Reasons for nomination in 500 words or less
♦ Name of Program
♦ Tuition including books and fees
Recipient Institution
The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship to be applied to the ABHES-accredited institution or program from which the nomination was made.
How to Donate
Remit a check or money order made payable to ABHES in the amount you wish to contribute. The notation “Scholarship Contribution 2018” should be made on the check or money order.  You may also donate when registering for the conference.  To register or for details, CLICK HERE.  Be sure to click the ‘Register’ button and then follow the prompts for the conference registration options.
Restrictions
ABHES-accredited institutions or programs may nominate no more than one (1) student per campus, for ABHES-institutional members, or one (1) student per program, for ABHES-programmatic members.  Institutional members consisting of four or more campuses will be limited to three nominations total.
Deadline Date
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, December 8, 2017.  The winner will be featured in the final Conference Program to be released in February.
For questions regarding the ABHES annual conference or scholarship, please contact India Tips, Assistant Executive Director, at itips@abhes.org.

10-31-2017

ABHES Community Service Recognition Award

ABHES would like to recognize one of its accredited institutions or programs for outstanding community service efforts at its upcoming 15th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education being held February 28 – March 2, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The stories should highlight the role that the institution plays in positively affecting local communities by illustrating the type of students that ABHES-accredited institutions and programs consistently attract.
Please adhere to the following guidelines for submission:
  1. Stories totaling 800 words or less must be submitted by email to itips@abhes.org in a Word-compatible file entitled Community Service, followed by your ABHES ID number, school name, city, and state. 
  2. digital photo may be included as a separate file, labeled accordingly to match the story.
  3. The deadline date for submission is Friday, December 15, 2017.
The Conference Planning Committee will select one school recipient, and the winning institution will be advised of its selection by no later than early January. The institution’s community service efforts will be recognized with an award to be presented during the Conference. Additionally, one institutional representative will be ABHES’ guest for the conference and will receive a complementary conference registration, two nights’ hotel stay, and $500 towards travel expenses.
Please contact India Tips at itips@abhes.org with any questions.

10-31-2017

Call for 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations

Attention ABHES Member Institutions/Programs & Interested Parties:
ABHES will present its first Lifetime Achievement Award in honor and memory of Carol A. Moneymaker, Former Executive Director, for her long-term commitment andtireless work that has had a significant impact on the field of accreditation and higher education, specifically within the ABHES community.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will recognize and promote individuals who have made a significant contribution to private, postsecondary institutions over a sustained period of time. Entries should be emailed to itips@abhes.org, with Lifetime Achievement Nomination noted in the subject area, and must be received on or before Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
Eligibility
The Lifetime Achievement Award is to be bestowed to an individual who has:
  • An established history of distinguished service and/or leadership roles that spans an entire career
  • Made a lasting contribution to the industry. These contributions may be an innovation, new knowledge, development of leaders or improvements to professional practice. The contributions should be above and beyond the everyday and either has or is predicted to have a lasting impact in the sector.
 
  • Exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the sector
  • A consistent record of advocacy for the industry and dedication to furthering post-secondary education  (e.g., workforce, legislative efforts, promoting visibility, interprofessional collaboration)
 
Nominees should have:
  • Made a positive impact on the sector [at either state/territory or national level]
  • Twenty (20) years, or more, of sustained service to the industry
  • Earned recognition by other industry, training, education or employer groups
  • The respect of professional peers
  • General acknowledgement as having reached a pinnacle of their profession or industry;
  • Demonstrated, over an extended period of time, a contribution which has included either research, industry achievement, professional leadership and service to the private, postsecondary community
Retirees who are currently not working in the sector are eligible for this award.
One winning entry will be selected by ABHES. The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 will attend the 15th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 28 - March 2, 2018 as a guest* of ABHES. The winner will be honored during the Awards Ceremony being held on March 2nd.  For more details regarding the ABHES annual conference and/or to register, CLICK HERE.
 
*Includes conference registration fee, airfare, and hotel.
Nominations
 
Overview
Provide a short overview of the person, their achievements and the reason for the nomination in 1000 words or less.
 
Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:
 
History of service
The nominee’s history of service to the sector - in particular, positions of leadership the nominee has held, such as on boards or as chair of committees. Any other known history, such as participation on committees and workgroups, and any examples of the nominee representing the sector officially as a liaison to other organizations or at state or national meetings.
 
Significant contribution and positive influence on the sector
The nominee’s significant contribution(s) to the advancement of vocational education and training practice, including teaching or training positions or programs, awards or recognition from professional or industry groups and institutions, innovative approaches to difficulties. How will the nominee’s story inspire others to higher standards in their work or to raise the communities’ perception of the sector?
 
Leadership
The nominee’s leadership in the field of vocational education and training including, but not limited to, positively influencing policy or practice on a state, national or international level. This may include government committees and workgroups, advocacy, senior positions, other training, mentoring or committee participation. Explanation of how have they “made a difference”?
Submission Guidelines
Entries should be emailed to itips@abhes.org, with Lifetime Achievement Nomination noted in the subject area.  Entries are limited to one nomination per ABHES-accredited institution or program, and must be received by December 15, 2017.
Questions? 
Please contact India Tips at itips@abhes.org or (703) 917-9503.

10-31-2017

November Commission Considerations

10-06-2017

Update for Puerto Rico Institutions

In an effort to assist the institutions in Puerto Rico during this time of devastation, ABHES has decided to make the following allowances for those institutions located in Puerto Rico:
  • The due date for the 2016-2017 ABHES Annual Report has been extended to January 5, 2018.
  • Any institutions with response due dates for deferral actions or outcomes reporting prior to the end of  2017 are now due January 5, 2018.
  • Visits scheduled for 2nd cycle 2017 have been postponed until further notice.
If you have any questions, please contact the ABHES office at (703) 917-9503 or via email at info@abhes.org.

10-05-2017

15th Annual NCAHE Program Preview

10-02-2017

Miami, FL Accreditation Workshops Cancelled

The accreditation workshops for Thursday 9/14 and Friday 9/15 in Miami, FL as listed below have been cancelled.
We are working to reschedule the workshop sometime in the next four to six weeks. The workshop will most likely take place in the Washington DC area. More information will be provided in the coming days regarding refunds for those not able to attend the re-scheduled dates as well as other important details/updates.
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Institutional/Programmatic (Combo) Accreditation Workshop
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2017 (Repeat Session)
JW Marriott
1109 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
1-800-228-9290; or
1-800-503-1434

09-12-2017

NEW PEP Outline Draft

Please see the attached NEW PEP Outline Draft in support of the revisions and additions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual, effective January 1, 2018.  The Outline has been revised in accordance with the noted changes made to Section I, Program Effectiveness, and has been revamped to assist institutions in their efforts to evidence compliance with such standards and ensure more consistency in the evaluation of program effectiveness plans.

09-08-2017

Final Revisions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual

08-18-2017

July 2017 Commission Actions

08-17-2017

Commissioner Appointments

08-10-2017

Final Revisions to the ABHES Bylaws

07-14-2017

June 2017 Call for Comment - Proposed Accreditation Manual Revisions

06-14-2017

July 2017 Commission Considerations

06-07-2017

Call for Comment - Proposed Bylaw Revisions

06-01-2017

Call for Breakout Session Speakers for February 2018 Annual Conference

ABHES is currently seeking presenters preferably from ABHES-accredited institutions and programsto conduct breakout sessions at its next annual conference being held February 28 through March 2, 2018, at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.  Registration to open this October.
Be sure to review the attached Guidelines for details and e-mail completed proposals by no later than Friday, September 1, 2017, to India Tips, Assistant Executive Director, at itips@abhes.org with “ABHES Conference Proposal” in the subject line.  Selection results will be provided via e-mail by September 30, 2017.
DISCLOSURE:  Upon acceptance of a breakout session proposal, speaker(s) will be provided complementary conference registration.  All other conference related expenses are to be paid for by the speaker/sponsoring company/organization.
 
***ATTENTION VENDORS***
Upon acceptance of a Breakout Session Proposal, full exhibitor registration and additional breakout session fee(s) must be remitted to ABHES no later than 4 weeks following the approval notification.
Upon acceptance of a vendor-sponsored breakout session proposal, speaker(s) not employed by the vendor will be provided complimentary conference registration.  All other conference related expenses are to be paid for by the sponsoring vendor.  Please email exhibitors@abhes.org with any questions.

05-30-2017

ABHES Receives Expansion of Scope

On May 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education approved ABHES to move forward with its expansion of scope at the master’s degree level.  This expanded scope is included in the 5-year period of ABHES recognition granted on September 22, 2016.

05-26-2017

Withdraw of Accreditation - Casa Loma College, Anaheim, CA

The Appeal Panel of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has affirmed the decision of the ABHES Commission to withdraw the  accreditation of the non-main campus of Casa Loma College, located in Anahiem, California.  As a result, the last date that the Anaheim location of Casa Loma College is accredited by ABHES will be June 2, 2017. Final Action Letter Comments from Institution ABHES Summary of Withdrawal of Accreditation

05-03-2017

Appointed Commissioner Results

04-25-2017

Elected Commissioner Results

04-18-2017

Update on Expansion of Scope

On Wednesday, February 22, 2017, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (“NACIQI”) voted to deny ABHES’ request for an expansion of scope to accredit programs at the Master’s Degree level. In doing so, the NACIQI refused to accept a recommendation by the staff of the Department of Education finding that ABHES had met all pertinent recognition criteria and that the expansion should be granted without qualification. A final decision on the matter rests with the Senior Department Official at the Department of Education. ABHES intends to submit comments to the Department regarding the NACIQI recommendation. Florence Tate, ABHES Executive Director issued the following media statement: “We are disappointed by the NACIQI’s action yesterday and agree with the Department staff’s careful analysis and finding that ABHES was in compliance with the recognition criteria and deserves approval of the expansion of scope. We believe that the NACIQI’s decision was flawed in several respects that we intend to highlight in our response. ABHES will continue to work diligently to obtain approval for the expansion from the Department and, as always, continue our efforts to assure the quality and effectiveness of our institutions and programs in service of students.”

02-27-2017

Casa Loma College - Anaheim, CA

Casa Loma College in Van Nuys, California on behalf of its non-main campus in Anaheim, California has appealed the decision by the Commission that declined to reaffirm the change of location for the Anaheim, California campus. Pursuant to Section III.E. of the Accreditation Manual the Anaheim campus remains accredited while its appeal is pending.

02-22-2017

2017 NCAHE Program

02-07-2017

Pharmacy Technology Faculty Standards (Chapter VIII)

01-23-2017

Notice of Commissioner Appointment and Election 2017

01-12-2017

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual - November 2016

11-28-2016

Academic Associate Degree Faculty Standards (VI.B.2.) -- Amendment

10-26-2016

14th NCAHE Program Preview

09-30-2016

ABHES Receives Continued Recognition

09-27-2016

2016 Commissioner Election Results

08-20-2016

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual – Call for Comment

08-19-2016

Notice of Commissioner Election

08-19-2016

Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual, Effective January 1, 2017

08-11-2016

Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual, Effective Immediately

07-07-2016

July 2016 Commission Meeting Considerations

06-17-2016

2016 Call for Commissioner Nominations

06-16-2016

June 2016 Proposed Revisions to the Accreditation Manual - Call for Comment

06-01-2016

ABHES Conference - Call for Breakout Session Speakers

05-19-2016

April 2016 Final Commission Action

04-29-2016

Call for Commissioner Nominations 2016

CALL FOR COMMISSIONER NOMINATIONS This Notice of Appointment and Election from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is for one commissioner seat to be elected by the membership and one commissioner seat to be appointed by the Commission. The Commissioner Nominating Committee invites you to nominate yourself or other qualified individuals for the positions described below, for a 3-year term beginning July 1, 2016. Click here to download the full Notice of Appointment and Election. 

02-17-2016

January 2016 Commission Actions

02-11-2016

Notice of Schools/Programs to Be Considered at the January 2016 Commission Meeting

11-09-2015

2016 Christopher J. Eaton Scholarship Announcement

1-05-2015

Notice of Closure for Dade Medical College

11-02-2015

2014-2015 Annual Report Launched

10-19-2015

13th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education Program Preview

10-14-2015

ABHES Session - Central States Private Education Network (CSPEN) Conference

http://centralstatesedu.com/ for more information regarding the upcoming conference and contact centralstatesedu@gmail.com should you have any questions. INNOVATION AND COMPLIANCE AT ABHES – WHAT’S NEW? It’s a busy time in the education for-profit institutions as they seek new modalities and programs to create for the benefit of new student markets.  The result is a busy time for accreditors as we ramp up to meet the challenge of the 21st century education delivery.  ABHES is busy addressing new program applications, program development, and compliance: including Competency Based Education.  Specifically, you ask:  “What is it? What do schools need to know about the ABHES process?  Are you ready for the next modality in education?”  regarding new areas of   Come, learn and ask our panel of experts the questions.

08-17-2015

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual - Effective January 1, 2016

08-07-2015

July 2015 Final Commission Actions

08-07-2015

2014-2015 Annual Report Update

07-29-2015

Four-D College Relinquishment

07-16-2015

Four-D College

07-13-2015

May 2015 Commission Actions

06-12-2015

ABHES Call for Breakout Session Speakers for 2016

06-09-2015

Proposed Revisions to ABHES Accreditation Manual - June 2015

06-01-2015

Notice of Schools/Programs to Be Considered at the July 2015 Commission Meeting

05-11-2015

2015 Commission Appointment Results

05-06-2015

2015 Commission Election Results

04-21-2015

2015 Commission Election Slate

04-10-2015

Call for Elected Commissioner Nominations

02-19-2015

January 2015 Final Commission Actions

02-11-2015

12th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education Program

02-09-2015

ABHES Fees Structure and Other Notifications

01-16-2015

Outcome of Commissioner Nominating Committee Election

04-22-2014

2014 Conference Photos & Remembrance Video Are Now Available

On behalf of the ABHES Commission, thank you for attending the 11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education. We hope that you found it to be both enjoyable and informative. The following is a link to the photos captured at this year’s conference. To view, simply click: ABHES Conference 2014, Nashville TN photos. Photos are viewable and downloadable from tablets and other smart devices, including smart phones and Apple® products. Download photos by clicking on the specific image, then using the right-click function and selecting “Save Image”. The video of the Remembrance Ceremony for Christopher J. Eaton can be viewed at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u47Qz2n7Kgs. We hope that you will join us next year at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 25-27, 2015. A Call for Speakers for the 2015 conference will post this May with all proposals due in August. Please be sure to visit the ABHES website this summer for details.

03-14-2014

ABHES Achieves Recognition by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

03-07-2014

Christopher Eaton Scholarship Fund

03-05-2014

11th Annual NCAHE Breakout Session Presentation Documents

Please see below PDFs for some of the breakout sessions presentations from the 11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education: Digital Dirt Regulatory Roundtables - Gainful Employment What You Should Know About The ABHES Annual Report

03-04-2014

Commissioner Nominating Committee Call for Nominations

03-04-2014

11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education

To:  ABHES-Accredited Institutions, Programs and Constituents From:  ABHES Commissioners & Staff Subject:  11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education This serves as a reminder that the 11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education is being held February 26-28, 2014, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.  To view this year’s Program, click here. On-line pre-registration is now closed for all events; however,  ON-SITE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE   For those that have pre-registered and those wishing to register on-site for the conference, the Conference Registration & Information Center will open at 1:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Ballroom on Wednesday, February 26, 2014.   NOTE:  For those interested in attending a pre-conference workshop, space may be limited and walk-ins will be permitted on a first come, first served basis.  Keep in mind that such workshops have separate registration and fees, as applicable, that are not inclusive of the conference registration.  Acceptable forms of payments for these workshops are limited to cash or check made payable to ABHES ABHES has developed an exciting agenda filled with current and insightful issues. The Commissioners’ Welcome Reception will kick off the conference from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, followed by the Opening General Session on Thursday morning.  A very special luncheon will be held on Thursday to honor the memory of Christopher J. Eaton, former Associate Executive Director. He is sorely missed, and we intend to celebrate his life with ABHES and his indelible impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. The conference will include an array of breakout sessions with the always popular award ceremonies recognizing institutions and programs that achieved a zero-violation initial or renewal visit, and individuals who have served ABHES with distinction. Events conclude with the ABHES Membership Meeting on Friday, during which time the accomplishments of 2013 will be reviewed and we will look toward what is ahead of ABHES in 2014. We hope that you will join us in Nashville. Thank you.

02-14-2014

Important Notice - Bylaws Amendments 2014

Please see the attached Important Notice regarding the amendments made to the ABHES bylaws, as finalized by the Commission at its recent meeting.  The second attachment is the amendments. Thank you.   Important Notice - Bylaws Amendments Bylaws Amendments - 2 14

02-13-2014

January Commission Final Actions

02-12-2014

January Summary of Commission Actions

02-12-2014

NCAHE - Overflow Hotel Information

01-18-2014

Reporting Changes to ABHES

01-09-2014

ABHES Annual Report - Due December 10, 2013

10-31-2013

ABHES Telephone Service

Please be advised that ABHES is undergoing a new telephone system today, Wednesday, October 23, 2013.  Your calls are important to us; however, the telephone system will be inoperable today from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  We look forward to speaking with you and  apologize for any inconvenience.

10-23-2013

11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education – Registration is NOW Open!

11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education – Registration is NOW Open! You are cordially invited to join ABHES at its 11th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education. The conference will be held February 26-28, 2014, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Please click here to view the Program Preview for important details, including information on this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Adam Sáenz, whose message will compel you to engage your calling with passion, with purpose, with vision, and with faith. This year’s program is chock-full of breakout sessions focused on those issues most current and relevant to allied health care educators.  Exhibitors will also be on hand showcasing the products and services you most want and need. Zumba workout classes return, so join ABHES staff Thursday and Friday mornings to jump start your day.  For all you sports fans you will not want to miss the Nashville Predators take on the Tampa Bay Lightning!  Join ABHES Commission and staff during some conference downtime as we cheer on two great competitors in the NHL. ABHES will host several of its member services workshops Monday through Wednesday, just prior to the conference.  See the schedule of events for details.  All workshops require separate registration and fee, as applicable, which are not inclusive of the conference registration. REGISTER NOW to secure the early bird conference registration fee, which expires November 1, 2013.  To register for the conference, workshops, and or extracurricular events, simply visit the ABHES website or click https://www.abhes.org/workshop_registration.  Registrations for ALL EVENTS are to be completed online.  All major U.S. credit cards accepted. Mark your calendar!  We look forward to seeing you in Nashville.

09-24-2013

Call for Master Teacher Nominations 2014

Let us recognize your most innovative teacher! ABHES & Elsevier are pleased to announce that Master Teacher Award 2014 nominations are now being accepted.  The tenth Master Teacher Award will recognize best practices in health careers education. The award recipient will be recognized at the National Conference on Allied Health Education, hosted by ABHES, on February 28, 2014, in Nashville, Tennessee.  The winner will present his / her best practice to conference attendees and receive a plaque, $500 cash, and complimentary conference registration, airfare, and hotel. Congratulations to past Master Teacher Award Winners: • Migdalia Ransberger, Corinthian Colleges • Cindy Lundquist, Kaplan Higher Education • Shirley Jelmo, Pima Medical Institute • Andrea Dorn, Pima Medical Institute • Krista Kippenberger, Allied College • David McCreight, American Career College • Toni Bethel, Community Care College • Christine Dzoga, Illinois School of Health Careers • Tambre’ Ross, Heritage College Recognize one of your instructors as a Master Teacher.  Nominations must be received by November 1, 2013.  Click here for guidelines and entry form for details.

09-18-2013

Chris Eaton - Update 8/20/13

08-20-2013

Christopher J. Eaton 1962-2013

08-19-2013

Statistical Summary of July 2013 Commission Actions

08-14-2013

Final Commission Actions - July 2013

08-14-2013

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual - Effective January 1, 2014

08-14-2013

ABHES Annual Report – Extension on Reporting

08-13-2013

Call for Comment - Bylaws

TO:                  ABHES-accredited Institutions and Programs FROM:            Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director DATE:            July 30, 2013 SUBJECT:      Proposed Revisions to ABHES Bylaws – Call for Comment At its July 2013 meeting, The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) approved a number of amendments to its Bylaws. The proposed amendments predominantly focus on clarifying language, eliminating information that is non-essential to Bylaws, and revising language that puts unnecessary limits on how the Commission operates. ABHES seeks your consideration and input.  If you have any comments regarding the proposed amendments, please provide them on the attached Comment Form and submit them to cmoneymaker@abhes.org, or by mail or facsimile to the ABHES office, by August 30, 2013.  Comments will be considered by the Commission in September. Thank you in advance. Attachments: Proposed BylawsComment Form

07-30-2013

Annual Report Update

07-26-2013

CEC Withdrawal Announcement

07-02-2013

Call for Comment on Proposed Revisions to the Accreditation Manual

06-20-2013

Upcoming Commission Considerations - July 2013

05-23-2013

ABHES Needs Your Help - Practitioners

05-23-2013

A Call for 2014 Conference Speakers

05-02-2013

Preparing for an Unannounced Visit

04-16-2013

Surgical Technology Programs Reminder - ST Core Curriculum

04-12-2013

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual – effective immediately

04-02-2013

Pictures from ABHES’ 10th Annual National Conference

Pictures from ABHES’ 10th Annual National Conference

  The ABHES Commission and staff would like to thank you for your attendance at its 10th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education recently held in San Diego, California. To view the pictures from the conference, use the following link: http://abhes2013.shutterfly.com/pictures We hope that you will once again join us next year when ABHES hosts the 11th Annual Conference February 26-28, 2014, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

03-20-2013

Amendment to Articles of Incorporation – Approved

03-18-2013

Call for Commissioner Nominations - Seat 1

03-11-2013

Call for Commissioner Nominations - Seat 7

03-07-2013

Commissioner Appointment

03-05-2013

10th Annual NCAHE Presentation Handouts

10th Annual NCAHE Presentation Handouts

  Please see below for handouts from the 10th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education that took place Wednesday - Friday, February 13-15, 2013. ABHES Updates:  Partnering Towards Compliance Roundtables Guidelines to Effective Externships Survivor Proprietary Island - the Placement Challenge Bridging the Student Communication Gap California Private Postsecondary Update: What's in Store for California Schools in 2013 Daring to Be Caring:  How to Inspire a Committed & Engaged Workforce Inspirational Poem The Reward is Within Improve Your Retention Rate in Allied Health Programs Regulatory Issues Facing Postsecondary Education Elise Scanlon Peter Leyton Sharon Bob The End of Goof Faith - The Implications of Conflicting Credit Hour Definitions and State Authorization Guidance The Management & Delivery of Electronic Course Materials to Students

02-20-2013

January 2013 Commission Meeting - Final Actions

02-15-2013

Obituary - Margaret Mary Carlson (Marge)

02-05-2013

ABHES Accreditation Manual Requirements – Additional Guidance

01-28-2013

Commissioner Terms of Office

01-25-2013

Reminder: Notice of Membership Meeting

01-24-2013

New Fees

01-24-2013

Overflow Hotel Information

The ABHES conference and workshops are being held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California.  The ABHES sleeping room block from Monday through Friday, February 11-15, 2013, at the Hyatt is nearly sold out.  Therefore, additional sleeping rooms have been secured at the following hotels, which are approximately a 5-minute walk from the Grand Hyatt: Marriott Marquis & Marina 333 W Harbor Drive San Diego, CA  92101-770 (800) 228-9290
Start Date End Date Room Type Single Double
2/12/2013 2/16/2013 Standard $199.00 $199.00
To make a reservation, please contact the reservation department at the phone number provided above.  Refer to the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) when making the reservation to obtain the group rate. Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown 601 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101 1-800-EMBASSY (800-632-2779)
Start Date End Date Room Type Single Double
2/13/2013 2/16/2013 Standard $199.00 $199.00
To make a reservation, please contact the reservation department at the phone number provided above.  Be sure to refer to Group Code: ABH in order to obtain the ABHES group rate. The ABHES Group Rate is guaranteed at both hotels for reservations made on or before Monday, January 28, 2013.  Any reservations made after the Cutoff Date shall be at the Hotels then current available rate.

01-20-2013

Reminder: Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual - Effective January 1, 2013

12-07-2012

Applications for Accreditation

11-15-2012

ABHES Call for Master Teacher Award 2013 Nominations

10-31-2012

Important Update - Hurricane Sandy

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 Due to Hurricane Sandy, there may be delays in service from ABHES, including delayed responses. Thank you.

10-30-2012

Commissioner Vacancy - Nominations Due - October 20, 2012

10-03-2012

Fall 2012 Advantage

10-03-2012

10th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education – Registration NOW OPEN!

You are cordially invited to join ABHES as it celebrates a milestone hosting the 10th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education. The conference will be held February 13-15, 2013, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.
This year’s program is chock-full of breakout sessions focused on those issues most current and relevant to allied health care educators.  Exhibitors will also be on hand to showcase the products and services you most want and need.
New this year…ABHES has put together several extracurricular conference events, which include the 6th Annual Golf Tournament at the world renown Torrey Pines Golf Course, Zumba® with Judy Quint workout classes and a Coronado Mini Trek Group Tour.  ***Separate registration is required.
 
REGISTER NOW to secure the early bird conference registration fee, which expires October 31, 2012.  To register for the conference and any of the new extracurricular conference events, simply visit the ABHES website or click https://www.abhes.org/workshop_registration.  Registrations for all events (conference, workshops, golf tournament) are to be completed online.  All major U.S. credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard) accepted.
 
Mark your calendar as this is one conference that you will not want to miss!
***NOTE:  There is a separate registration process and fee to participate in Zumba®, the Coronado tour, and the golf tournament.  Registrations for these events must be completed by no later than 12:00 a.m., EST, on Thursday, January 10, 2013.  Space is limited, so register today!

10-02-2012

Commissioner Appointment

09-14-2012

Commissioner Resignation

09-06-2012

Final Revisions to Bylaws - Effective Immediately

08-31-2012

Radiologic Technology Program-Specific Standards – Amendment

08-30-2012

Suspension of August 3, 2012, Accreditation Manual Requirements

08-28-2012

Fall Newsletter – Call for News

08-23-2012

July 2012 Commission Actions

08-16-2012

Annual Report Memo

08-16-2012

Final Radiologic Technology Standards – Effective January 1, 2013

08-15-2012

ABHES Evaluator Training Workshop – Bachelor’s Degree Level

08-03-2012

Credit Hour Conversions Recognition of Additional Outside (Student Preparation) Hours

08-03-2012

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual - Effective Immediately - August 3, 2012

08-03-2012

Final Action - Affirmation of Withdrawal (Sleep Studies, Inc.)

07-27-2012

Call for Comment - July 19, 2012

07-19-2012

ABHES Call for Comment – Radiologic Technology Standards

MEMORANDUM To:  ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs Recognized Accrediting Agencies State Departments of Education Kay Gilcher, U.S. Department of Education Interested Parties From:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:  June 18, 2012 Subject: ABHES Call for Comment – Radiologic Technology Standards Nearly three years ago, the Commission of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES or the Commission) approved the creation and implementation of program-specific standards in those health education areas most in demand or for which there is an external issue, such as credentialing requirements, that compliments the requirement of such standards. The proposed standards are applicable to any ABHES-accredited institution offering a radiologic technology program, as is the case for previously-approved program-specific standards in dental assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, and pharmacy technology, included in Chapter VIII of the Accreditation Manual. It is important to differentiate between Chapter VII, Programmatic Accreditation Standards, and Chapter VIII, Program-Specific Accreditation Standards.  Chapter VII includes only those three programs ABHES is recognized to accredit programmatically (medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, surgical technology), overseen by the Programmatic Accreditation Committees as defined in the ABHES Bylaws. Chapter VIII includes standards for programs ABHES is not recognized to accredit programmatically, but required of ABHES-accredited institutions offering a program in the specific field (e.g., dental assisting.)  These standards are developed and maintained by Program Advisory Committees. Following over two years of consideration and review by specialists in the field, at its May 2012 meeting, the Commission adopted program-specific standards for Radiologic Technology. The Commission requests your consideration of these proposals and comment.  As a reminder, these program-specific standards build upon Chapter V, Evaluation Standards Applicable to All Educational Programs, of the ABHES Accreditation Manual and, therefore, must be considered together. Please use the survey link provided in the e-mail message received with this attachment to provide your comments. Comments are due on or before July 10, 2012, for consideration by the Commission at its July 2012 meeting. Please contact me at cmoneymaker@abhes.org with any questions. Please use the link below to access the standards and the proposed changes therein and the call for comment surveys: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JKLMCJ7

06-18-2012

Call for Comment – Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology Standards

MEMORANDUM To: ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs Recognized Accrediting Agencies State Departments of Education Kay Gilcher, U.S. Department of Education Interested Parties From: Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date: June 15, 2012 Subject: Call for Comment – Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology Standards The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES or the Commission) considered proposed changes to the programmatic accreditation standards, as recommended by the Programmatic Accreditation Committees for Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology (PAC-MA and PAC-ST), outlined in Chapter VII of the Accreditation Manual. Revisions to the remaining programmatic accreditation standards, Medical Laboratory Technology, were recently approved and implemented, effective immediately. Proposed new language is underlined, deleted language is struck. The Commission requests your review and consideration of these proposals and comment. Please use the survey link provided in the e-mail that attaches this document to provide your comments. Comments are due on or before July 10, 2012, for consideration by the Commission at its July 2012 meeting. It is expected any changes to these programmatic accreditation standards will be implemented and effective January 1, 2013. You are reminded that these standards apply to any institution offering a medical assisting or surgical technology program. Contact me at cmoneymaker@abhes.org with any questions. Please use the links below to access the call for comment surveys: Survey link for Medical Assisting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XBRSMJ8 Survey link for Surgical Technology: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CB38H

06-15-2012

Final Action - Affirmation of Denial (Rose Training Institute)

06-14-2012

Application for Exclusion of Continuing Education Courses or Program

06-08-2012

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual - Effective Immediately

06-06-2012

Final Action - Affirmation of Denial (Carnegie Career College)

06-01-2012

Program-related Applications - Review and Processing Timeline

05-31-2012

Student Outcomes and Maximum Timeframe for Compliance

05-23-2012

June 2012 Workshops

05-21-2012

Call for Speakers – Break-out Session Proposal Guidelines

05-16-2012

Surgical Technology Evaluator Training

05-16-2012

9th Annual Conference Handouts

Please click below for some of the handouts from the 9th Annual National Conference on Health Education: ABHES Updates:  Partnering Towards Compliance - Tools and Tips for Submitting Responses Electronically Sample Response Impact on Public Policy on Health Education:  Past, Present & Future Panel Discussion:  Regulatory Impact on Postsecondary Education To Distance or Not!

05-15-2012

Applications for Accreditation

05-01-2012

Information on ACT College

ACT College – Alexandria, Arlington and Manassas, Virginia
ACT College with its campuses located in Alexandria, Arlington and Manassas, Virginia, ceased operations effective April 4, 2012.  ABHES was advised by the United States Department of Education that ACT College was recently terminated from federal student aid participation.  ABHES is working with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and United States Department of Education Federal Student Aid, School Participation Team - Philadelphia regarding this closure and potential teach-out arrangements for students.
Questions regarding student records should be directed to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) at (804) 225-2600.  For additional information please click here for SCHEV's website.
Questions regarding student federal aid should be directed to the United States Department of Education Federal Student Aid, School Participation Team - Philadelphia at (215) 656-6442 or (800) 4 FED AID or by accessing the National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS) for Students or www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov.   See financial aid fact sheet for closure of ACT College by clicking here.
Several institutions have offered their educational services. ACT College students are advised to contact these institutions to learn whether programs may be continued at one of these locations and/or to explore other program completion options. Students are reminded to review and discuss credentialing or certification requirements and/or specific examinations and whether such examinations and certifications are feasible when completing a program with the respective teach-out institution.  To learn more about these institutions, please click here.
To learn more about similar program offerings, please view ABHES' Directory of Accredited Institutions and Programs by clicking here.
For additional information on school closures, please view the Closed School Guide For Students.

04-10-2012

Former ACT Student Meetings

04-09-2012

ABHES Webinars - Electronic Submissions

04-03-2012

Commissioner Resignation and Appointment

03-14-2012

Volunteers – Program Advisory Committee – Radiologic Technology/Radiography

03-09-2012

Commissioner Appointment

03-09-2012

New! On-Line Evaluator Training

03-05-2012

Elected Commissioner Position Results

02-28-2012

Notice of Term Extensions & Call for Nominations

02-10-2012

Winter 2012 Advantage

02-09-2012

Notice of ABHES Commissioner Election

02-09-2012

9th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education Program

Please see the program below for the 9th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education! This year the conference is being held at the Encore Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 22-24, 2012. There is still time to register for the conference at www.abhes.org.  The conference room hotel block has sold out. The ABHES Commissioners and Staff look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas! 9th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education Program

02-08-2012

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual Glossary of Definitions

02-06-2012

Call for Comment - Proposed Revisions to Accreditation Manual

February 1, 2012 The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) regularly reviews its accreditation policies, procedures and standards and seeks your input on proposed revisions to its Accreditation Manual.  These proposals are based upon a number of items, including site visit outcomes, input from accredited institutions and programs, and input from the Standards Review Committee and the Programmatic Accreditation Committee for Medical Laboratory Technology. To access the call for comment surveys, click on the links below: Survey link to proposed standard changes to the Accreditation Manual Chapters I- VI: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H5J2R2P   Survey link to proposed changes to the Accreditation Manual Chapter VII-MLT programmatic standards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H59RCSL   The deadline for comments is Friday, February 24, 2012.

02-01-2012

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual Regarding Distance Education

01-31-2012

Reporting New and Revised Programs

01-25-2012

Commission Final Actions and More

Please see the below FINAL school actions and revisions to the Accreditation Manual approved at the December 2011 meeting of the ABHES Commission. Wishing you all a very happy holiday! Commission December Final Actions Revisions to the Accreditation Manual - effective January 1, 2012

01-12-2012

Invitation to Special Complimentary Session

01-12-2012

Update on ABHES National Conference on Allied Health Education

Happy New Year!  With 2012 now upon us, the countdown has begun to our 9th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education. The conference will be held February 22-24, 2012, at the ultra luxurious Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort just steps from the infamous Las Vegas Strip! You will not want to miss this year’s keynote address, “Embracing New Challenges with Humor”, presented by Dr. Clifford C. Kuhn, an award-winning professional trainer, personal coach and author.  In his entertaining presentation, the Laugh Doctor will show us how humor can be an effective tool for us to be at our best, professionally and personally. This year’s conference is chock-full of breakout sessions focused on those issues most current and relevant to allied health care education.  The Conference will begin with two complementary pre-conference breakout sessions from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, followed by a welcome wine and cheese reception for all registered attendees from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  All other sessions will be held Thursday-Friday, February 23-24, 2012, with the conference concluding by approximately 12:30 p.m. A new complementary pre-conference session has just been added from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, titled “ABHES Updates: Partnering Towards Compliance”.  ABHES is providing this informative session to cover a variety of topics, including tools and tips for submitting responses electronically; program modifications and recognition of out-of-class work and preparation; and the substantive change approval process.  This session is designed to share ABHES requirements with its accredited institutions and programs resulting from the changes in federal regulations. Participants will learn the Commission’s expectations relative to these topics and more. School personnel are encouraged to bring sample documents to share during the session. The 5th Annual Golf Tournament will be held at the Desert Pines Golf Club, “A Dye-designed touch of the Carolinas in Las Vegas”, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.  A separate $139 registration fee is required to participate. REGISTER NOW by simply visiting the ABHES website at www.abhes.org.  Registrations for all events (conference, workshops, golf tournament) are to be completed online.  All major U.S. credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard) are accepted. Mark your calendar as this is one event that you will not want to miss!

01-05-2012

Winter Edition Advantage - Call for News

01-05-2012

Call for Commissioner Nominations

MEMORANDUM To:  ABHES- Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:  January 3, 2012 Subject:   Call for Commissioner Nominations – Due February 3, 2012 This Call for Nominations from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is for five (5) commissioner seats; four elected and one appointed.  When the period for nominations ends, the Commissioner Nominating Committee will act pursuant to sections 4.5.3 and 4.6.2 of the Bylaws to qualify candidates.  Pursuant to section 4.5.3, the Executive Director will subsequently notify all accredited members of the specific time, date, place and procedures for the election, which is expected to occur in conjunction with the ABHES annual meeting to be held during the National Conference on Allied Health Education, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday, February 23, 2012, during the Annual Membership Meeting. All terms of office are for three years, beginning July 1, 2012, and to expire June 30, 2015, with the exception of the newly- created Elected Seat 5, Educator in a Specialty Area.  The initial term for this seat will be two years until June 30, 2014, in order to better stagger expiration of terms for Commission seats. Nominations are requested for the following four elected seats: Elected Seat 1 - Academician in a Healthcare related area. Requires at least five (5) years of academic experience in a member institution or program, including active participation in an academic capacity in the day-to-day operations of a member institution or program during the three (3) years immediately preceding election (those three (3) years may count toward the five-year experience requirement). Elected Seat 6 - Commissioner-at-large. Requires at least five (5) years of administrative or academic experience or a combination of administrative and academic experience in a member institution or program, including active participation in day-to-day operations of a member institution or program during the three (3) years immediately preceding election (those three (3) years may count toward the five year experience requirement). Elected Seat 7 - Commissioner-at-large. Requires at least five (5) years of administrative or academic experience or a combination of administrative and academic experience in a member institution or program, including active participation in day-to-day operations of a member institution or program during the three (3) years immediately preceding election (those three (3) years may count toward the five year experience requirement). Elected Seat 5 - Educator in Specialty Area.  Must be currently and primarily employed in an academic position at a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education in a health-care related field for which ABHES is recognized as a programmatic accreditor by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Nominations are requested for the following appointed seat: Appointed Seat 3 - Distance Education Specialist. Requires at least three (3) years of experience in an academic position designing or developing, teaching and/or evaluating distance education courses at a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education Requirements and Responsibilities of an ABHES Commissioner In order to conduct ABHES business effectively, commissioners meet and participate in several activities throughout the year. i. Attendance at up to 3, 3-day Commission meetings, including regular meetings typically held in January, April, and July. ii. Participation on at least one commissioner committee. iii. Regular computer and telephone access for standard communication, school file access, electronic votes, and conference calls. iv. Strong verbal and written communication skills. v. Working knowledge of computers to receive, review and comment on school files and policy matters. Travel expenses for all Commission-related activities are reimbursed by ABHES with a modest honorarium provided for Commission meeting attendance. A sincere commitment to higher education, combined with high standards of integrity and impartiality, is mandatory.  A signed statement regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality is required prior to a commissioner taking office. Process The Commissioner Nominating Committee invites you to nominate qualified individuals for the positions described above. Following the Commissioner Nominating Committee’s consideration, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat(s) as an elected or appointed commissioner. Qualified candidates for election will be placed on the ballot for distribution to the membership. Qualified candidates for appointment will be placed on a ballot for distribution to the ABHES Commission. Nomination Requirements The attached form must be completed and e-mailed to Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director, at cmoneymaker@abhes.org no later than February 3, 2012.  Nominations received after that date will not be considered. ABHES Commissioners are the agency's Board of Directors, and as such each Commissioner is subject to the legal duties of any Board member.  The attached document, "Fiduciary Duties of Commissioners," provides a brief outline of these duties.  A listing of current commissioners can be found by visiting www.abhes.org. As always, ABHES appreciates your consideration of this matter and looks forward to your assistance in identifying the best individuals to fill these positions. Attachments: (Call for Nomination FormFiduciary Duties of Commissioners)

01-04-2012

Commission Update

01-03-2012

Call for Comment - Distance Education

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), at its December 2011 meeting, acted to propose amendments to its guidelines and standards governing review of programs offered by distance education. Please review the proposed changes and provide your comments via the link below by no later than Monday, January 16, 2012. Contact Christy Baily-Byers, Distance Education and Communications Specialist, at cbyers@abhes.org with any questions. Thank you in advance for your review of this important material. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QZRQQW6

12-22-2011

Final Revisions to Accreditation Manual and Accreditation User Fees

12-20-2011

Request for Conference Photos

12-12-2011

Reminder Gainful Employment Reporting Due

11-11-2011

Community Service Award Nomination Request

11-03-2011

Annual Report Submission Update

The ABHES Annual Report portal is now active.  We apologize for any inconvenience for the temporary suspension. As a reminder, your institution's or program's completed Annual Report is due to ABHES today, Friday, October 28, 2011.  Please be advised that on Saturday, October 29, at 12:01am, the system will terminate and you will no longer have access to the Annual Report. Failure to submit the completed Annual Report within the prescribed time-frame, including sustaining fee, will result in a Commission directive to show cause why the institution or program should not have its accreditation withdrawn.  A $700.00 late fee will also be assessed. If you have any questions following a review of the Annual Report Instruction Manual, please email us at annualreport@abhes.org and assistance will be provided to you in the order inquiries are received.  The Instruction Manual may be found at www.abhes.org/annualreport. Your Annual Report provides ABHES with essential membership information with regard to program offerings and institutional data.  Thank you for your cooperation.  Regards.

10-28-2011

Staff News

ABHES BULLETIN To:  ABHES- Accredited Institutions and Programs and Interested Parties From:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:  October 28, 2011 Subject: Staff News I am pleased to announce Laura Tache will assume a newly-created position, Senior Accreditation Coordinator, on November 1, 2011.  On behalf of ABHES, I commend Laura for her three-plus years of excellent service, both on and off the road.   I know you will join me in congratulating Laura on a job well done!

10-28-2011

Master Teacher Award 2012

Let us recognize your most innovative teacher! ABHES & Elsevier are pleased to announce that Master Teacher Award 2012 nominations are now being accepted.  This eighth Master Teacher Award will recognize best practices in health careers education.  The award recipient will be recognized at the National Conference on Allied Health Education, hosted by ABHES, on February 24, 2012, in Las Vegas.  The winner will present his / her best practice to conference attendees and receive a plaque, $500 cash, and complimentary conference registration, airfare, and hotel. Congratulations to past Master Teacher Award Winners: • Migdalia Ransberger, Corinthian Colleges • Cindy Lundquist, Kaplan Higher Education • Shirley Jelmo, Pima Medical Institute • Andrea Dorn, Pima Medical Institute • Krista Kippenberger, Allied College • David McCreight, American Career College • Toni Bethel, Community Care College Recognize one of your instructors as a Master Teacher.  Nominations must be received by November 4, 2011.  See attached guidelines and entry form for details. Master Teacher Award 2012 Guidelines Entry Form

10-16-2011

Applications For Accreditation

MEMORANDUM To:  Recognized Accrediting Agencies State Regulatory Agencies Kay Gilcher, U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Education Regional Offices ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From: Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Date: October 13, 2011 Subject: Applications for Accreditation The institutions and programs identified below have applied for initial or renewed accreditation with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Those listed above, including the general public, are invited to submit written comments concerning the applicants by November 14, 2011.  Any comments received will be forwarded to the applicant for response and all information relative to the comments will be considered by the Commission in its deliberation at its December 2011 meeting.  Comments should be directed to me at cmoneymaker@abhes.org or by mail or facsimile to the ABHES office. INITIAL INSTITUTIONAL 1. American Academy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Morehead City, NC 2. Christine Institute of Vocational Training, Richmond Hill, NY 3. Cole Holland Training Center, Salt Lake City, UT 4. Health Career College, Pleasant Hill, CA 5. Horizon Healthcare Institute, Fort Myers, FL 6. Institute of Dental Technology, Lexington, KY 7. Nexcare Health Care Training Institute, Westland, MI 8. The Medical Institute of Kentucky, Lexington, KY a. The Medical Institute of Kentucky, Florence, KY (non-main campus) b. The Medical Institute of Kentucky, Louisville, KY (non-main campus) 9. Tri-County Allied Health School, Corona, CA 10. West Broward School for Nursing, Lauderhill, FL 11. Westminster Advanced Institute, Westminster, CA 12. Xavier College, Stockton, CA INITIAL MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAMMATIC 1. Everest College, Bedford Park, IL 2. Everest College, Dallas, TX 3. Everest College, Fort Worth (South), TX 4. Everest College, McLean, VA 5. Everest College, Melrose Park, IL 6. Everest College, Ontario, CA 7. Everest Institute, Detroit, MI 8. Everest Institute, Houston (Bissonnet), TX 9. Everest Institute, Houston (Greenspoint), TX 10. Everest Institute, Houston (Hobby), TX 11. Globe University, Appleton, WI 12. Herzing University, Kenosha, WI 13. Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln, RI 14. Rasmussen College, Appleton, WI 15. Rasmussen College, Blaine, MN 16. Rasmussen College, Mokena (Tinley Park), IL 17. Sanford-Brown College, Portland, OR 18. South Hills School of Business & Technology, State College, PA 19. Stone Academy, East Hartford, CT 20. Virginia College, Augusta, GA 21. Virginia College, North Charleston, SC INITIAL SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC 1. Brown Mackie College, Albuquerque, NM 2. Brown Mackie College, Fenton, MO 3. Brown Mackie College, Greenville, SC 4. Brown Mackie College, San Antonio, TX 5. Sanford-Brown College, Skokie, IL RENEWAL INSTITUTIONAL 1. AmeriTech College, Provo, UT a. AmeriTech College, Draper, UT (non-main campus) 2. Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Ultrasound, Mobile, AL 3. CNI College, Orange, CA 4. Carnegie Career College, Suffield, OH 5. Healing Mountain Massage School, Salt Lake City, UT a. Healing Mountain Massage School, Cedar City, UT (non-main campus) 6. Healing Touch Career College, Hattiesburg, MS 7. Heritage College, Denver, CO a. Heritage College, Kansas City, MO (non-main campus) b. Heritage College, Wichita, KS (non-main campus) 8. Heritage College, Oklahoma City, OK a. Heritage College, Little Rock, AR (non-main campus) 9. Heritage Institute, Fort Myers, FL 10. Heritage Institute, Jacksonville, FL 11. Institute of Therapeutic Massage, Ottawa, OH 12. IntelliTec Medical Institute, Colorado Springs, CO 13. Midwest Institute, Earth City, MO 14. Midwest Institute, Fenton, MO 15. WellSpring School of Allied Health, Kansas City, MO a. WellSpring School of Allied Health, Lawrence, KS (non-main campus) 16. New Life Business Institute, Jamaica, NY 17. Northwest Health Careers, Las Vegas, NV 18. Rose Training Institute, Winter Haven, FL 19. Ross Institute of Medical & Dental Technology, Cincinnati, OH 20. Universal College of Healing Arts, Omaha, NE RENEWAL MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAMMATIC 1. Branford Hall Career Institute, Southington, CT 2. Brown Mackie College, Merrillville, IN 3. Brown Mackie College, Michigan City, IN 4. Everest College, Tacoma, WA 5. Keiser University, Tallahassee, FL 6. Porter & Chester Institute, Stratford, CT 7. Sanford-Brown College, Collinsville, IL 8. Sanford-Brown College, Hazelwood, MO 9. Sanford-Brown Institute, Trevose, PA 10. Stone Academy, Waterbury, CT NON-MAIN  (FULL TEAM) 1. Dade Medical College, Hollywood, FL 2. Ross Medical Education Center, Canton, MI

10-16-2011

Call for Comment - Proposed Revisions to Accreditation Manual and Bylaws

09-28-2011

Notice of Amendments

09-22-2011

Success Stories

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has always taken seriously its mission of ensuring that their accredited institutions and programs achieve and comply with the high standards necessary to effectively prepare students for careers in the health care industry.  Programs are measured by the competency of an institution’s faculty and staff, the amount of available resources, the quality of their training equipment, and the accessibility of externship facilities.  ABHES is responsible for ensuring schools are consistent in all areas pertaining to student instruction and training. Student placement is one of the highest priorities of any school and ABHES is honored to provide the leadership and expertise to guide schools toward the highest standards of educational excellence.  Through our annual conference, workshops, and regular bulletins, ABHES is always there to provide essential information relating to employment trends, health technology advances, and educational innovations.  ABHES endeavors to push their accredited institutions and programs to new heights by keeping them abreast of methods to better serve their students.  The ever-worsening economy has made it impossible for schools to be ignorant of what is transpiring within their sector.  It is critical that standards of education set by ABHES remain consistent and graduates are well prepared to enter today’s hugely competitive marketplace.  The good news is that graduates are continuing to achieve success despite the economic downturn -- and in very high numbers.  ABHES frequently hears stories from faculty and staff of graduates starting rewarding careers in the health care field based on the education they received at ABHES-accredited institutions.  ABHES has discovered that the best indicator of a school’s success is the success of their students and we have decided that it’s finally time to give these stories the audience they deserve. 2011 Success Stories: Tawnya Henry - Spencerian College, Louisville, KY Ashley Nicholson - Pima Medical Institute, Albuquerque, NM Amber Remer - Pima Medical Institute, Mesa, AZ

09-22-2011

Wanted Student and Graduate Success Stories

09-02-2011

Final July Commission Actions

MEMORANDUM To:     ABHES Accredited Institutions and Programs State Regulatory Agencies Kay Gilcher, U.S. Department of Education Recognized Accrediting Agencies Interested PartiesFrom: Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director From: Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Date: August 23, 2011 Subject: Final Commission Actions At its meeting in July 2011, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) took the following final actions.  Actions that are not considered final, including deferral of accreditation pending additional information, do not appear on this list. A summary of all actions is appended to this notice. More specific information on each applicant identified below, including contact information and grant length, can be found at www.abhes.org. INITIAL INSTITUTIONAL GRANT Axis Business Academy – El Paso, TX Axis Business Academy – El Paso, TX Birmingham School of Massage – Birmingham, AL Genesys Regional Medical Center – Flint, MI Institute of Health Sciences – Timonium, MD Institute of Technology – Tampa, FL Medical Career Institute – Ocean, NJ National Massage Therapy Institute – Wilmington, DE National Massage Therapy Institute – Egg Harbor, NJ National Massage Therapy Institute – Philadelphia, PA National Massage Therapy Institute – Falls Church, VA NY Methodist Hospital, Center for Allied Health Education – Brooklyn, NY School for Allied Health Professionals – Arlington, TX INITIAL MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Brown College – Brooklyn Center, MN Everest College – Arlington, TX Everest College – City of Industry, CA Everest College – Henderson, NV Everest Institute – Dearborn, MI Everest Institute – Norcross, GA Everest Institute – South Plainfield, NJ Everest University – Jacksonville, FL Everest University – Orange Park, FL Everest University – Pompano Beach, FL Globe University – Green Bay, WI Globe University – Rothschild, WI Porter & Chester Institute – Canton, MA Rasmussen College – Fort Myers, FL Rasmussen College – New Port Richey, FL Rasmussen College – Ocala, FL Rasmussen College – Aurora, IL Rasmussen College – Rockford, IL Rasmussen College – Romeoville, IL Rasmussen College – Wausau, WI Sanford-Brown College – Skokie, IL Sanford-Brown College – Tinley Park, IL Sanford-Brown College – Indianapolis, IN Sanford-Brown College – Hillside, IL Seacoast Career School – Manchester, NH Virginia College – Austin, TX INITIAL SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Brown Mackie College – Tulsa, OK Medical Careers Institute – Ocean, NJ DENIAL OF INITIAL INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION  (Appealable to an Outside Appeals Panel) Mission Career College – Riverside, CA Palm Beach Institute of Technology – Fort Myers, FL Palm Beach Institute of Technology – West Palm Beach, FL SC Midlands – EMS Management Association – West Columbia, SC RENEWED INSTITUTIONAL GRANT American Professional Institute – Duluth, GA American Professional Institute – Gainesville, GA California College of Vocational Careers – Bakersfield, CA Galaxy Medical College – North Hollywood, CA Liberty Technical College – Cayey, PR Southwest Career College – El Paso, TX St. Louis College of Health Careers – Fenton, MO St. Louis College of Health Careers – St. Louis, MO RENEWED MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Computer Career Center – El Paso, TX ECPI University, the School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute – Manassas, VA Everest Institute – Fort Lauderdale, FL Everest Institute – Miami, FL Kaplan College – Las Vegas, NV Keiser Career College – Greenacres, FL Keiser University – Sarasota, FL AFFIRMATION OF DEGREE VERIFICATION Pima Medical Institute – Tucson, AZ (Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy) AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF LOCATION Allied Health Institute – North Lauderdale, FL American College of Healthcare – Riverside, CA Antilles School of Technical Careers – Santurce, PR Arlington Medical Institute – Arlington, TX Cambridge Institute of Allied Health & Technology – Altamonte Springs, FL Eastern College of Health Vocations – Little Rock, AR Pima Medical Institute – Houston, TX Porter and Chester Institute – Westborough, MA Sanford-Brown College – McLean, VA AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP-CONTROL Arizona College of Allied Health – Glendale, AZ Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, FL Keiser University – Lakeland, FL Keiser University – Melbourne, FL Keiser University – Pembroke Pines, FL Keiser University – Sarasota, FL Keiser University – Tallahassee, FL Keiser University – Tampa, FL Meridian Institute – Los Angeles, CA AFFIRMATION OF DISTANCE EDUCATION American Career College – Ontario, CA AmeriTech College – Draper, UT Sanford-Brown College – San Antonio, TX St. Louis College of Health Careers – Fenton, MO AFFIRMATION OF NON-ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAM Fortis College – Mobile, AL (Nail Technology) (Cosmetologist Instructor Training) Southwest Career College – El Paso, TX (Associate of Applied Science in Business Management and Accounting Systems) AFFIRMATION OF NON-MAIN CAMPUS INCLUSION Pima Medical Institute – Houston, TX Ross Medical Education Center – Davison, MI AFFIRMATION OF SEPARATE CLASSROOM INCLUSION Pima Medical Institute – Mesa, AZ ACCEPT UNANNOUNCED VISITATION REPORT A & W Health Care Educators – New Orleans, LA Allied Health Institute – North Lauderdale, FL Angeles College of Nursing – Los Angeles, CA Central Nursing College – Los Angeles, CA Fortis College – Cincinnati, OH Fortis Institute – Nashville, TN Fortis Institute – Grand Prairie, TX Healing Hands School of Holistic Health – Escondido, CA Medix School – Towson, MD Morristown Medical Center School of Cardiovascular Technology, Morristown, NJ National Career College – Van Nuys, CA Pima Medical Institute – Denver, CO Renaissance School of Therapeutic Massage – Bountiful, UT Attachment (Summary of Actions)

08-23-2011

Call for Comment - August 3, 2011

08-03-2011

New Staff Announcement

07-15-2011

ABHES Receives Continued Recognition and Expansion of Scope

07-15-2011

Revisions to Accreditation Manual

07-15-2011

Reminder - Late Fees

07-13-2011

Revised Bylaws and Glossary Definition

07-08-2011

Commissioner Appointment

07-08-2011

New Accreditation Coordinator

ABHES BULLETIN To:  ABHES- Accredited Institutions and Programs, and Initial Applicants From:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:  July 6, 2011 Subject: New Accreditation Coordinator ABHES is pleased to announce Ms. Amanda Ludwa has joined the ABHES family.  Amanda commenced her employment with ABHES on July 5th as our newest Accreditation Coordinator. Amanda served as continuing education manager and then as vice president of operations at the American Institute of Implant Dentistry in Washington D.C.    Included in her responsibilities there was to “ ensure compliance with the 27 standards outlined by the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry in order to maintain continued recognition.”  Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, May 2002, with a double Major in Political Science and Psychology. Welcome Amanda!

07-06-2011

Application and Sustaining Fee

06-20-2011

Commissioner Appointment

06-17-2011

Status of ABHES' Recognition

06-10-2011

Commissioner Appointment

06-08-2011

Breakout Session Proposal Guidelines

06-01-2011

Credit Hour Bulletin

ABHES BULLETIN June 1, 2011 To:  ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From:  Carol A. Moneymaker, Executive Director Re:  Academic Credit and Credit Awarded for Federal Funding Purposes In a bulletin dated April 4, 2011, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) provided general clarification of ABHES’ expectations relative to the awarding of academic credit, including appropriate documentation of student experience and outside preparation within a program of study. As a result of the U.S. Department of Education’s concerns about credit assignment, which affects the amount of federal financial aid awarded, the program integrity final rules dated October 29, 2010, effective July 1, 2011, included a definition of “credit hour” for “federal funding purposes.”  These regulations hold the accrediting agencies accountable in determining whether the credit hour assignment for each course meets the minimum requirements for federal funding purposes.  As such, ABHES is required “to conduct an effective review and evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of the institution’s assignment of credit hours by: (i) reviewing the institution’s policies and procedures for determining the credit hours; (ii) reviewing the application of the institution’s policies and procedures to its programs and coursework; (iii) sampling credit hour assignments; and, (iv) taking actions that it deems appropriate to address deficiencies that it identifies. ABHES will promptly notify the U.S. Secretary of Education if significant or systemic noncompliance with ABHES policies or federal laws and regulations is found regarding one or more programs at the institution. This Bulletin serves as additional clarification regarding the requirements and expectations of ABHES, including those inherent in the new federal regulations, as well as the process of review ABHES undertakes relative to the awarding of academic credit. I. Federal Requirements for Credit Allocation and  Conversion Credit Allocation For Purposes of Title IV Federal Financial Aid: The U.S. Department of Education defines a “credit hour” as “an amount of work presented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than – (1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or 10 to 12 weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or, (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, or other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.” Clock Hour to Credit Hour Conversion: For financial aid purposes, except in certain cases specified by the United States Department of Education, the method of converting clock hours to credit hours for lecture, laboratory, and/or externship/internship is as follows 1.  One semester credit hour is based on 37.5 clock hours of student work. This may include 7.5 hours of documented outside preparation per credit hour. 2.  One quarter credit hour is based on 25 clock hours of student work.  This may include 5 hours of documented outside preparation per credit hour. II. ABHES Requirements for Program Revisions and Conversions For academic purposes, the definitions used by ABHES remain unchanged and are published in the Accreditation Manual (visit www.abhes.org/publications/AccreditationManual (see IV.G.2.)). Institutions seeking to change the total number of hours must submit (i) a Minor Program Revision Application for a change of less than 25%, (ii) a Program Revision Application for a change of 25% to 50%, or (iii) a New Program Application for revisions over 50%. Institutions converting from a clock-to-credit-hour system or from a credit-to- clock-hour system must also complete the appropriate application. Visit www.abhes.org, forms link to access current applications recently amended in response to the new requirements and to be used as of June 1, 2011. ABHES will not approve any revision to a current program without academic justification for the change, including profession demands, and completion of the current and appropriate application.  If the institution or program is including outside preparation in credit awarded this may include, but is not limited to, the following: (i) homework with specific requirements such as reading and  writing assignments, (ii) practice and practical application, (iii) laboratory research; and (iv) projects or other equivalent learning experiences. In all cases, student work performed outside of class must be documented and justified as leading toward the achievement of the stated goals and objectives of the program.  The outside work must conform to commonly-accepted standards and requirements for the discipline and must be consistently applied by the program/institution. The outside work is to be graded, as appropriate, and must serve as an integral part of the structured, sequenced educational program as described in the syllabus.  Credit for student work performed outside of class must reflect a reasonable estimate of the actual time required to complete the work taking into account the nature and rigor of assignments. Attached is a grid entitled “Profile of Clock-to-Credit-Hour Conversion” that will be appended to ABHES new and revised program applications and will be required to be completed.  The grid is also a necessary component of the Self-Evaluation Report and on-site review. There is an instructions tab to be used attached to the grid.  It is noted that institutional members are required to round their credits down to the nearest .0 or .5 and indicate this in the total credits column.  Programmatic members will use the system required by their institutional accreditor. Profile of Clock-to-Credit-Hour Conversion

06-01-2011

Call for Comment - Bylaws

05-31-2011

May 2011 Commission Actions

05-18-2011

Call For Nominations

MEMORANDUM To:  ABHES- Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:  May 11, 2011 Subject:   3rd Call for Commissioner Nominations – Due May 20, 2011 This Call for Nominations from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is a third call for two (2) appointed commissioner seats. Appointed Seat 2– Practitioner in Specialty Area. Must be currently and primarily employed as a health –care-related specialist in a field for which ABHES is recognized as a programmatic accreditor by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Clarifying note: ABHES accredits medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology on a programmatic basis. Appointed Seat 6 - Public Member. An individual who is not (1) an employee, member of the governing board, owner, or shareholder of, or consultant to, an institution or program that is accredited by ABHES or has applied for accreditation, (2) a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of an individual identified in paragraph (1) of this definition, or (3) a member of any trade association or member¬ship organization related to, affil¬iated with, or associat¬ed with ABHES. Requirements and Responsibilities of an ABHES Commissioner In order to conduct ABHES business effectively, commissioners meet and participate in several activities throughout the year. i. Attendance at up to 3, 3.5-day Commission meetings, including regular meetings typically held in early December and early July, with a third meeting sometimes necessary in between. ii. Participation on at least one commissioner committee. iii. Regular computer and telephone access for standard communication, electronic votes, and conference calls. iv. Strong verbal and written communication skills. v. Working knowledge of computers to receive, review and comment on school files and policy matters. Travel expenses for all Commission-related activities are reimbursed by ABHES with a modest honorarium provided for Commission meeting attendance. A sincere commitment to higher education, combined with high standards of integrity and impartiality, is mandatory.  A signed statement regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality is required prior to a commissioner taking office. Process The Commissioner Nominating Committee invites you to nominate qualified individuals for the positions described above, for 3-year terms beginning July 1, 2011. Following the Commissioner Nominating Committee’s consideration, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat as an appointed commissioner. Qualified candidates will be placed on the ballot for distribution to the ABHES Commission. Nomination Requirements The attached form must be completed and e-mailed to Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director, at cmoneymaker@abhes.org no later than May 20, 2011.  Nominations received after that date will not be considered.  It is important that a copy of any credential noted and related to the profession for the nomination is provided, be included. ABHES Commissioners are the agency's Board of Directors, and as such each Commissioner is subject to the legal duties of any Board member.  The attached document, "Fiduciary Duties of Commissioners," provides a brief outline of these duties.  A listing of current commissioners can be found by visiting www.abhes.org. As always, ABHES appreciates your consideration of this matter and looks forward to your assistance in identifying the best individuals to fill these positions. Attachments: (Call for Nomination FormFiduciary Duties of Commissioners)

05-11-2011

ABHES Achieves Recognition by the NBSTSA

05-10-2011

Delaware Academy of Medical and Dental Assistants

Delaware Valley Academy of Medical and Dental Assisting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) received a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Education that Delaware Valley Academy of Medical and Dental Assisting ceased operations, either temporarily or permanently.  Even temporary closure of an institution is not permissible under ABHES’ accreditation requirements; therefore, the institution’s grant of accreditation was relinquished by ABHES effective May 6, 2011, without a right of appeal. ABHES’ attempts to contact the institution have been unsuccessful; however, we are working with the Pennsylvania State Department of Education to assure all remaining students are effectively taught out.   Students of Delaware Valley Academy of Medical and Dental Assisting may view Closed School Guide for Students for additional information.

05-06-2011

Revisions to Policies, Bylaws Clarification, Glossary Definition, and Appendix

04-29-2011

Proposed Revision to ABHES Bylaws – Call for Comment

04-22-2011

Call For Nominations

MEMORANDUM MEMORANDUM To:  ABHES- Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:  April 6, 2011 Subject:   Call for Commissioner Nominations – Due May 1, 2011 This Call for Nominations from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is for four (4) commissioner seats; one elected and three appointed. Following enactment of new Bylaws the Commission brings its present eleven-seat composition to a total of thirteen seats. ABHES initiated calls for nominations in January and March 2011 for both elected and appointed commissioner seats.  The definition of the new Elected Seat 5 brought forward questions and the Commission considered the questions, agreeing that the definition could be clarified.  Therefore, clarifying language is noted below in red following Elected Seat 5 – Programmatic Representative. Elected Seat 5 – Programmatic Representative.   Requires at least five (5) years of academic experience in a member institution holding programmatic accreditation. An eligible nominee must be presently employed by an institution that holds programmatic accreditation by ABHES.   In addition, the nominee must have a total of five years employment in a academic capacity at an institutions holding programmatic accreditation by ABHES.  This employment in an academic capacity may have been at more than one programmatically accredited member and does not have to be with the current employer. Appointed Seat 2– Practitioner in Specialty Area. Must be currently and primarily employed as a health –care-related specialist in a field for which ABHES is recognized as a programmatic accreditor by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. The following seats which went out for nomination in January received no nominations; thus this is a second call for nominees to the following additional appointed seats.  Clarifying language on the Public Seat 6 is included in red given recent awareness that the ABHES definition of a public member did not specifically preclude membership in a trade or membership organization related to ABHES as is by the recognition criteria of the U.S. Secretary of Education. Appointed Seat 4 – Commissioner-At-Large. Appointed Seat 6 - Public Member. As provided for in the United State’s Secretary of Education’s Recognition Regulations for Accrediting Agencies, a Public Member is defined by ABHES as an individual who is not (1) An employee, member of the governing board, owner, or shareholder of, or consultant to, an institution or program that is accredited by ABHES or has applied for accreditation, or (2) A spouse, parent, child, or sibling of an individual identified in paragraph (1) of this definition. As this definition incorporates the definition of “Public Member” as set forth by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, a public member may not be member of any trade association or membership organization related to, affiliated with, or associated with the ABHES. Requirements and Responsibilities of an ABHES Commissioner In order to conduct ABHES business effectively, commissioners meet and participate in several activities throughout the year. i. Attendance at up to 3, 3.5-day Commission meetings, including regular meetings typically held in early December and early July, with a third meeting sometimes necessary in between. ii. Participation on at least one commissioner committee. iii. Regular computer and telephone access for standard communication, electronic votes, and conference calls. iv. Strong verbal and written communication skills. v. Working knowledge of computers to receive, review and comment on school files and policy matters. Travel expenses for all Commission-related activities are reimbursed by ABHES with a modest honorarium provided for Commission meeting attendance. A sincere commitment to higher education, combined with high standards of integrity and impartiality, is mandatory.  A signed statement regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality is required prior to a commissioner taking office. Process The Commissioner Nominating Committee invites you to nominate qualified individuals for the positions described above, for 3-year terms beginning July 1, 2011. Following the Commissioner Nominating Committee’s consideration, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat(s) as an elected or appointed commissioner. Qualified candidates for election will be placed on the ballot for distribution to the membership. Qualified candidates for appointment will be placed on a ballot for distribution to the ABHES Commission. Nomination Requirements The attached form must be completed and e-mailed to Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director, at cmoneymaker@abhes.org no later than May 1, 2011.  Nominations received after that date will not be considered. ABHES Commissioners are the agency's Board of Directors, and as such each Commissioner is subject to the legal duties of any Board member.  The attached document, "Fiduciary Duties of Commissioners," provides a brief outline of these duties.  A listing of current commissioners can be found by visiting www.abhes.org. As always, ABHES appreciates your consideration of this matter and looks forward to your assistance in identifying the best individuals to fill these positions. Attachments: (Call for Nomination FormFiduciary Duties of Commissioners)

04-06-2011

Academic Credit

04-05-2011

Applications for Accreditation

03-25-2011

Master Teacher Award Presentation

02-28-2011

Commissioner Election Results

Congratulations to Kevin Kirk, President, Community Care College, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on winning a second term on the ABHES Commission.  Kevin Kirk is currently the President of Community Care College and Clary Sage College, both located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Kirk is responsible for the daily operations of both campuses. He brings more than 30 years’ experience in higher education, health care training and business. Dr. Kirk received a doctorate in educational leadership from Brigham Young University and he is a C.S. Mott Foundation Fellowship recipient and received the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association Graduate Scholarship. He has served at the director and dean levels at Utah State University, The University of Phoenix and at three community colleges in Florida and Kansas. He also served as chair of the Division of Education Services for the Mayo Clinic and was employed as a learning performance consultant with IBM. Dr. Kirk served as the president of the Adult Education Association of Utah and was on the board of directors for the Utah Community Education Association and the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association.

02-14-2011

Our 2011 Sponsors

01-31-2011

Final Action - Affirmation of Denial

01-27-2011

8th Annual Conference Program

01-25-2011

ABHES Annual Membership Meeting

01-21-2011

Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Winners

ABHES BULLETIN January 19, 2011 To:       Accredited Institutions and Programs From:  Carol A. Moneymaker, Executive Director Re:      Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Winners It is with great pleasure that I announce the winners of the Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship, which honors Dick, a former colleague and friend to many, and a huge supporter of postsecondary, private education and ABHES. First place Steven Metcalf, Medical Laboratory Technician program student D.G. Erwin Technical Center, Tampa, Florida Runner up Shevell Flowers, Medical Assisting program student Anthem College, Maryland Heights, Missouri As first-place winner, Mr. Metcalf’s will be a guest of ABHES at the award ceremony on Friday, February, 11, 2011, during the National Conference on Allied Health Education in New Orleans, at which time his scholarship will be awarded. A special thanks to the Scholarship Committee for its thoughtful consideration of each nomination, of which there were many. The decision was not an easy one as evidenced by two awards, and we appreciate all of the nominations received.

01-19-2011

Staff News

ABHES BULLETIN To:              ABHES- Accredited Institutions and Programs and Interested Parties From:          Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Date:            January 19, 2011 Subject:       Staff News Entering her eighth year with ABHES, I am pleased to announce Amy Rowe will assume a newly-created position, Assistant Director of Accreditation and Compliance, on February 1, 2011.  On behalf of ABHES, I commend Amy for her years of exceptional service and dedication. I know you will join me in congratulating Amy! Additionally, Pete Etchells joins ABHES later this month as an Accreditation Coordinator. A graduate of   the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies, Pete worked most recently in event sponsorship and exhibits.  We welcome Pete to the ever-growing ABHES family!

01-19-2011

Final Revisions to ABHES Bylaws

Memorandum TO:  ABHES-accredited Institutions and Programs FROM:  Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director DATE:  January 19, 2011 SUBJECT: Final Revisions to ABHES Bylaws On December 10, 2010, the Board of Directors (Commission) of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) issued a Call for Comment on proposed amendments to its Bylaws, together with rationale for the proposed change.  Following consideration of comments received in response to that call, on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, the Commission acted unanimously to amend the Bylaws as previously proposed.   A copy of the sections of the Bylaws affected is attached to this notice. Of the several amendments proposed, one significant new provision is found in Section 5.3 which states: “The Chair is elected to a two-year term. In the event the Chair’s term as commissioner would normally expire at the time of the second year of service as Chair, that term is extended by a maximum of one year.”  As a result of this provision, the present Chair, Dr. Linda Swisher, will have her term of office extended until June 30, 2012. Dr. Swisher serves as an elected Commissioner-at-Large, and until the amendment to the Bylaws her term of office would have expired on June 30, 2011. Consequently, the Call for Nominations for Commissioner issued January 4, 2011, included a call for nominations for Elected Commissioner-at-Large.  With the change in the Bylaws, there will be no vacancy for an elected Commissioner-at-Large until 2012; therefore the Call for Nominations for that position is rescinded. Nominees for that position have been contacted individually. The Commission wishes to thank all those who made nominations for elected Commissioner-at-Large and all those whose names were submitted for this position and encourages them to resubmit these nominations when a call is made for elections in 2012. Attached is the final Bylaws language as revised and approved, with changes to previous language in red. Please click below for attachment: Attachment - Final Revisions to ABHES Bylaws

01-19-2011

8th Annual Conference Program Preview

The 8th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education will be held at the newly renovated New Orleans Marriott on February 9-11, 2011. This luxurious New Orleans hotel is located in the French Quarter, just steps from Bourbon Street, the Convention Center, downtown business district and iconic Big Easy attractions. Fresh from a recent $38 million renovation, the Marriott New Orleans French Quarter Hotel includes a new lobby with stylish wine bar, Starbucks Coffee Shop, gift shop and convenient bell and concierge stands. It is also home to the award-winning 5 Fifty 5, serving up a dining experience worthy of its French Quarter location. If you would like to view the program preview or register for the conference please click links below:   Program Preview Conference Registration   HOTEL INFORMATION: New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal Street New Orleans, Louisiana Reservations: 1-800-654-3990 When making a reservation, please reference ABHES to receive the negotiated $169 sleeping room rate. Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Wednesday, January 17, 2010. To make your reservation online please click the link below: Marriott New Orleans   SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Please click below link for more information: Sponsorship Opportunities

01-13-2011

Expiration of Accreditation

MEMORANDUM To:            Recognized Accrediting Agencies Joanne Wenzel, Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education Kay Gilcher, U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Education Regional Office - California ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From:       Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Date:        January 4, 2011 Subject:   Expiration of Accreditation This serves as notice that the institutional grant of accreditation of Career Care Institute, with campuses in Lancaster, Ventura, and Moreno Valley, California, expired on December 30, 2010.

01-04-2011

Call for Commissioner Nominations

January 4, 2011
Call for Commissioner Nominations - Due January 19, 2011
This is notification of commissioner positions available for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) for election by the membership and appointment by the Commission.
To assure that ABHES maintains the blend of commissioner credentials and experience required by its recognition by the United States Department of Education, the Bylaws describe specific, required qualifications with each of the eleven seats on the Commission.  The terms of office of four current commissioners will expire on June 30, 2010.  The four seats to be filled and the specific necessary qualifications to hold each of these is as follows:
Elected Seat 2 – Administrator in a HealthCare related area.  Requires at least five (5) years of administrative experience in a member institution or program, including active participation in an administrative capacity in the day-to-day operations of a member institution or program during the three (3) years immediately preceding election (those three years may count toward the five-year experience requirement). Elected Seat 5 – Commissioner at Large. Requires at least five (5) years of administrative or academic experience or a combination of administrative and academic experience in a member institution or program, including active participation in day-to-day operations of a member institution or program during the three (3) years immediately preceding election (those three years may count toward the five-year experience requirement).
Appointed Seat 3 – Educator in Specialty Area. Must be currently and primarily employed in an academic position at a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education in a health –care-related field for which ABHES is recognized as a programmatic accreditor by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
Appointed Seat 5 – Public Member -An individual who is neither a health care–related practitioner nor directly affiliated with health care–related education as defined in the Glossary of Definitions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual as provided for in the Secretary of Education’s Recognition Regulations for Accrediting Agencies, 34 C.C.R § 602.3.
Requirements and Responsibilities of an ABHES Commissioner
In order to conduct ABHES business effectively, commissioners meet and participate in several activities throughout the year.
i. Attendance at up to 3, 3.5-day Commission meetings, including regular meetings typically held in early December and early July.
ii. Participation on at least one commissioner committee.
iii. Regular computer and telephone access for standard communication, electronic votes, and conference calls.
iv. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
v. Working knowledge of computers to receive, review and comment on school files and policy matters.
Travel expenses for all Commission-related activities are reimbursed by ABHES with a modest honorarium provided for Commission meeting attendance. A sincere commitment to higher education, combined with high standards of integrity and impartiality, is mandatory.  A signed statement regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality is required prior to a commissioner taking office.
Process
The Commissioner Nominating Committee invites you to nominate qualified individuals for the positions described above, for 3-year terms beginning July 1, 2011.
Following the Commissioner Nominating Committee’s consideration, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat(s) as an elected commissioner. Qualified candidates for election will be placed on the ballot for commissioner elections to be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, during ABHES’ Annual Membership Meeting which takes place just prior to the start of the National Conference on Allied Health Education in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Following the outcome of the elections, a listing of qualified candidates for appointed seats will be provided by the Commissioner Nominating Committee to the Executive Director who, in turn, will provide the list to the commissioners for vote.  At the same time, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed by the Commissioner Nominating Committee not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat(s) as an appointed commissioner. Voting by the Commission shall be by secret ballot in a manner and time determined by the Executive Director.
Nomination Requirements
The attached form must be completed and e-mailed to Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director, at cmoneymaker@abhes.org no later than January 19, 2011.  Nominations received after that date will not be considered.
ABHES Commissioners are the agency's Board of Directors, and as such each Commissioner is subject to the legal duties of any Board member.  The attached document, "Fiduciary Duties of Commissioners," provides a brief outline of these duties.  A listing of current commissioners can be found by visiting www.abhes.org.
As always, ABHES appreciates your consideration of this matter and looks forward to your assistance in identifying the best individuals to fill these positions.
Attachments: (Call for Nomination Form, Fiduciary Duties of Commissioners)
 

01-04-2011

December 2010 Commission Actions

MEMORANDUM To:          Recognized Accrediting Agencies State Regulatory Agencies Kay Gilcher, U.S. Department of Education ABHES Accredited Institutions and Programs Interested Parties From:     Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Date:      December 30, 2010 Subject: Commission Actions I. SCHOOL ACTIONS Below is a listing of final actions taken by the ABHES Commission at its December 2010 meeting.  Actions that are not considered final, including deferral of accreditation pending additional information, do not appear on this list. More specific information on each applicant, including contact information and grant length, can be found at www.abhes.org. INITIAL INSTITUTIONAL GRANT American Medical Academy – Miami, FL Annenberg School of Nursing – Reseda, CA CODE MED School of Professional Medical Coding – Los Angeles, CA Glendale Career College – Glendale, CA Nevada Career Institute – Las Vegas, NV RGV Careers – Pharr, TX St. Paul’s School of Nursing – Flushing, NY St. Paul’s School of Nursing – Staten Island, NY State Career School – Waukegan, IL Woodruff Medical Training & Testing – Decatur, GA INITIAL MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Everest College – Seattle, WA Gibbs College – Boston, MA Globe University – La Crosse, WI Globe University – Madison, WI Globe University – Middleton, WI Globe University – Sioux Falls, SD Globe University – Woodbury, MN Minnesota School of Business – Blaine, MN Minnesota School of Business – Elk River, MN Minnesota School of Business – Moorhead, MN Minnesota School of Business – Plymouth, MN Minnesota School of Business – Richfield, MN Minnesota School of Business – Rochester, MN Minnesota School of Business – Shakopee, MN Minnesota School of Business – Waite Park, MN Missouri College – Brentwood, MO Sanford-Brown College– Farmington, CT Sanford-Brown College – Phoenix, AZ Sanford-Brown College – St. Peters, MO Sanford-Brown College - Dearborn, MI Sanford-Brown Institute - Cranston, RI Sanford-Brown Institute – Grand Rapids, MI Sanford-Brown Institute – Orlando, FL INITIAL SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Brown Mackie College – Phoenix, AZ Glendale Career College – Glendale, CA Nevada Career Institute – Las Vegas, NV RENEWED INSTITUTIONAL GRANT Delaware Valley Academy of Medical and Dental Assistants – Philadelphia, PA Institute of Medical Careers – Pittsburgh, PA Milwaukee Career College – Milwaukee, WI Pima Medical Institute – Albuquerque, NM Professional Skills Institute – Toledo, OH RENEWED MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Anthem College – St. Louis Park, MN ECPI College of Technology, the School of Health Sciences,Medical Careers Institute – Newport News, VA ECPI College of Technology, the School of Health Sciences,Medical Careers Institute – Raleigh, NC Goodwin College – East Hartford, CT Sanford Brown College – Fenton, MO Southwest Florida College – Fort Myers, FL Tri-State Business Institute – Erie, PA RENEWED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Keiser Career College – Miami Lakes, FL AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF LOCATION Absolute Safety Training Paramedic Program – Willows, CA Herzing University – Kenner LA Lincoln Technical Institute – Seminole, FL Pima Medical Institute – Albuquerque, NM Sanford-Brown College – Houston, TX AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP-CONTROL Dallas Nursing Institute – Dallas, TX MedVance Institute – Baton Rouge, LA MedVance Institute – Fort Lauderdale, FL National Career College – Van Nuys, CA Pima Medical Institute – Denver, CO Ross Medical Education Center – Brighton, MI Ross Medical Education Center – Flint, MI Ross Medical Education Center – Lansing, MI Ross Medical Education Center – Madison Heights, MI Ross Institute of Medical and Dental Technology – Cincinnati, OH Vatterott College – Omaha, NE Vatterott College – Des Moines, IA AFFIRMATION OF DISTANCE EDUCATION American Career College – Anaheim, CA Goodwin College- East Hartford, CT Medix College – Smyrna, GA AFFIRMATION OF NON-ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAM Fortis College – Dothan, AL (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician) Fortis College – Montgomery, AL (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician) AFFIRMATION OF NON-MAIN CAMPUS INCLUSION Career Care Institute – Moreno Valley, CA Casa Loma College – Anaheim, CA Ross medical Education Center – Portage, MI (Full Team) ACCEPT UNANNOUNCED REPORT Fortis College – Westerville, OH Herzing University – Milwaukee, WI Medix College – Smyrna, GA MedVance Institute – Baton Rouge, LA MedVance Institute – Fort Lauderdale, FL MedVance Institute – Stuart, FL

12-30-2010

Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual

MEMORANDUM
December 21, 2010
Final Revisions to the Accreditation Manual
At its December 2010 meeting, the Commission of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) approved final revisions to the Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition, as described on the subsequent pages. New language is underlined, deleted language is struck.
In finalizing these revisions, comments received from ABHES’ October 27, 2010, Call for Comment which stated the rationale for the changes, were carefully considered. The Commission appreciates the input received.
The attached revisions are effective immediately.
Please contact me directly at cmoneymaker@abhes.org with any questions.
Please click below document for attachment:

12-21-2010

Call For Comment - December 10, 2010

The ABHES Commission recently approved the following proposed revisions to its Bylaws for comment by the membership.  The proposed revisions are in red, with rationale for the change following in blue. The link contained in the e-mail to this notice provides a survey for your electronic response.  Please review the proposed changes and use the survey link in the email to provide your vote to each proposal and any comment. We appreciate any comment to the proposals by January 12, 2011. Please click below for December 10, 2010 Call for Comment: December 10, 2010 - Call for Comment Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J38266W

12-10-2010

Annual National Conference Video

November 29, 2010 In an effort to acknowledge the continuing accomplishments of ABHES-accredited institutions and programs, we invite you to submit pictures showing the good deeds done by your students on behalf of their communities, using the skills learned at your institution.  We will also accept short videos (maximum 10 seconds). A compilation of this footage will be used as the opening video for the 8th National Conference on Allied Health Education, February 9-12, 2011, in New Orleans. As examples of types of photos, students participating in free blood pressure screening and donating their time and contributions to cancer awareness. They assist with food banks and participate in emergency management drills. In this difficult economy, we are increasingly hard pressed to find individuals who are happy to donate their time to help others less fortunate. We know that students at ABHES-accredited institutions and programs shine! Let us see how your students put their health-care training to a good cause. The video will highlight how our institutions and programs play a pivotal role in local communities by illustrating the types of highly qualified students, ABHES-accredited institutions and programs are consistently able to attract. Please submit pictures and videos (with brief caption highlighting the institution and event) to me at cmoneymaker@abhes.org as soon as possible and by no later than January 5, 2011. The 8th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education, hosted by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), is being held February 9-11, 2011, at the newly-renovated Marriott New Orleans French Quarter, steps away from Bourbon Street. Space is limited and hotel sleeping rooms are selling out quickly. Visit www.abhes.org to review the Preliminary Conference Program. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

11-29-2010

ABHES Welcomes New Staff Member

11-10-2010

Former ABHES Chair- Connie Garland

It is with a heavy heart that I relay the passing of Connie Garland, former ABHES Chair, and friend, on October 26, 2010, at her home in Utah. While on the ABHES Commission she worked tirelessly and successfully enhancing the recognition of ABHES and she was famous for assisting other schools in need of guidance on accreditation matters. In 2005, ABHES presented Connie with the Recognition of Excellence award, for which she came personally to accept despite suffering a recent stroke. Her acceptance speech proved that nothing could slow Connie down and her smile endured. Despite years of health issues, Connie was never without a smile!  Her positive attitude and strength carried her through many difficult times. I recall clearly arriving at a Commission meeting one morning to be greeted by Connie who casually told me, and other commissioners nearby, that she felt ill the night before so went to the emergency room at a local hospital. She didn’t want to leave me without a Chair so she checked herself out, promising the doctor she would return when the meeting concluded that day. You can imagine our reaction and, of course, we got her right back to the hospital. This sort of exchange was classic Connie, putting everything and everyone first. Connie trained and worked as a dental assistant and then taught in that field for many years. She earned her degree, managed AmeriTech College in Utah, formerly American Institute of Medical and Dental Technology, and continued to volunteer her time.  In 1997 the college was purchased and Connie retired. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by Funeral Services at 11:30 AM on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Washington Fields 9th Ward (115 West 2000 South). Interment will be at the Washington City Cemetery (300N 300E) after the Funeral Service under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Her husband, Steve, asks that In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the charities contained on the following website in Connie’s name: http://www.diabetes.org/,http://www.csaceliacs.org/,http://www.kidney.org/

10-29-2010

Annual Report - Due November 5, 2010

The 2009-2010 Annual Report must be submitted by November 5, 2010.  Your Annual Report is considered complete when you have successfully submitted the online survey, uploaded all requested documents, and your check for the annual sustaining fee has been received in the ABHES office. If you have not accessed your annual report online yet it is extremly important you do so as soon as possible. If changes are needed on your Profile Verification, only ABHES can make these changes and they need to be done in order for you to proceed with the Annual Report. It is important that you read the information on your Profile Verification closely and verify the accuracy BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE ANNUAL REPORT. Once you begin the annual report any changes needed on the Profile Verification can only be completed by our program developers and could cause a delay of up to three days. Again, your 2009 -2010 annual report is due by November 5, 2010.  Please click below for additional information. 2009-2010 Annual Report

10-29-2010

Call For Comment

10-27-2010

Regional Program Specialists Training

August 3, 2010 The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is holding regional program specialists’ training sessions each month through December 2010 as it works to ensure a continued pool of qualified and trained individuals to serve on site visit teams. The following upcoming sessions are scheduled:
LOCATION DATE TIME STATUS
Glendale, Arizona Saturday, August 14, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CLOSED
Los Angeles, CA Saturday, September 11, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CLOSED
Arlington, Texas Saturday, October 30, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. OPEN
Hollywood, Florida Saturday, November 20, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. OPEN
New York, New York Saturday, December 11, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. OPEN
  Educators and practitioners including distance education specialists in numerous health care disciplines are in demand and are invited to attend this session. Programs most in demand include the following: Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) Dental Assisting (DA) Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Medical Assisting (MA) Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) Nursing Pharmacy Technology (PT) Radiologic Technology (RT) Surgical Technology (ST) Practitioners are most in demand for the three fields ABHES accredits programmatically (MA, MLT, ST).  Part-time or evening faculty may practice during the day and program directors, faculty, and externship or placement coordinators are urged to use their contacts at externship sites and advisory committees to solicit practitioners to become involved in the accreditation process. If you are interested, or know of a program specialist who may be interested, in attending this training session, visit www.abhes.org to complete the registration form.  Please e-mail the completed registration form to Evaluator@abhes.org. Space is limited! We will continue to promote upcoming training workshops being held throughout the year. If you are not able to attend an upcoming workshop, but are interested in serving ABHES as an evaluator, or know of someone who may be interested, please visit www.abhes.org, Evaluator link, to learn more about the minimum qualifications and training requirements to serve as an ABHES evaluator.  All site evaluation visit-related travel expenses are reimbursed and a small daily honorarium for participation is provided. While serving as an evaluator requires time away from work and home, the benefits of participating in on-site evaluation visits are immeasurable.  Participating on an evaluation team is an invaluable experience. We hope to see you at an upcoming workshop and on a site visit! Please click below to download the workshop registration form. Workshop Registration Form

10-01-2010

Staff News

September 27, 2010 I am pleased to announce two ABHES staff members have been promoted to new positions, effective October 1, 2010.  India Tips, who celebrates her 15th year with ABHES in November, will assume the position Assistant Executive Director. Kelli Blocher, who has served as Accreditation Coordinator since 2007, will assume the position Accreditation Specialist. Both ladies are to be commended for their exceptional service, work ethic, and dedication to ABHES and accreditation as a whole. I know you will join me in congratulating each of them on a job well done! Additionally, Holly Viar joined us on May 24, 2010, as Administrative Assistant.  Holly works closely with Judy Burke, Office Manager, and serves as the receptionist with her primary functions focused on staff support. www.abhes.org, About Us, Career Opportunities links.  The deadline for application, in accordance with the guidelines contained in the advertisement, is October 8, 2010.

09-27-2010

Annual Report & Financial Statement Update

July 23, 2010 Annual Report The 2009-2010 ABHES Annual Report will be completed and submitted online this year.   In early September your institution will receive an email from ABHES with your institution’s log in and password to begin the submission process. In addition to the Annual Report being completed and submitted online we will be requiring all institutions and programs to submit back-up documentation for reported outcomes (e.g., retention, credentialing/licensure, placement).  These will be required to be submitted separately at the end of the report.  Your annual report will not be considered complete and will not be accepted if these items are not uploaded.  More instruction will be provided with the Annual Report instructions. Audited Financial Statements As a reminder, in order to maintain institutional accreditation with ABHES, schools must submit annually their audited financial statements. As the fiscal year-end date varies among institutions, ABHES will no longer require the submission of the financial statements along with the Annual Report, but instead require the following: Schools holding institutional accreditation by ABHES must submit audited financial and other statements to the Commission within six months after the completion of their fiscal year or 30 days after an audit is released, whichever is earlier. Audited statements must be prepared according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) on an accrual basis. The audited financial statements and other statements (if any) must be emailed to: financial@abhes.org.  The subject line must include the ABHES ID# and institution’s name. This new requirement is effective immediately. Failure to respond to directives by deadline dates identified by the Commission will result in a show-cause directive or withdrawal of accreditation.

09-25-2010

October 2010 Workshop Sold Out

The October 2010 Accreditation Workshop in Palm Springs, CA is now sold out.  The next Accreditation Workshop will be held February 8, 2011.  Workshops registration for the February 2011 workshop will be posted soon.   October Accreditation Workshop - Palm Springs, CA Hotel Information: Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa 44-600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, California, USA  92210 Phone (760) 341-1000 / Fax (760) 568-2236

09-22-2010

Annual Report Now Available Online

The 2009 - 2010 Annual Report is now available online.  If you have not received the email with your user ID and Password, please email annualreport@abhes.org and also save to your safe receivers / safe senders list the annualreport@abhes.org email address.  The email was sent to the primary contact as listed in the Directory of Institutions and Programs.  To view the primary contact, please select the Accredited Institutions and Programs tab on the ABHES Website. If you have trouble logging in to the change password link, please copy and paste the link into your browser.  If you still have trouble please email annualreport@abhes.org. When emailing changes to Section I or Section II, please be specific.  For example: Section I Change Remove:                                                                                Replace with: Amy Rowe, School Director arowe@abhes.org            Holly Viar, School Director, hviar@abhes.org Section II Change Program Name Change From: Medical Office Specialist - Diploma (residential) To: Medical Office Administration - Diploma (residential)  Approved:  2/10/2010

09-17-2010

Bulletin From The Executive Director

ABHES BULLETIN August 5, 2010 As you are undoubtedly aware, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee conducted a hearing yesterday entitled For Profit Schools: The Student Recruitment Experience.  In many ways, this hearing was reminiscent of years gone by for me, and I am sure for many of you.  Having now worked in the field of national accreditation for 23 years, I recall the events that led to the Higher Education Act of 1992.  The role of accreditation was forever changed and, in turn, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has continuously enhanced its policies, procedures, and standards to effectively manage its responsibilities as a specialized, national, and programmatic accrediting agency.  Students and their success are paramount to ABHES and, we sincerely believe, to our accredited institutions and programs. ABHES has an inherent responsibility to continue to assess its own accreditation policies, procedures and standards, particularly relative to those issues called to attention; namely, recruiting, admissions, student finances, and student loan defaults.  It continues to set the highest expectations for standards compliance for each of its accredited institutions and programs. We believe that each ABHES-accredited institution works hard to maintain the highest standards for quality, but it should be understood that each institution accredited by ABHES must have as its primary focus full compliance for standards and zero tolerance for non-compliance. The Commission and staff look forward to working closely with ABHES-accredited institutions and programs to eliminate, together, the concerns raised in yesterday's hearing. In its place, we must promote what you are here to do, and where ABHES' primary interests lie - educating today's students for tomorrow's health care challenges.

08-05-2010

Galiano Career Academy

Galiano Career Academy, Altamonte Springs, FL relinquished its accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools effective Friday, July 9, 2010.

07-12-2010

Revisions to ABHES Bylaws Approved

06-30-2010

Summary of NPRM on 14 Integrity Revisions

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Published on June 18, 2010 Addressing 13 out of the 14 Program Integrity Issues On June 18, 2010, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the 13 out of 14 program integrity issues that were the subject of negotiations during the months of November 2009 through January 2010 was published in the Federal Register.  The NPRM only partially addresses the 14th issue on “gainful employment”   The Department is proposing to require proprietary institutions of higher education and postsecondary vocational institutions to provide prospective students with their programs’ graduation and placement rates, beginning no later than June 30, 2013, and that colleges provide the Department with information that will allow it to determine student debt levels after program completion.  Since the Department is still developing metrics to hold programs accountable for preparing their students for gainful employment, a separate NPRM will be published later this summer. In a press release of June 16, 2010, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stated: “We have many areas of agreement where we can move forward. But some issues around gainful employment are complicated and we want to get it right so we will be coming back with that shortly.” The NPRM is subject to public comment.  Once the Department reviews all of the comments, it will issue final regulations by November 1, 2010 so that they will become effective on July 1, 2011. Gainful Employment in a Recognized Occupation (§§ 600.2, 600.4, 600.6, 668.6, and 668.8) Current Rules:  A proprietary institution of higher education, and a postsecondary vocational school, and one-year programs at institutions of higher education must provide eligible programs of training that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.  A “recognized occupation” is listed in the “occupational division” of the latest edition of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Proposed Rules:  A “recognized occupation” would be defined by a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or an Occupational Information Network O* NET-SOC code established by the Department of Labor and available at:  http://online.onetcenter.org Under 34 CFR 668.6(a), an institution would annually submit information about students, who complete a program that leads to gainful employment in a recognized occupation, including: • Identifying information about each student who completed a program; • The Classification of Instructional  Program (CIP) code for that program; • The Date the student completed the program; and • The amounts the student received from private educational loans and institutional financing plans. Under 34 CFR 668.6(b), an institution would be required to disclose on its Web site information about: • The occupations that its programs prepare students to enter, along with links to occupational profiles on O*NET; • The on-time graduation rate of students entering a program; • The cost of each program including tuition and fees, room and board, and other institutional costs; • Beginning no later than June 30, 2013, the placement rate for students completing each of those programs as determined under 34 CFR 668.8(g) or a State-sponsored workforce data system; and • The median loan debt incurred by students who completed each program in the preceding three years, identified separately as Title IV loan debt and debt from private educational loans. NOTE:  34 CFR 668.8(g) defines the calculation of a placement rate for short-term programs (between 300 and less than 600 clock hours).  The calculation states that of the students who received a degree or certificate for successfully completing the program during the award year, determine the number of student who, “within 180 days of the day they received their degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential, obtained gainful employment in the recognized occupation for which they were trained or in a related comparable recognized occupation and, on the date of this calculation, are employed, or have been employed, for at least 13 weeks following receipt of the credential from the institution.” Reasons: The Department plans to use this information to continue to assess the outcomes of programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. While 34 CFR 668.43 already requires an institution to disclose program cost information, ED wishes to make it an explicit requirement to inform prospective students of this information on its web site. Definition of Credit Hour (§§ 600.2, 602.24(f), 603.24, 668.8) Current Rules:  There is no definition of credit hour in current regulations. Currently, 34 CFR 668.8(k) and (l) provide a formula that certain undergraduate programs must use to convert clock hours to credit hours for Title IV purposes.  (A semester is 30 clock hours and a quarter is 20 clock hours of instruction.) Proposed Rules:  The Department proposes to add a definition of credit hour that would measure credit hours in terms of time and work during which a student is engaged in academic activity using commonly accepted academic practice in higher education, and would provide for institutionally established equivalencies as represented by learning outcomes and verified achievement. Credit hour would be defined as follows: (1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of 2 hours of out of class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or trimester of credit, or 10 to 12 weeks for 1 quarter credit; (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in the first paragraph for other academic activities including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours; or (3)  Institutionally established reasonable equivalencies for the amount of work required in the first paragraph for the credit hours awarded, including as represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Clock-to-Credit-Hour Conversion: Except in certain cases discussed below, the method of converting clock-to-credit hour would be modified under the proposal using 900 clock hours as the minimum (currently ED uses 720 clock hours).  Therefore, a semester hour would be based on 37.5 clock hours and a quarter hour would be based on 25 clock hours. NOTE: As a reminder, the conversion formula must be used unless: • The program is at least 2 academic years in length and provides an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent degree; or • Each course within the program is acceptable for full credit toward the institution’s associate degree, bachelor’s degree, professional degree or equivalent degree and (what follows is new language): o The institution’s degree requires at least two academic years of study; and o The institution demonstrates that students enroll in, and graduate from, the degree program. The proposed regulations would also require certain credit-hour programs to be considered clock hour programs for Title IV purposes if: • The program is required to measure student progress in clock hours when receiving federal or state approval or licensure to offer the program; or • The program is required to measure student progress in clock hours when completing clock hours is a requirement for graduates to apply for licensure or the authorization to practice the occupation that the student is intending to pursue;  or • The credit hours awarded are not in compliance with the proposed definition found in 34 CFR 600.2; or • The institution does not provide clock hours that are the basis for the credit hours awarded for the program or each course in the program and requires attendance in the clock hours that are the basis for the credit hours awarded. NOTE:  The first two bullets do not apply if there is a limited component of the program that must include a practicum, internship, clinical experience that must include a minimum number of clock hours. The institution’s conversions to establish a minimum number of clock hours of instruction per credit may be less than 37.5 or 25 clock hours if neither the accrediting agency nor the state agency for participation in Title IV programs has identified deficiencies with the institution’s policies and procedures, or their implementation, for determining clock hours as defined in 34 CFR 600.2 so long as: • The institution’s students’ work outside of class combined with the clock hours of instruction meet or exceed the numeric requirements in the conversion formula; and: o A semester or a trimester hour must include at least 30 clock hours of instruction; and o A quarter hour must include at least 20 clock hours of instruction. NOTE:  Page 34810 of the Preamble states that in determining whether there is outside work that a student must perform, the analysis must take into account differences in coursework and educational activities with the program.  Some portions of the program may require student work outside of class that justifies the lower conversion and it may vary within a program.  “Of course, an institution applying only proposed 34 CFR 668.8(l)(1) to a program eligible for conversion from clock hours to credit hours, without an analysis of the program’s coursework, would be considered compliant…”  That is, an institution may use the 37.5 or 25 clock hours to credit conversion without any further analysis. Accrediting Agency Procedures: The Department proposes to amend the accrediting agency procedures in 34 CFR 602.24 by adding a new paragraph (f) that describe the responsibilities of an accrediting agency to review and evaluate an institution’s policies and procedures for the assignment of credit hours and the institution’s application of its policies and procedures in assigning credits.  The accrediting agency meets the requirement if it reviews each institution’s: (1) Policies and procedures for determining credit hours that the institution awards for courses and programs; (2) The application of the institution’s policies and procedures to its courses and programs; (3) Makes a reasonable determination of whether the institution’s assignment of credit hours conforms to commonly accepted practice in higher education; (4) The accrediting agency may make use of sampling or other methods in the evaluation; and (5) The accrediting agency may take such actions that it deems appropriate to address any deficiencies. Similar responsibilities are outlined in 34 CFR 603.24 for state agencies for the approval of public postsecondary education. Reasons:  A credit hour is a unit of measure that gives value to the level of instruction, academic rigor, and time requirements for a course taken at an institution.  In keeping with the original purpose of providing a consistent measure of at least a minimum quantity of a student’s academic engagement, the proposed definition of “credit hour” would establish a basis for measuring eligibility for federal funding. In recognition that other measures of educational content are being developed by institutions, the Department is proposing that an institution may provide institutional equivalencies for the amount of work specified in the proposed definition represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of their achievement.   The equivalencies must be in accordance with the accrediting agency’s process or conditions. The proposed definition of credit hour only recognizes credit earned at the institution and, therefore, funding would not be provided for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs. State Authorization (§§ 660.4(a)(3), 600.5(a)(4), 600.6(a)(3), and 600.9) Current Rules:  The regulations do not define or describe the statutory requirement that an institution must be legally authorized in a State. Proposed Rules:  An institution would be legally authorized by a State through a charter, license, approval, or other document issued by a State government agency or State entity that affirms or conveys the authority to the institution to operate educational programs beyond secondary education.  An institution would also be legally authorized in a State if the institution were authorized by the Federal Government, an Indian Tribe, or is exempt from State authorization as a religious institution. The Secretary would consider an institution to be legally authorized by a State if: • The authorization is given to the institution specifically to offer programs beyond secondary education but not merely to do business in the state; • The authorization is subject to adverse action by the State; and • The State has a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution and enforces State laws. Reasons:  State oversight through obtaining approval to offer postsecondary education and by ongoing activities of the State regulatory agency play an important role in protecting students.  One indicator noted on page 34813 of the Preamble is the movement of substandard institutions and diploma mills from State to State in response to changing requirements.  In the past, the State authorization requirement was viewed as minimal.  However, ED believes that a better approach is to view the State as being expected to take a more active role in approving an institution and monitoring complaints. An example cited was the lapse of the CA Bureau’s existence which permitted institutions to continue to participate in the Title IV programs.  Had the regulations been in effect, CA would have been required to keep the Bureau in place or to designate another agency during the transition to a new State oversight agency.  ED is also concerned that States are deferring all, or nearly all of their oversight responsibilities, to accrediting agencies and ED is concerned that there are no checks and balances. The proposed regulations clarify that unlike the draft rules, legal authority could not only be provided by an approved State agency, but also another State entity.  Page 34813 of the Preamble suggests as an alternative “a State legislature or State constitution.” The proposed regulations also clarify that the authorization must be specifically to offer programs beyond secondary education and may not be merely of the type required to do business in the State. Student Assistance General Provisions (§ 668.2) Current Rules:  None. Proposed Rules:  The definition of “full-time student” would be amended to allow repeated coursework to count towards a student’s enrollment status in term-based programs. Reasons:  Current policy provides that a student may not be paid for repeating a course unless the student will receive credit for the coursework.  The non-federal negotiators were concerned that institutions could not track this type of information.  ED decided to include the provision in the regulation to provide that repeated courses would count toward enrollment status and the student would be eligible for Title IV for term-based programs.  (This does not apply to nonterm programs.) Written Arrangements (§§ 668.5 and 668.43) Current Rules:  An eligible institution may enter into a written agreement or consortium agreement with another eligible institution without any limitations.  There is no requirement to provide information on written arrangements to enrolled or prospective students. Current rules limit the arrangement between an eligible institution and an ineligible institution.  The ineligible institution can provide no more than 25% of a program or, if it provides more than 25% of an eligible program but not more than 50%, the eligible institution and the ineligible institution cannot be owned or controlled by the same individual, partnership or corporation. Proposed Rules: The provision would be modified to make it consistent with the definition of “educational program” by specifying that if a written arrangement is between two or more eligible institutions that are owned or controlled by the same individual, partnership, or corporation, the institution that grants the degree or certificate must provide more than 50% of the educational program.  [Under 34 CFR 600.2, an “eligible program” is not considered an eligible program if an institution does not provide any instruction by itself but merely gives credit for instruction provided by other institutions.] The proposed regulations clarify that educational programs offered under written arrangements between an eligible and ineligible institution would not be considered eligible programs if the ineligible institution had had its certification or recertification to participate in Title IV denied. The proposed regulations would also require institutions to make available to students information about written arrangements including: • The portion of the educational program that the institution that grants the degree or certificate is not providing; • The name and location of the other institutions or organizations that are providing a portion of the educational program; • The method of delivery of the portion of the educational program that the institution that grants the degree or certificate is not providing; and • Estimated additional costs students may incur as the result of enrolling in an educational program that is provided under the written arrangement. The institution must make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution’s accreditation and its State, Federal or other tribal approval or license.  In addition, the institution must provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and State approval or licensing entity. NOTE: Individual student-initiated written arrangements would not be subject to the disclosure requirements. In addition, the disclosure requirements would not apply to internships/externships. Reasons:   The proposal is designed to address some concerns. First, written agreements between institutions with common ownership could be circumventing the regulations governing default rates and 90/10.  One institution could be providing substantially all of the instruction but the Title IV revenue and cohort default rates could be attributed to the other institution.  Further, campus-based institutions could be used as “portals” to attract students for online institutions under common ownership where students may not expect the program to be offered by another institution. When non-federal negotiators had suggested that this could make it difficult for military personnel who are deployed, ED responded that the student could transfer to the institution that was providing the preponderance of courses. Incentive Compensation (§ 668.14) Current Rules:  In accordance with the HEA provision, an institution is prohibited from making any commission, bonus, or other incentive payments based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities involved in student recruiting or admissions activities, or in making decisions about the award of student financial assistance.  It also states that the prohibition does not apply to the recruitment of foreign students who are not eligible for financial aid.  It currently specifies 12 “safe harbors” that an institution may carry out without violating the provision. Proposed Rules:  The Department is proposing to align the regulation more closely with the statute and delete the 12 safe harbors. The Department would clarify that “eligible institutions and their contractors may make merit-based adjustments to employee compensation, provided that such adjustments are not based directly or indirectly upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid.” The Department also proposes to define the following terms: Commission, bonus or other incentive payment:  A sum of money or something of value paid to or given to a person or an entity for services rendered. Securing enrollments or the awards of financial aid:  Activities that a person or entity engages in for the purpose of the admission or matriculation of students for any period of time or the award of financial aid to students.  These activities include recruitment contact in any form with a prospective student, such as preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office, attendance at such appointment, or signing an enrollment agreement or financial aid application. These activities do not include making a payment to a third-party for “the provision of student contact information for prospective students provided that such payment is not based on the number of students who apply or enroll.” Reasons:  ED believes that the regulatory language is clear and the elimination of the safe harbors best serves to effectuate congressional intent. ED stated on page 34817 of the Preamble that “unscrupulous actors routinely rely upon these safe harbors to circumvent the intent…”  From ED’s point of view, the safe harbors have obstructed congressional objectives.  An example given was the first safe harbor, which prohibits the payment of incentives based solely upon the success in securing enrollments.  While ED has seen other factors used, consideration of these other factors was minimal.   ED believes that students are the victims of compensation plans and states that “[t]he incentive to deceive or misrepresent the manner in which a particular educational program meets a student’s need increases substantially” when admissions personnel are compensated upon the number of students enrolled. The Preamble describes how each safe harbor circumvents the rule.  It does note that the rule “does not prohibit profit distributions based upon an individual’s ownership interest. As a result, it is the Department’s view that this safe harbor is unnecessary.” (Page 34818) The Department stated on page 34818 of the Preamble that removal of these safe harbors is necessary to ensure that the statute is properly applied.  “The Department has determined that these safe harbors do substantially more harm than good…” The Department stated that institutions can determine if a payment compensation plan is permissible by analyzing: 1. “Whether it is a commission, bonus, or other incentive payment, defined as an award of a sum of money or something of value paid to or given to a person or entity for services rendered; and 2. Whether the commission, bonus, or other incentive payment is provided to any person based directly or indirectly upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid, which are defined as activities engaged in for the purpose of the admission or matriculation of students for any period of time or the award of financial aid.” ED asserted that if the answer to each of the items above is “yes,” the commission, bonus, or incentive payment would not be permitted under the statute. A number of concerns were raised at the negotiated rulemaking sessions including whether all previously permitted actions would be prohibited.  ED’s position as explained on page 34819 of the Preamble is that “going forward, under the proposed regulations, institutions would need to re-examine their practices to ensure that they comply with the proposed § 668.14(b)(22).”  ED goes on to say that if the safe harbor is removed, what was “permitted is now prohibited.” Concern was also expressed during negotiated rulemaking that under the proposed rules, merit-based increases to their financial aid and admissions personnel would be prohibited.  Some asked whether adjustments could be made based on an employees’ performance in relation to an institution’s goals, such as enrollment, completion, or graduation. ED responded on page 34819 of the Preamble:  “An institution would have to use a variety of standard evaluative factors as the basis for such an increase; however, consistent with section 487(a)(20) of the HEA under proposed Sec. 668.14(b)(220, it would not be permitted to consider the employee's success in securing student enrollments or the award of financial aid or institutional goals based on that success among those factors.” (Page 34819) ED also noted that “the incentive compensation prohibition applies all the way to the top of an institution or organization.” Several non-federal negotiators asked whether the Department would offer private letter guidance on conduct that may violate the rules.  ED responded that it believes that the rules are clear.  However, page 34820 of the Preamble states that “to the extent ongoing questions arise on a particular aspect of the regulations,” the Department may include a clarification in a Department publication, such as the Student Financial Aid Handbook or a Dear Colleague letter Satisfactory Academic Progress (§§ 668.16(e), 668.32(f), 668.34) Current Rules:  The satisfactory academic progress requirements are outlined in these sections, including the appeal process and the process for re-establishing financial aid eligibility. Proposed Rules:  The satisfactory academic progress requirements would be restructured.   34 CFR 668.16(e) would be revised to include only the requirement that an institution establish, publish and apply satisfactory academic progress standards.  The remainder of the current provision that outlines the elements that should be included would be moved to 34 CFR 668.34.  Proposed 34 CFR 668.34 would specify the elements an institution’s policy must contain to be a reasonable policy.  Institutional policies would need to describe how a student’s GPA and pace of completion are affected by transfers of credit from other institutions. “This provision would also require institutions to count credit hours from another institution that are accepted toward a student’s educational program as both attempted and completed hours.”  (Page 34820 of the Preamble) The elements are as follows: • The evaluation must be at the end of each payment period if the educational program is either one academic year or shorter or at the end of each payment period or at least annually for all other educational programs; • The policy specifies the GPA that a student must achieve or a comparable assessment measured against a norm; • If a student is enrolled in an educational program that is more than 2 academic years, the student must have a GPA of at least a C or its equivalent or have academic standing consistent with the institution’s requirements for graduation; • The policy specifies the pace at which the student must progress within the maximum time frame and the pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of hours completed by the cumulative number of hours attempted (remedial courses do not have to count); • The policy addresses incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and transfers of credit.  Credits from other institutions that are accepted must [emphasis added] count as both attempted and completed hours; • At the time of evaluation, if the student does not achieve the minimum standards, the student is no longer eligible for Title IV unless the student is on financial aid warning or financial aid probation; • If the student is on financial aid warning or probation, the policy must describe the statuses as follows: o Financial aid warning allows a student to be eligible for financial aid for a payment period and may be assigned without an appeal. (NOTE: This is only available to schools that evaluate students at the end of each payment period); o Financial aid probation allows a student to be eligible for financial aid for a payment period. Financial aid probation may only be assigned to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and who has appealed and has had eligibility for financial aid reinstated. At the end of the payment period, the student must meet the standards or meet the requirements of the academic plan developed by the institution and the student to qualify for further Title IV; • If the institution permits a student to appeal a determination, the school must have a policy that describes: o How the student may re-establish eligibility for financial aid; o The basis on which a student may appeal: the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances; and o Information the student must submit regarding why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation; • If the policy does not permit an appeal process, the policy must indicate how the student can re-establish financial aid eligibility; and • The policy provides for the notification to students of the results of an evaluation that impacts the student’s eligibility. • Definitions: o Appeal:  A process by which a student who is not meeting the institution’s satisfactory academic progress standards petitions the institution for reconsideration of the student’s eligibility for Title IV; o Financial aid probation:  A status assigned by an institution to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and who has appealed and has had eligibility for aid reinstated; o Financial aid warning:  A status assigned to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress at an institution that evaluates academic progress at the end of each payment period; o Maximum time frame:  For an undergraduate program measured in credit hours, a period that is no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program, as measured in credit hours;  For an undergraduate program measured in clock hours, a period that is no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program, as measured in the cumulative number of clock hours the student is required to complete and expressed in calendar time; and  For a graduate program, a period defined by the institution that is based on the length of the educational program. Reasons:  Recent questions from institutions and reviews of institution’s satisfactory academic progress policies have raised concerns at the Department. Such concerns include schools using as long as 24 months for a probationary period.  Other concerns include schools that have been using a variety of methods, such as warning, probation, and amnesty, to permit students to remain in school and receive Title IV aid, even though the student was not making progress. To encourage institutions to evaluate students more frequently than at the end of each academic year, the proposed rules would offer additional flexibility to those institutions by permitting those institutions to place students on financial aid warning for one payment period, which would encourage institutions to provide additional support to students in a timely manner and would help students be successful. Page 34822 of the Preamble clarifies that the Department believes that a student should continue to be able to appeal a determination that the student has failed or will fail to meet the maximum time frame requirements.  ED believes that the proposed rules give institutions the flexibility to help address the needs of students who may exceed the maximum time frame.  An institution could work with the student to develop an academic plan that would require the student to meet the graduation requirements by a specific point in time. Asked by non-federal negotiators about academic amnesty policies, ED responded on page 34822 of the Preamble that it would be appropriate for the institution to require the student who has been out of school, for instance 10 years, to submit an appeal and develop an academic plan with the institution that would specify milestones the student would be expected to meet. “As in other situations where a student has had academic difficulty and been placed on financial aid probation, the institution would have the option of placing certain restrictions on the student, such as limiting the number of hours taken or specifying a certain sequence of courses.” Evaluating the Validity of High School Diplomas (§ 668.16(p)) • Current Rules:  There is no definition of high school diploma.   Institutions of higher education must admit as regular students only individuals who have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent or who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance.  In order to receive financial aid, a student must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, have completed secondary school in a home school setting, or pass an independently administered examination approved by the Secretary. Proposed Rules:  An institution would have to develop and follow procedures to evaluate the validity of a student’s high school completion if the institution or the Secretary has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education. Reasons:  This proposal is designed to ensure that schools who report having a high school diploma have a valid high school diploma. The Department agreed to establish and maintain a list of secondary schools.  Beginning with the 2011-2012 award year, two questions will be added to the FAFSA: • What is the name of the secondary school or entity that provided the student’s secondary school program of study? • What is the State that awarded the student’s high school diploma? If the secondary school does not match the list of secondary schools maintained by the Department, or if the student does not provide the name of the secondary school or entity or the State that issued the diploma, the Department may select the student’s FAFSA for further review by the institution to determine if the student has a valid high school diploma before receiving financial aid. According to page 34823 of the Preamble, the institution would have to determine the validity by following the procedures it develops to evaluate the validity of diplomas, which could include obtaining a copy of the student’s diploma.  ED will provide more specific guidance as to what procedures institutions might use to evaluate the validity of diplomas, through Federal Student Aid Handbook or other means. Return of Title IV HEA Funds – Treatment of Title IV, HEA Program Funds When a Student Withdraws from Term-Based Programs with Modules or Compressed Courses (§ 668.22(a) and (f)) Current Rules:  While the current rules address the institution’s and student’s responsibilities when a student does not finish the term, the regulations do not address the treatment of term-based programs in which courses are less than the length of the term.  ED established the policy in a Dear Colleague letter (GEN-00-24), which states that when a student who completes only one module or compressed course within a term in which he/she was expected to complete additional coursework, the student is not considered to have withdrawn under the return calculation. Proposed Rules:  A student is considered to have withdrawn from a payment period or period of enrollment if he/she does not complete all the days in the payment period or period of enrollment for programs that are measured in credit hours or clock hours for programs measured in clock hours that the student was scheduled to complete prior to withdrawing. The proposed regulation would clarify that for credit hour programs, in calculating the percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment completed, it is necessary to take into account the total number of calendar days that the student was scheduled to complete prior to withdrawing without regard to any course completed by the student that is less than the length of the term. Reasons:  The changes would ensure more equitable treatment between students who withdraw from programs that are measured in credit hours, regardless of whether these programs span the full length of the terms or are programs with modules or compressed courses. ED reconsidered its prior guidance because the change could provide a more equitable treatment of students who are attending for comparable periods of time during a semester because a student’s aid is based on and intended to cover in whole or in part not only tuition and fees for the term but the student’s living expenses for the term and these same amounts are earned on a prorata basis for the first 60% of the term.  Further, a student who only attends one module or compressed course and then ceases to be enrolled without attending other modules or compressed courses he or she is scheduled to attend in the term is withdrawing before completing the term and the portion of the term completed should be considered to determine how much of the Title IV aid the student earned. Withdrawal Date for a Student who Withdraws From an Institution that is Required to Take Attendance (§ 668.22(b)) Current Rules:  An institution is required to take attendance if an outside entity (such as an accrediting agency or a State agency) requires the institution to take attendance. If required to take attendance, an institution must use the last date of academic attendance as the withdrawal date. Proposed Rules: The Department would clarify which institutions are required to take attendance. Institutions would be required to take attendance if required by an outside entity, or the institution itself has a requirement that its instructors take attendance, or if the institution or an outside entity has a requirement that can only be met by taking attendance or a comparable process, including but not limited to, requiring that students in a program demonstrate attendance in the classes of that program or a portion of that program.  Further, the Department would remove the provision that “it is the entity that determines whether there is a requirement to take attendance since the new provision looks at the substance of the information being collected rather than the characterization of that information or process by the entity.” The proposal would clarify that if the institution takes attendance for a limited period of time, such as the first two weeks of courses or until a “census date,” these institutions would be required to use its attendance records to determine the withdrawal date during that limited period.  If an attendance is required on a specific date to meet a census reporting requirement, the institution is not considered to take attendance. Reasons:  The Department believes that these changes would provide a more accurate determination of how much Title IV aid a student earned who withdrew during a period when an instructor or another employees was required to take attendance. Verification and Updating of Student Aid Application Information (Subpart E of Part 668) Definitions (§ 668.52) Current Rules:  Key terms used include base year, edits, institutional student information record and student aid application. Proposed Rules:  Base year, edits, and student aid application definitions would be removed because they are no longer used.  The definition of Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) would be revised and the terms for FAFSA and SAR, specified year, subsidized student financial assistance programs and unsubsidized student financial assistance programs would be added. Reasons:  The new terms will be referenced in the proposed regulations. Policies and Procedures (§ 668.53(c)) Current Rules:  Institutions are required to establish and use written policies and procedures for verifying information on the FAFSA. Proposed Rules:  The provision would remain largely the same, except ED would add a requirement that institutions must complete verification prior to exercising professional judgment. Reasons:  ED is codifying its longstanding policy. Selection of FAFSA Information for Verification (§ 668.54) Current Rules:  An institution is not required to verify more than 30% of its applicants for Title IV funds.  In addition, the Secretary excludes certain categories from verification (e.g., an applicant who is incarcerated). Proposed Rules: Institutions would have to verify all applicants selected and the Secretary would publish an annual Federal Register notice that would describe the information that an institution and the applicant may be required to verify for those applicants selected for verification. The exclusions from verification would be restructured. Reasons: The proposed changes are needed to align this section with the modifications to be made to the verification process.  While the non-federal negotiators were concerned about increase burden because of having to verify all selected applicants, ED noted on page 34828 of the Preamble that institutions would no longer be required to verify all five items for each applicant selected.   Moreover, information obtained through the IRS Data Retrieval process would not have to be verified and, therefore, should significantly reduce institutional burden. Updating Information – Changes in Dependency Status (§ 668.55(c)) Current Rules:  Applicants are required to update their dependency status on the FAFSA at any time throughout the award year except for a change in dependency status change as a result of a change in marital status. Proposed Rules:  Applicants would be required to update all changes in dependency status that occur throughout the award year. Reasons:  This would simplify the process and ensure that the amount of assistance received by an applicant is based on the best available information. Information to be Verified (§ 668.56) Current Rules:  Five items must be verified when an applicant is selected: • Adjusted Gross Income; • U.S. income tax paid; • Number of family members in the household; • Number of family members in the household enrolled at least half-time in postsecondary educational institutions; and • Untaxed income and benefits. Proposed Rules:  These items would be eliminated.  Each award year, the Secretary would publish in the Federal Register the FAFSA information and documentation that an institution and an applicant may be required to verify. Reasons:  The Department plans on implementing a targeted approach to verification. Acceptable Documentation (§ 668.57(a)(2), (a)(4)(ii)(A), (a)(5), (a)(7), and (d)) Current Rules:  The rules specify the documentation an institution must obtain from an applicant to verify the required items. Proposed Rules:  In lieu of an income tax return or an IRS form that lists tax account information, institutions could accept the electronic importation of data obtained from the IRS into an applicant’s online FAFSA. ED would clarify that an applicant’s income tax return that is signed by the preparer or stamped with the preparer’s name and address must include the preparer’s Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number or the Preparer Tax Identification Number. Reasons:  The rules would accurately reflect the IRS documentation and processes under the IRS Data Retrieval Process, which will relieve burden on institutions by no longer requiring verification of the information that is imported from the IRS to populate a student’s online FAFSA or requiring the documentation for those items. ED had initially proposed to eliminate the provision that allows a tax preparer to sign an applicant’s income tax return.  Since the non-federal negotiators indicated that administrative burden would be reduced if an institution could continue to accept a tax preparer’s signature or stamp in lieu of the filer’s signature on the tax return, ED agreed to retain this provision.  But ED clarified that an applicant’s income tax return must include the preparer’s Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number or the Prepare Tax Identification Number in addition to his/her signature or a stamp of the preparer’s name and address. The section regarding acceptable documentation for untaxed income and benefits would be deleted because many of the untaxed income elements have been eliminated by statute.  Instead specific information to verify other information will be specified in the annual Federal Register notice. Interim Disbursements (§ 668.58(a)(3) Current Rules:  The rules specify the conditions under which an institution may make interim disbursements of Title IV before the applicant completes verification.  If an institution does not have reason to believe that an applicant’s FAFSA information is inaccurate, it may choose to make only one disbursement before verification is completed. Proposed Rules:  Current rules would largely remain except for a new paragraph that would allow an institution to disburse Title IV funds after verification is completed but before receiving the corrected SAR or ISIR if the changes to an applicant’s FAFSA would not change the amount of Title IV aid the applicant would receive.  However, the institution would have to ensure that all changes have been submitted to ED in order to avoid any liability for the disbursement made without the correct SAR or ISIR. Reasons:  By adding this paragraph, ED would be ensuring institutional flexibility in disbursing Title IV. Consequences of a Change in an Applicant’s FAFSA Information (§ 668.59) Current Rules:  If as a result of verification, changes need to be made to the FAFSA, an applicant must submit corrected information to ED, except if the errors do not change the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or the errors in the dollar amount are within the $400 tolerance. Proposed Rules:  All tolerances would be removed.  All corrections would have to be submitted to ED. Reasons: While the non-federal negotiators believed that this would increase burden, ED believes that decisions should be made on the best available information. Deadlines for Submitting Documentation and the Consequences of Failing to Provide Documentation (§§ 668.60(b)(1)(ii), (b)(3), (c)(1), and (d)) Current Rules:  Deadlines are provided including the certification of the loan application or processing a check. Proposed rules:  ED would remove those items that are outdated processes and would require an institution to follow the cash management requirements if the institution receives loan proceeds before the applicant has completed verification. Reasons:   ED wants the rules to be consistent with the cash management requirements. Recovery of Funds (§ 668.61(c)) Current Rules:  This section describes the institution’s obligations to recover funds if as a result of the verification process, it discovers that the applicant received more financial aid than the applicant was eligible to receive. Proposed Rules:  The rules would be retained but an additional paragraph would be added that would require an institution to repay the federal account if it disbursed subsidized financial aid to a student without receiving a corrected SAR or ISIR. Reasons:  While institutions have been given the flexibility to disburse funds before receiving the corrected SAR or ISIR, institutions would be held liable if it did not receive the SAR or ISIR. Misrepresentation (Subpart F of Part 668) Current Rules:  This section sets forth the types of consumer information statements and communications that constitute misrepresentation. Proposed Rules:  Changes are being proposed to strengthen ED’s regulatory enforcement authority against eligible institutions that engage in substantial misrepresentation. Reasons:  ED has received complaints from students that they were victims of false promises and other forms of deception. Scope and Special Definitions (§ 668.71) Current Rules:  The rules and standards address the standards should an institution make any substantial misrepresentations regarding the nature of its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates. Proposed Rules:  The rules would clarify that “misrepresentation” is any false, erroneous, or misleading statement that an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or any ineligible organization, or person with whom the eligible institution has an agreement makes directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student or any member of the public, or to an accrediting agency, to a State agency, or the Secretary. “Misleading statement” would be any statement made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means that has the “capacity, likelihood, or tendency to deceive or confuse.” ED would also retain the reference to the dissemination of a student endorsement or testimonial that a student gives because the institution required the student to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program. Reasons:  ED believes that it is appropriate to hold the eligible institution accountable when a related person or entity makes a substantial misrepresentation. Also added to the proposed rules was that substantial misrepresentation would be prohibited in all forms, including advertising, promotional materials, or in the marketing or sale of courses or programs of instruction offered by the institution. ED would be broadening what misrepresentation means and to whom statements would be prohibited. ED believes that the proposed rules clarify the difference between misrepresentation and substantial misrepresentation (i.e., any misrepresentation on which the person could reasonably be expected to rely or has reasonably relied to that person’s detriment.) Nature of Educational Program (§ 668.72) Current Rules:  The rules describe the types of false, erroneous, or misleading statements about an institution’s educational program that would be prohibited. Proposed Rules:  The current types of false, erroneous or misleading statements would be retained but expanded to include: • Not only statements about institutional accreditation but statements about programmatic and specialized accreditation; • Statements under which an institution will accept credits earned from another institution; • Statements whether successful completion of a course of instruction qualifies a student for acceptance to a labor union or similar organization or to receive, to apply to take or to take the examination required to receive a local, State, or Federal license, or a non-governmental certification required as a precondition for employment, or to perform certain functions in the State in which the program or institution is location, or to meet additional conditions that the institution knows or should know are needed to secure employment. • Other added types of misrepresentation would include: o The requirements for successfully completing the course and the circumstances that would constitute grounds for termination; o Whether the institution’s courses have been the subject of unsolicited testimonials or endorsements by vocational counselors, high schools, colleges, educational organizations, employment agencies, members of a particular industry, students, former students, or others including governmental employment; o The subject matter, content of the course of study, or any other fact related to the degree or certificate that the student is awarded upon completion of the program; and o Whether the academic, professional, or occupational degree that the institution will confer upon completion of the program has been authorized by the appropriate State agency. Reasons:  Potential students should have a clear understanding about any educational program in which they may enroll. Nature of Financial Charges (§ 668.73) Current Rules:  The rules describe the types of false, erroneous, and misleading statements about financial charges that would be prohibited. Proposed Rules:  The types will be retained and expanded to include the following misleading statements: • Offers of scholarships to pay all or part of a course charge; • Whether a particular charge is the customary charge at the institution for the course; • Additional statements would include the following: o The cost of the program and the institution’s refund policy if the student does not complete the program; o The availability or nature of any financial assistance offered to students; and o The student’s right to reject any particular type of financial assistance. Reasons:  ED believes that students should clearly understand the costs of the program and the financial aid options so that students and parents can make informed decisions. Employability of Graduates (§ 668.74) Current Rules:  The rules describe the false, erroneous, or misleading statements about the employability of graduates that would be prohibited. Proposed Rules:  The types would be retained and expanded to include the following: • The institution’s relationship with any organization, employment agency, or other agency providing authorized training directly to employment; • The institution’s plans to maintain a placement service for graduates or otherwise assist its graduates in obtaining employment; • The types would be expanded to include the following: o The institution’s knowledge about the currently or likely future conditions, compensation, or employment opportunities in the industry or occupation for which the students are being prepared; o Whether employment is being offered by the institution or that a talent hunt or contest is being conducted through the use of such phrases as “Help Wanted;” o Government job market statistics in relation to the potential placement of its graduates; or o Other requirements that are generally needed in order to be employed in certain fields. Reasons:  ED believes that students should be better informed about their likely employment options.   Relationship with the Department of Education (§ 668.75) Current Rules: ED’s procedures for reviewing allegations or complaints are described. Proposed Rules: ED would delete the section since these rules are not used to take enforcement action. The proposed rules would prohibit institutions from making statements that suggest that the Department approved or endorses the quality of their programs. Ability to Benefit (§ 668.32 and Subpart J of Part 668) Student Eligibility (§ 668.32(e)) Current Rules:  To be eligible for financial aid, a student must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have obtained a passing score on an ATB test, have been enrolled in an eligible institution that participates in a State process approved by the Secretary, or have obtained a secondary credential from a home school or, if the State law does not require such a credential, have completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory school attendance under State law. Proposed Rules:  ED would add a new paragraph that would allow a student to be eligible if he/she completed 6 semester, trimester, or quarter credits or 225 clock hours that are applicable toward a degree or certificate offered by the institution. Reasons:  This provision was added with the enactment of the HEOA.   ED noted on page 34838 of the Preamble that an institution may have a policy whereby it does not admit ATB students.  On the same page, ED stated that there was discussion as to whether the student could be paid for the payment period in which eligibility was established.   The Department’s position is that a student who establishes eligibility for Title IV by passing an ATB test during the payment period may be paid for the entire payment period.  “However, if a student establishes title IV, HEA eligibility by completing six credit hours, or the equivalent, eligibility is not established until after the end of the payment period, and the student may not be paid for the payment period during which the student took the requisite coursework.” Scope (§ 668.151) Proposed Rules:  The rules would provide references to the test approval process including the process for test publishers and States to identify and follow-up on test score irregularities. Reasons:  This section would be aligned with the proposed changes to the test approval process. Special Definitions (§ 668.142) Current Rules:  Definitions are included for an Assessment Center, Independent Test Administrator, Individual with a Disability, Test Administrator, and Test Publisher. There is no definition for a Test. Proposed Rules:  These definitions would be expanded.   Of particular interest is the definition of Assessment Center where the Secretary would add a requirement that the test administrators at assessment centers must have been certified by the test publisher or the State to administer ATB tests. Reasons:  The Department hopes to clarify the definitions and for the assessment center, ensure that individuals giving the ATB tests are qualified. Approval of State Tests or Assessments (§ 668.143) This section will be moved to 34 CFR 668.144. Application for Test Approval (§ 668.144) Current Rules:  This section provides the approval process for tests submitted by test publishers. Proposed Rules: The rules would require test publishers to describe their process for certifying test administrators, their test anomaly analysis, or the types of accommodations available for individuals with disabilities. Reasons:  The revisions are being proposed because ED believes that it is important for test publishers to periodically review the content and specifications of the tests and to ensure the integrity of the test administrator. Test Approval Procedures (§ 668.145); Criteria for Ap

06-18-2010

June Commission Actions

MEMORANDUM June 11, 2010 The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) recently amended a number of its policies and procedures, found in Chapters I and III of the Accreditation Manual, 15th Edition.   The attached document shows those sections of the Accreditation Manual that changed, with the new language underlined and deleted language struck. These amendments do not affect accreditation standards, therefore no comment is being solicited and the amendments are effective immediately. The Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition, is effective July 1, 2010, and will replace the 15th edition at www.abhes.org later this month. Amendments to Chapters I and III of the Accreditation Manual

06-11-2010

ABHES 2011 Conference - Call for Speaker Proposals

The 8TH Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education February 9-11, 2011 We are pleased to announce that the ABHES Annual Conference will be held February 9-11, 2011, at the New Orleans Marriott in the infamous French Quarter. ABHES continues to strive to provide a variety of breakout sessions at its conferences that focus on issues relevant to allied health educators.  We are currently seeking presenters from the private education sector, preferably ABHES-accredited institutions and programs, to conduct breakout sessions at the 2011 Conference. If interested in submitting a proposal, please see the attached Breakout Session Proposal Guidelines for important details.  Completed proposals must be e-mailed by no later than Friday, July 30, 2010, to the attention of India Tips, Director of Accreditation Services, at itips@abhes.org with “ABHES Conference Proposal” in the subject line.  Results will be provided via e-mail to all who submitted proposals by September 30, 2010. NOTE:  There must be a complete lack of reliance on one “product” or methodology that could relate to sales.  Sessions must be training in nature and cannot directly or indirectly be used as a sales forum.  Any vendor interested in conducting a session should submit a proposal using the NEW Vendor Proposal Guidelines included with the Exhibitor Sales Kit.  If interested in exhibiting, contact Kelli Blocher, Accreditation Coordinator, at kblocher@abhes.org. Breakout Session Proposal Guidelines

05-31-2010

Call For Comment - Bylaws

05-18-2010

ABHES 8th Annual Conference

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The 8TH Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education February 9-11, 2011 We are pleased to announce that the ABHES Annual Conference will be held February 9-11, 2011, at the New Orleans Marriott in the infamous French Quarter.  This luxurious New Orleans hotel is located in the French Quarter, just steps from Bourbon Street, the Convention Center, downtown business district and iconic Big Easy attractions. Fresh from a recent $38 million renovation, the Marriott New Orleans French Quarter Hotel includes a new lobby with stylish wine bar, Starbucks Coffee Shop, gift shop and convenient bell and concierge stands. It is also home to the award-winning 5 Fifty 5, serving up a dining experience worthy of its French Quarter location. The following is a tentative event schedule: Tuesday, February 8, 2011- Accreditation Workshops Wednesday, February 9, 2011 – Membership Service Workshops & Membership Meeting/Pre-breakout sessions & Opening reception Thursday, February 10, 2011 – General Session with Keynote, Breakout sessions and buffet luncheon Friday, February 11, 2011 – Panel Discussion & Awards Luncheon

05-10-2010

N.W. Federation Conference

ABHES BULLETIN April 27, 2010 ABHES to Participate in N.W. Career Colleges Federation Conference The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) will participate in the accrediting agency session on Wednesday, June 16, 1-3pm, sponsored by the Northwest Career Colleges Federation at its annual conference.  The conference is being held June 16-18, 2010, at the Hilton Hotel, Portland, Oregon (503.226.1611).  Additional information on the conference can be found at www.nwcareercolleges.org. Michael White, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, will discuss the new accreditation standards and review their application to institution and to programs seeking ABHES accreditation.  Mr. White will also discuss state regulation of health care education with particular emphasis on what schools and the Federation can do to promoter responsible regulation of health care programs.  Institutions and programs accredited by ABHES are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about recent changes to ABHES accreditation policies, procedures, and standards and to address any comments or questions to Mr. White. As a reminder, substantively revised accreditation standards, including new program-specific standards for dental assisting and pharmacy technology programs, effective July 1, 2010, were sent to each accredited institution and program and are posted at www.abhes.org. Contact me at 866.463.0717 or cmoneymaker@abhes.org if I can be of assistance.

04-27-2010

April Updates

ABHES BULLETIN April 13, 2010 Remaining Accreditation Workshops in 2010  The following is a list of accreditation workshops being held for the remainder of the year.  As a reminder, for institutions and programs seeking a new (initial) grant of accreditation, and for institutions seeking a renewed grant of accreditation, the Commission mandates that a representative from each campus attend the accreditation workshop prior to submission of the Self-Evaluation Report (SER) and within one year of grant expiration for currently accredited institutions. Other workshops are also scheduled (e.g., evaluator training, program effectiveness plan) and can be found by visiting www.abhes.org and click the 2010 Workshop link found on the bottom of the left hand column on the homepage. Space is limited, so register today! Monday, June 7, 2010 – Las Vegas, Nevada (prior to CCA Convention) Initial Accreditation Workshop (9am-5pm) Renewal Accreditation Workshop (9am-5pm) Friday, September 24, 2010 – Chicago, Illinois Accreditation Workshop (9am-5pm) Wednesday, October 13, 2010 – Palm Springs, California (prior to CAPPS Conference) Accreditation Workshop (9am-5pm) ABHES Staff I am pleased to announce the addition of a new staff position at ABHES.  Ms. Patricia Laughlin joined us on April 5, 2010, as an Administrative Assistant.  Trish will work closely with Judy Burke, Office Manager, to ease the administrative work load, including serving as the receptionist, and she will provide additional office support for all staff.   Trish can be reached by e-mail at plaughlin@abhes.org. Opening Conference Video Posted We again wish to thank those institutions that provided photos for ABHES to use in its opening conference video, shown at the National Conference for Allied Health Education in January. The video was very well received and exemplifies what ABHES-accredited institutions and programs do best – educate students for careers in health care.  The opening video is now available to view on ABHES’ homepage at www.abhes.org.  Information on the 2011 conference is coming soon!

04-13-2010

Final Dental Assisting Program-Specific Standards

MEMORANDUM April 6, 2010 Following a series of three calls for public comment and consideration of these comments, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has approved as final the Dental Assisting Program-Specific standards. To this end, the ABHES Commission sincerely appreciates the hard work of the Dental Assisting Advisory Committee and the Standards Review Committee. The Dental Assisting standards, including a Summary of Distinctions between DA I and DA II, are attached as included in the Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition which is effective July 1, 2010. Attachments: Dental Assisting Summary of Distinctions Dental Assisting I Dental Assisting II

04-06-2010

Program Specialists in Demand

MEMORANDUM The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) continuously seeks program specialists to ensure a continued pool of qualified and trained individuals to serve on site visit teams.  Educators and practitioners in numerous health care disciplines are in demand, including: Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) Dental Assisting (DA) Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Medical Assisting (MA) Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) Nursing Pharmacy Technology (PT) Radiologic Technology (RT) Surgical Technology (ST) Practitioners are most in demand for the three fields ABHES accredits programmatically (MA, MLT, and ST).  Part-time or evening faculty may practice during the day and program directors, faculty, and externship or placement coordinators are urged to use their contacts at externship sites and advisory committees to solicit full- and part-time practitioners to become involved in the accreditation process. Additionally, individuals possessing an expertise in the use of distance education delivery are also in demand. While serving as an evaluator requires time away from work and home, the benefits of participating in on-site evaluation visits are immeasurable.  Not only does the training and participation heighten one’s level of awareness and understanding of accreditation requirements, but also provides the ability to observe from the inside how other institutions and programs operate. Participating on an evaluation team is an invaluable experience. Visit www.abhes.org, Evaluator link, to learn more about the minimum qualifications and training requirements.  Feel free to provide this information to individuals within and outside of your organization who you believe may be interested and qualified. All travel expenses are reimbursed and a small daily honorarium for participation on site visits is provided. Our next evaluator training workshops, one general and one specializing in surgical technology, are being held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada, prior to the Career College Association (CCA) convention. Visit www.abhes.org, Events link, for details and registration. Program specialists interested in becoming on-site evaluators should provide a letter of interest and current curriculum vitae to Laura Tache at ltache@abhes.org or send by mail to the address above.

03-16-2010

Commissioner Appointment Results

Commissioner Appointment Results Congratulations to Terry Humphrey and John (Jack) Yena on their recent appointment to the ABHES Commission. Ms. Humphrey returns for her second, three-year term and Mr. Yena begins his first, three-year term. Both new terms begin July 1, 2010. Terry Humphrey has been a practicing surgical technologist since 1986. She is employed by Baptist Medical Center South, Jacksonville, Florida, and is responsible for the coordination of equipment used, scheduling, and overseeing staff for surgical services sterile processing area.  Ms. Humphrey previously held the position of supervisor of the Sterile Processing Department for the same hospital and has also served for three years as a program director for the surgical technology program at Sanford Brown Institute.  She has been an active committee member and site visit evaluator for ABHES. Ms. Humphrey holds a certificate of applied science from Florida Community College at Jacksonville and is a Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Jack Yena is Chairman of the Board, Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he has served in several capacities since beginning his career there in 1963.  His distinguished career includes serving as President and Treasurer to the Career College Association (then AICS), Commissioner and Chair of the Collegiate Council for the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), Chair of the American Council on Education (Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials), and as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality & Integrity for the U.S. Secretary of Education. He has served ABHES over the years as a member of appeals boards. Mr. Yena earned both his bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island.

03-15-2010

Commission Actions - March

MEMORANDUM The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) recently took a number of actions as described below. These actions are separated by final revisions to accreditation requirements (those affecting accreditation standards distributed for comment in January) and glossary definitions, and a request for comment on proposed revisions to accreditation standards. Comments on the proposals are due April 15, 2010. Final revisions to accreditation standards and Glossary of Definitions (Attachments 1-4) apply to the Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition, and are effective July 1, 2010. The effective date of proposed changes (Attachment 5), if and when approved, will be determined by the Commission at a later date. All final and proposed revisions are in red. Final Revisions Chapter VI – Degree Program Standards………………………………………………......… Attachment 1 Chapter VII – Programmatic Evaluation Standards (Surgical Technology) ……………… Attachment 2 Chapter VIII - Pharmacy Technician Program Requirements and Standards………….... Attachment 3 Glossary of Definitions ……………………………………………………………….................. Attachment 4 Proposed Revisions (Comments due April 15, 2010) Distance Education, Appendix H………………………………………………………….......... Attachment 5 We look forward to your comments. Contact me directly at cmoneymaker@abhes.org or 866.463.0771 with any questions Please click below document for attachments 1 through 5: Chapter VI – Degree Program Standards Chapter VII – Programmatic Evaluation Standards (Surgical Technology) Chapter VIII - Pharmacy Technician Program Requirements and Standards Glossary of Definitions Distance Education, Appendix H

03-11-2010

California Law

MEMORANDUM March 8, 2010 As you are aware, on January 1, 2010, The California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009 (Act) took effect implementing new state regulations for private postsecondary institutions in California. The new Act contains provisions for approval by accreditation and with that approval the ability for institutions to make substantive changes as outlined in California Education Code section 94896. Keep in mind that in order for institutions to become approved by accreditation the institution must apply; this is not an automatic process. When an institution applies for approval by means of accreditation they need to submit a “certification" from ABHES that lists the following: a) Institutional Ownership b) Locations (main, branches and satellites) c) Approved Programs d) Accreditation Period e) Signature from the Accreditor Substantive changes may be approved by ABHES prior to being noticed to the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) only if the institution is approved by means of accreditation. ABHES allows for this process. If the institution does not have approval by means of accreditation, regardless of whether or not they are accredited, they must complete the regular substantive change process required of the BPPE. Once an application for approval by accreditation is approved, ABHES will be notified by the BPPE. Visit http://www.bppve.ca.gov/applications/approval_accredited.pdf for additional information or contact Joanne Wenzel, Staff Services Manager III,A California Department of Consumer Affairs at 916-574-7784

03-08-2010

Commissioner Election Result

Congratulations to Jim Buffington and Randy Nikola! Name: Jim Buffington Position:  President, Career Networks Institute, Costa Mesa, California Jim currently serves as an ABHES commissioner, having been appointed to complete the term of a previously elected commissioner.  He is active in the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, having served as its president.  Jim oversees the daily operation of Career Networks Institute and owns another institution specializing in cosmetology, both of which were founded by he and his wife. Name: Randall Nikola Position:   President and Director, Healing Mountain Massage School, Utah Randy currently serves as an ABHES commissioner, having been appointed to complete the term of a previously elected commissioner.  He is past president of the Utah chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.  Randy continues to serve as an instructor at his institution in massage therapy.  He has served ABHES as a program specialist and as a team leader on accreditation visits.

02-18-2010

2010 Conference Highlights

02-16-2010

NBSTSA Scholarship Winners

Winners of NBSTSA Scholarship Program January 19, 2010 Congratulations to the following students attending ABHES-accredited surgical technology programs on being among the winners of the 2009 National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Scholarships! Gwen O'Roarke, Sanford Brown College, St. Peters, MO Carolyn Venard, Anthem College, Aurora, CO

01-19-2010

January 2010 Commission Actions

MEMORANDUM January 14, 2010 At its December 2009 meeting, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) took a number of actions as described below. These actions are separated by final revisions to accreditation standards, previously distributed for comment; request for comment to proposed accreditation standards; and an informational section that does not affect accreditation standards but is, instead, are policy related. All final changes to the Accreditation Manual apply to the new 16th Edition, and are effective July 1, 2010. The effective date of proposed changes, if and when approved, will be determined by the Commission at a later date. All revisions contained on the attachments are in red. APPROVAL OF REVISED ACCREDITATION STANDARDS The Commission approved as final revisions to the Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition, the standards as described below. 1. Pharmacy Technician Program-Specific Standards Following a period of consideration by both the ABHES Standards Review Committee and the Commission, including careful review of comments received from its accredited institutions and programs and other interested parties, the attached program-specific standards were approved for institutions offering Pharmacy Technology education programs.  The Commission anticipates these standards will allow graduates of ABHES-accredited Pharmacy Technology programs greater career opportunities in the profession, including professional credentialing. The standards are effective July 1, 2010. See attachment A, Program Requirements and Evaluation Standards for Pharmacy Technician. CALL FOR COMMENT The Commission requests comment on the following proposals regarding proposed changes to accreditation standards.  Comments are due by February 25, 2010, and should be emailed to me at cmoneymaker@abhes.org or mailed to the ABHES office. 1. Degree Standards The Commission proposes changes to Chapter VI of the Accreditation Manual, Degree Program Standards. The proposed amendments are suggested to ensure consistency in format with the new Chapter V, Evaluation Standards Applicable to All Educational Programs (effective July 1, 2010) and to add a heightened focus on college-level and general or applied education.  See Attachment B, Chapter VI, Proposed Degree Standards. 2. Externships and Clinical Internal Experiences The Commission considered revisions to Chapter V, Evaluation Standards Applicable to All Educational Programs, Section A, and Chapter VII, Program Evaluation Standards for Surgical Technology, Section B, of the Accreditation Manual. Both sections are entitled Curriculum, Competencies, Externship, and Internal Clinical Experience. The changes are proposed to better distinguish between externship and internal clinical experience requirements.  See Attachment C, Program Evaluation Standards for Surgical Technology. 3.        Surgical Technology Program Standards Based upon recommendation by the Programmatic Committee on Surgical Technology, the Commission considered additional revisions to Chapter VII, Program Evaluation Standards for Surgical Technology.  These proposals reflect commonly accepted requirements in surgical technology education. See Attachment D, Program Evaluation Standards for Surgical Technology. INFORMATION ONLY 1. Amendments to Policies and Procedures in Response to the Higher Education Act In response to amendments to the Higher Education Act (HEA), the Commission acted to amend a number of policies and procedures governing its process as found in Chapters I-III of the Accreditation Manual. These amendments are necessary to fully comply with U.S. Department of Education Recognition Requirements.  See Attachment E, Revisions to Chapters I-III. 2. Programmatic Accreditation Eligibility Requirements The Commission considered the current requirements for eligibility to apply for programmatic accreditation through ABHES for medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology. Specifically, it reviewed the current eligibility criteria governing the percentage of the program that must be completed prior to an initial evaluation team site visit.  The new requirement increases the percentage and type of courses required to be completed. See Attachment F, Program Eligibility Requirements. 3. Surgical Technology Program Applications ABHES occasionally receives applications for new program approvals for surgical technology programs.  In an effort to assure consistency in public awareness of ABHES requirements and expectations for this program, any application for a Surgical Technology program approval will require the completion of a Self-Evaluation Report and a site visit. Any institution offering a Surgical Technology program will automatically receive programmatic accreditation upon a successful initial or recycle application. 4. Evaluator Honorarium The Commission acted to increase the honoraria provided to its on-site evaluators (team leaders and subject specialists) effective immediately, as follows: Previous                                             Current $125 per day                                     $200 per day 5. Electronic Submission Requirements The Commission acted to require electronic submissions for all responses to Commission actions, effective immediately. Hard-copy responses will not be considered.  Visit www.abhes.org, Forms link, Guidelines for Preparing Your Institution’s Response for specific information. 6. Elimination of Requirements for Financial Statement Submission As a reminder, the procedural requirements for obtaining and maintaining programmatic accreditation by ABHES have been amended, as outlined in the 16th edition of the Accreditation Manual. One amendment is to eliminate the requirement for submission of annual financial statements to ABHES from programmatically-accredited members (medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology). The oversight of administrative and operational compliance is handled by the recognized institutional accreditor, a prerequisite for programmatic accreditation by ABHES. The Commission believes continuing to require redundant submissions and initiate redundant reviews to be an unnecessary duplication for programmatically-accredited members. 7. National Conference on Allied Health Education – Don’t Miss It! The 7th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education hosted by ABHES is being held February 10-12, 2010, at the NEW ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit the ABHES website at www.abhes.org to register and click the Events tab found on the homepage to view the Program Preview (note hotel change since printing!) that contains information on sessions, speaker and times, as well as available sponsorship opportunities. Note that the hotel sleeping rooms at the conference rate have sold out. Due to the overwhelming response and increased attendance at the conference, additional exhibitor tables have been added.  Contact ABHES staff member Kelli Blocher at kblocher@abhes.org or 703.917.9503, or visit the website for more details! Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C Attachment D Attachement E Attachement F

01-14-2010

Important Update - Financial Requirements for Programmatic Members

MEMORANDUM January 7, 2010 Important Update - Financial Requirements for Programmatic Members The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools’ current edition of the Accreditation Manual (16th edition, effective July 1, 2010) does not include financial capability requirements relative to those holding or applying for programmatic accreditation by ABHES.  This oversight is handled by the recognized institutional accreditor, a prerequisite for programmatic accreditation by ABHES. Therefore, institutions holding or applying for programmatic accreditation are not required to forward financial statements to ABHES. We will inform the concerned institutions promptly should any changes regarding requirements for submission of financial statements occur.

01-07-2010

December 2009 Commission Actions

MEMORANDUM December 24, 2009 SCHOOL ACTIONS Below is a listing of final actions taken by the ABHES Commission at its December 2009 meeting. Actions that are not considered final, including deferral of accreditation pending additional information, do not appear on this list. More specific information on each applicant, including contact information and grant length, can be found at www.abhes.org. INITIAL INSTITUTIONAL GRANT College of Massage Therapy, Blackfoot, ID Covenant School of Surgical Technology, Lubbock, TX Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Concord, CA Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Fresno, CA Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Modesto, CA Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San Mateo, CA National College of Technical Instruction, Milwaukie, OR DENIAL OF INITIAL INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION (Appealable to Outside Appeals Panel) Medical Technology Institute, Edison, NJ Nursing Assistant Network Association, New Orleans, LA Training Academy 4 U, Ferris, TX INITIAL MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Keiser University, Lakeland, FL Keiser University, Pembroke Pines, FL Sanford Brown College, West Allis, WI Sanford Brown Institute, San Antonio, TX Southwestern College, Cincinnati (Northland), OH Southwestern College, Cincinnati (Tri-County), OH Southwestern College, Florence, OH INITIAL MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Spencerian College, Lexington, KY INITIAL SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Medical Careers Institute, the School of Health Science at ECPI College of Technology, Richmond, VA RENEWED INSTITUTIONAL GRANT Alegent Health School of Medical Assisting, Omaha, NE American Institute of Medical Technology, Tulsa, OK AmeriTech College, Draper, UT AmeriTech College, Provo, UT Baptist Health System School of Health Professions, San Antonio, TX Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Ultrasound, Mobile, AL Holistic Massage Training Institute, Baltimore, MD Lexington Healing Arts Academy, Lexington, KY MedVance Institute, Baton Rouge, LA MedVance Institute, Lauderdale Lakes, FL MedVance Institute, Nashville, TN MedVance Institute, Stuart, FL MTTI – WellSpring Center for Natural Wellness, Kansas City, MO MTTI – WellSpring Center for Natural Wellness, Lawrence, KS Ultimate Medical Academy, Clearwater, FL Ultimate Medical Academy, Tampa, FL RENEWED MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Everest College, Merrillville, IN Everest Institute, Grand Rapids, MI Everest Institute, Kalamazoo, MI Kaplan College, Stockton, CA Porter and Chester Institute, Branford, CT RENEWED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMATIC GRANT Sanford Brown Institute, Jacksonville, FL Sanford Brown Institute, Tampa, FL AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF LOCATION American Institute of Medical Technology, Tulsa, OK California College of Vocational Careers, Bakersfield, CA CNI College, Costa Mesa, CA Casa Loma College, Van Nuys, CA Dade Medical College, Miami, FL Goodwin College, East Hartford, CT Heritage Institute, Fort Myers, FL National Career College, Van Nuys, CA New Life Business Institute, Jamaica, NY Preferred College of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA Ross Medical Education Center, Port Huron, MI AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP-CONTROL Central Florida Institute, Orlando, FL Lincoln Technical Institute, Fern Park, FL Pittsburgh School of Pain Management, Pittsburgh, PA AFFIRMATION OF CHANGE OF STATUS Everest College, Merrillville, IN Everest Institute, Grand Rapids, MI Everest Institute, Kalamazoo, MI AFFIRMATION OF DISTANCE EDUCATION Sanford-Brown College, Collinsville, IL Sanford-Brown College, Fenton, MO Sanford-Brown College, Hazelwood, MO Sanford-Brown College, Houston, TX Sanford-Brown College, Middleburgh Heights, OH Sanford-Brown College, St. Peters, MO Sanford-Brown Institute, Atlanta, GA Sanford-Brown Institute, Dallas, TX Sanford-Brown Institute, Fort Lauderdale, FL Sanford-Brown Institute, Garden City, NY Sanford-Brown Institute, Iselin, NJ Sanford-Brown Institute, Jacksonville, FL Sanford-Brown Institute, Landover, MD Sanford-Brown Institute, Monroeville, PA Sanford-Brown Institute, New York, NY Sanford-Brown Institute, North Loop Houston, TX Sanford-Brown Institute, Pittsburgh, PA Sanford-Brown Institute, Tampa, FL Sanford-Brown Institute, Trevose, PA Sanford-Brown Institute, White Plains, NY Ultimate Medical Academy, Clearwater, FL Ultimate Medical Academy, Tampa, FL AFFIRMATION OF NON-ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAM Medix School, Smyrna, GA (Welding) AFFIRMATION OF NON-MAIN CAMPUS INCLUSION Heritage College, Wichita, KS Ross Medical Education Center, Sylvania, OH AFFIRMATION OF SEPARATE CLASSROOM INCLUSION ATA Career Education, Louisville, KY Dade Medical College, Miami, FL Heritage College, Wichita, KS Heritage Institute, Fort Myers, FL Pima Medical Institute, Colorado Springs, CO BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM APPROVAL Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ (Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science) Pima Medical Institute, Mesa, AZ (Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science) Pima Medical Institute, Mesa (East Valley), AZ (Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science)

12-24-2009

Call for Commissioner Nominations

ABHES BULLETIN This is notification of commissioner positions available for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) for election by the membership and appointment by the Commission. To assure that ABHES maintains the blend of commissioner credentials and experience required by its recognition by the United States Department of Education, the Bylaws describe specific, required qualifications with each of the eleven seats on the Commission.  The terms of office of four current commissioners will expire on June 30, 2010.  The four seats to be filled and the specific necessary qualifications to hold each of these is as follows: Elected Seats 3 and 4 – Ownership Representative. Requires current status as: (i) a sole or majority owner of a member institution or sponsoring institution holding programmatic accreditation, (ii) a member of the board of directors, a trustee, or an officer of a member institution or sponsoring institution holding programmatic accreditation owned or operated by a nonprofit entity; (iii) a person who owns a sufficient interest in a member institution or sponsoring institution holding programmatic accreditation that functions as a partnership or privately held corporation and who, therefore, has a direct and abiding interest in its performance and the quality of education it offers; OR (iv) an officer of a publicly held corporation that owns a member institution or sponsoring institution holding programmatic accreditation.  (Two seats available) Appointed Seat 1 – Practitioner in Specialty Area. Must be currently and primarily employed as a health –care-related specialist in a field for which ABHES is recognized as a programmatic accreditor by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.  (One seat available) Appointed Seat 4 – Public Member. An individual who is neither a health care–related practitioner nor directly affiliated with health care–related education as defined in the Glossary of Definitions to the ABHES Accreditation Manual as provided for in the Secretary of Education’s Recognition Regulations for Accrediting Agencies, 34 C.C.R § 602.3. (One seat available) Requirements and Responsibilities of an ABHES Commissioner In order to conduct ABHES business effectively, commissioners meet and participate in several activities throughout the year. i. Attendance at 2, 4-day Commission meetings. ii. Participation on at least one commissioner committee. iii. Participation in the annual conference. iv. Regular electronic- and/or telephone-accessed meetings and electronic voting. Candidates for commissioner positions possess strong verbal and written communication skills and a working knowledge of computer technology as regular access to school files and participation in other activities remotely is necessary. Commission meetings are typically held in July and early December and additional special meetings may be called as deemed necessary. The annual conference is typically held in February. Travel expenses for all Commission-related activities are reimbursed by ABHES with a modest honorarium provided for Commission meeting attendance. A commitment, willingness, and ability to give a substantial amount of time devoted to Commission activities outside of the scheduled Commission meetings is essential. Additionally, a sincere commitment to higher education, combined with high standards of integrity and impartiality, is mandatory.  A signed statement regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality is required prior to a commissioner taking office. Process The Commissioner Nominating Committee invites you to nominate qualified individuals for the positions described above, for 3-year terms beginning July 1, 2010.  The process for consideration of nominees, as outlined in the ABHES bylaws, is as follows. Following the Commissioner Nominating Committee’s consideration, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat(s) as an elected commissioner. Qualified candidates for election will be interviewed by the Commissioner Nominating Committee and placed on the ballot for commissioner elections. Voting will be conducted by electronic ballot and in person, on Wednesday, February 10, during ABHES’ Annual Membership Meeting, prior to the start of the National Conference on Allied Health Education at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the outcome of the elections, the Executive Director will provide to the Commissioner Nominating Committee nominations to consider for the appointed seats. Following the Commissioner Nominating Committee’s consideration, the Executive Director will notify any nominee who was deemed not to meet the requirements to serve in the open seat(s) as an appointed commissioner. Qualified candidates for appointment will be interviewed by the Commissioner Nominating Committee and placed on the ballot. Voting by the Commission shall be by secret ballot in a manner and time determined by the Executive Director. Nomination Requirements A letter of nomination and current curriculum vitae for the nominee must be forwarded to Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director, at cmoneymaker@abhes.org no later than January 5, 2010.  Nominations received after that date will not be considered. Information regarding ABHES, including a listing of current commissioners, can be found by visiting www.abhes.org. As always, ABHES appreciates your consideration of this matter and looks forward to your assistance in identifying the best individuals to fill these positions.  Please contact me directly at cmoneymaker@abhes.org or 866.463.0717 with any questions.

12-10-2009

Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Winner

ABHES BULLETIN ABHES is pleased to announce Sharonda Saddler, Allied College, Maryland Heights, Missouri, has been chosen as the winner of the Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship! Ms. Saddler is a full-time surgical technology program student and full-time mother of two. As noted in the nomination, not missing a single day of school, Sharonda has never greeted anyone with anything less than a smile.  Sharonda, in her own words, states “I want the best I can be for myself and daughters…I do not want to be a failure in their eyes.” The Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Committee, moved by Ms. Saddler’s story and by her determination to succeed, also expresses its sincere appreciation to the many high-quality nominations submitted. Choosing only one winner was extremely difficult. Ms. Saddler will receive the scholarship award during the awards ceremony on Friday, February 12, 2010, at the National Conference on Allied Health Education. The conference is being held at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 10-12. Congratulations Sharonda! Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Committee Christopher Luebke, Pima Medical Institute Dr. Dolores Gioffre, Public Representative Melvyn Weiner, Mandl School Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director, ABHES Michael White, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, ABHES

12-09-2009

Success Stories

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has always taken seriously its mission of ensuring that their accredited institutions and programs achieve and comply with the high standards necessary to effectively prepare students for careers in the health care industry.  Programs are measured by the competency of an institution’s faculty and staff, the amount of available resources, the quality of their training equipment, and the accessibility of externship facilities.  ABHES is responsible for ensuring schools are consistent in all areas pertaining to student instruction and training. Student placement is one of the highest priorities of any school and ABHES is honored to provide the leadership and expertise to guide schools toward the highest standards of educational excellence.  Through our annual conference, workshops, and regular bulletins, ABHES is always there to provide essential information relating to employment trends, health technology advances, and educational innovations.  ABHES endeavors to push their accredited institutions and programs to new heights by keeping them abreast of methods to better serve their students.  The ever-worsening economy has made it impossible for schools to be ignorant of what is transpiring within their sector.  It is critical that standards of education set by ABHES remain consistent and graduates are well prepared to enter today’s hugely competitive marketplace.  The good news is that graduates are continuing to achieve success despite the economic downturn -- and in very high numbers.  ABHES frequently hears stories from faculty and staff of graduates starting rewarding careers in the health care field based on the education they received at ABHES-accredited institutions.  ABHES has discovered that the best indicator of a school’s success is the success of their students and we have decided that it’s finally time to give these stories the audience they deserve. Jennifer Brown - BAPTIST HEALTH Schools, Little Rock, AR Alex Campas - Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ Donna Carr - Sanford Brown Institute, Jacksonville, FL Jessica Cook - Pima Medical Institute, Seattle, WA Katrina Dancey - Career Networks Institute, Costa Mesa, CA Kaye-Lynn DeCeuster - Sanford-Brown College, Middleburg Heights, OH Sharon Fielding - Ross Medical Education Center Cheryl Fullerton - Career Networks Institute, Costa Mesa, CA Janice Holloway - Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ Carol Jones - Pima Medical Institute, Las Vegas, NV Dennis LaValle - Pima Medical Institute, Seattle, WA Martin Leathers - Pima Medical Institute, Albuquerque, NM  Mari Montgomery - Hertiage College, Denver, CO Monica Roesel - Sanford-Brown College, Middleburg Heights, OH Crystal Sain - Allied College, Maryland Heights, MD Sapele Taavasa - Pima Medical Institute, Chula Vista, CA John Voorhies - Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ Brandi Webb - Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ Anna White - Ross Medical Education Center Debra Wilson - Ross Medical Education Center Sandy Young - Pima Medical Institute, Colorado Springs, CO Jennifer Yslas-Aguirre - Pima Medical Institute, Tucson, AZ  

12-08-2009

Call For Graduate Success Stories

ABHES BULLETIN October 23, 2009 Thanks to all that submitted graduate success stories to ABHES.  We have attempted to post to our website as many as possible.  It is quite gratifying for those of us at ABHES to read these stories and to acknowledge the continuing accomplishments of our institutions and programs in educating students to become an integral part of the healthcare system. ABHES again invites its accredited institutions and programs to submit graduate success stories to ABHES for continued website posting this year. Personal accounts of those who have gone through your institution or program to achieve professional success in their chosen fields should be the focus of the stories.  We are increasingly hard pressed during these economic times to find individuals who have beaten the odds and realized their dreams.  The stories will highlight the role that private postsecondary education plays in local communities by illustrating the type of highly qualified graduates ABHES-accredited institutions and programs are consistently able to produce. Please adhere to the following guidelines for submission: 1. Stories must be sent by email to info@abhes.org in a Word file. 2. A digital photo may be included within the story or as a separate file. 3. The deadline date for submission is November 25, 2009. To allow a diverse contribution, we request that a single campus not submit more than two stories and corporate organizations operating a number of campuses submit no more than five stories regarding graduates from like-named institutions.  For example, ABC Education Services operates 10 institutions, 8 with the name D Institution and 2 with the name G Institution.  No more than 5 stories from D graduates should be submitted and the campuses should vary. About ABHES: The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is recognized by the United States Secretary of Education for the accreditation of private, postsecondary  institutions in the United States offering predominantly allied health education programs and the programmatic accreditation of medical assistant, medical laboratory technician and surgical technology programs leading to a certificate, diploma, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Occupational Science, or academic associate degrees and programs offered by distance delivery.

10-23-2009

Richard Luebke Sr. Memorial Scholarship Program

ABHES BULLETIN With colleges back in full swing and enrollment numbers high, you have most likely seen many new faces at your campuses. Is there an outstanding student you feel is deserving of the Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship?  ABHES continues to seek nominees for this award which honors Dick, a former colleague and friend to many, and a huge supporter of postsecondary, private education. I would also like to thank those of you who have contributed your support to this scholarship by making a donation. If you would like to nominate a student or make a donation, please refer to the attached summary of the scholarship program outlining complete details. The deadline for both nominations and donations is November 15, 2009. The scholarship will be presented at the National Conference on Allied Health Education, sponsored by ABHES, taking place February 10–12, 2010, in Las Vegas. Please contact Carol Moneymaker with any questions. Please click below to download the attached Summary of Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Program information: Summary of Richard L. Luebke Memorial Scholarship Program

10-15-2009

Master Teacher Award

Master Teacher Award 2010 Elsevier, the world's leading health careers publisher, is pleased to team up with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), to present the sixth Master Teacher Award. The Master Teacher Award recognizes best practices in teaching in the allied health disciplines.  Examples of suitable best practices include, but are not limited to:  Effective or unique teaching methods  Successful practices for teaching special populations  Effective integration of clinical experiences  Unique use of multimedia and e-learning tools One winning entry will be selected by representatives from Elsevier and ABHES. The recipient of the Master Teacher Award 2010 will attend the National Conference on Allied Health Education in Las Vegas on February 10-12, 2010, as a guest* of Elsevier and ABHES and will present his or her winning practice to attendees during the Awards Ceremony.  In addition, the recipient will receive a $500 cash prize. *Includes conference registration fee, airfare and hotel. Eligibility Criteria Full- or part-time teachers in health careers programs at ABHES-accredited schools are eligible for the Master Teacher Award.  Teachers may be nominated by the School Director, Director of Education, or Program Director.  By submitting a best practice idea, the school, administrator, and teacher agree to allow Elsevier and ABHES to publish the entries to share the practice with other health careers educators. The winner agrees to attend the 2010 National Conference and present their winning practice to conference attendees as specified above. Submission Guidelines Entries should not exceed four pages of explanation and two pages of supplemental data (photos, charts, screen shots, PowerPoint slides, etc.).  Submissions should include the attached entry form plus descriptions of the following:  Purpose of the practice  Beneficiaries of the practice  Results from implementation of the practice *Limit of two entries per school Entries must be received by November 2, 2009.  Submit entries electronically to: Tricia Schroeder t.schroeder@elsevier.com The 2010 Master Teacher Award winner will be notified by December 1, 2009.  Other applicants will be contacted by December 30. Questions?  Please contact Tricia Schroeder at t.schroeder@elsevier.com or (314) 447-8427. Please download the Master Teacher Award Guidelines and Entry Form below: Master Teacher Award 2010 Guidelines and Entry Form

10-09-2009

H1N1 Influenza Virus Awareness

10-02-2009

Constitution Day

ABHES BULLETIN On Thursday, September 17, 2009, we celebrate Constitution Day. Institutions receiving Federal funding, including Title IV financial aid, are required to hold a program pertaining to the United States Constitution for all students attending the institution. Examples of activities that meet the requirement are readings of the constitution aloud in a group setting; displaying posters throughout the institution with articles and asking students to comment in writing on a particular amendment, and playing games that include questions about the constitution. The regulations for complying with Constitution Day, issued by the U.S. Department of Education in May 2005 allow institutions the ability to be creative with their activities. Visit The National Constitution Center at www.constitutioncenter.org for additional information and to obtain educational materials to assist in developing your program. If you would like to download the entire bulletin, please click below: Constitution Day

09-14-2009

Message from Robert Johnson

Message from Robert Johnson, Executive Director of (CAPPS), to Carol Moneymaker, Executive Director of ABHES September 12, 2009 At 1:15 am Saturday, September 12, 2009, the California State Assembly passed AB 48. This comes after the State Senate passed AB 48 several hours earlier in the evening yesterday. This action virtually assures that California will have an oversight law effective Jan.1 2010. The California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) is thrilled that after the last five years of attempting to replace the former set of laws that lead to California having a reputation as a State that was anti-school, we have a law that is tough but fair. I know you have been following our struggle and I wanted you to be among the first to know. We will be sending out more formal notices shortly but feel free to forward this email. We have many to thank for this hard won victory, especially faithful CAPPS members who have, lobbied, written, emailed, phoned, faxed and did everything except send carrier pigeons are our behalf over the last five years. We are so grateful. Thank you, thank you. All your hard work has finally paid off. I think this will be the most joyous Annual Conference that we have had in a long time and I look forward to seeing you there. We have confirmed the author of AB 48 will be speaking. Most Fond Regards, Robert SAVE THE DATE CAPPS Annual Conference: October 14-16, 2009 Los Angeles, CA www.cappsonline.org

09-14-2009

2008-2009 Annual Reports Posted

The ABHES Annual Report is ready for your completion! Please visit www.abhes.org, FORMS, Annual Report, to download the 2008-2009 Annual Report and applicable forms.  Institutions and programs accredited by ABHES are required to submit the completed Annual Report, including all required documentation, both on CD-Rom or Flash Drive and one hard copy. All information is due on or before Friday, October 30, 2009.  No extensions for submission will be granted. Again, please save all documents to a CD-Rom or Flash Drive as “JPG, TIP, or Microsoft-Compatible” files to ensure that all documents are legible and organized.  If the documents are scanned per page and consist of more than two pages, please combine them into one document for ease of electronic review. When saving to a CD-Rom or Flash Drive, a separate computer file is to be made and appropriately labeled for the Annual Report and the other required documents. Each document should be named according to its contents, in other words, the total number of files on the CD-Rom or Flash Drive is dependent on the report plus the number of documents saved. All of the following items are required to be submitted on CD-Rom or Flash Drive as outlined above, plus one hard copy: • Current Catalog • Audited Financial Statements (institutional members only) • Ownership/Control Disclosure Form • Financial Delineation Form • Authorized Institutional Representative Form (if applicable) • Completed Annual Report The annual sustaining fee must accompany the submission of the CD-Rom or Flash Drive and hard copy report and requisite attachments. Important Information Regarding the 2008-2009 Annual Report Annual Report Verification Process  Supporting documentation for reported outcomes is not required to be submitted with the Annual Report but, instead, a random selection of institutions and programs will be made and those chosen will be required to submit all pertinent documentation to support the retention, credentialing/licensure, and placement rates listed in the corresponding Annual Report. Notification of selection for the Annual Report verification process will be forwarded to those selected to participate, and they will be required to submit applicable supporting documentation to ABHES within 15 calendar days from the date of the notification letter. As always, accredited institutions and programs will be required to provide the Annual Report supporting documentation to the evaluation team members (e.g. recycle, unannounced, or change visits) for verification purposes during on-site visits.  Therefore, it is necessary that all institutions and programs maintain complete back-up documentation to verify all statistics reported in the Annual Report. Programmatic Accreditation A programmatic Annual Report for each program (MA, MLT and ST) must be completed by all institutions holding programmatic accreditation for medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and/or surgical technology that are not institutionally-accredited by ABHES. Institutional Accreditation Those institutions holding both institutional and surgical technology programmatic accreditation need only complete the institutional Annual Report as the institutional Annual Report includes specific questions (questions 17-24 of the institutional annual report) relative to surgical technology programs.  This section is to be completed by any institutional member that offers a Surgical Technology program. A few reminders: 1. Each main, non-main and satellite campus must complete a separate Annual Report and pay a separate sustaining fee. 2. Students taking a portion of training at an independently approved separate classroom are to be reported with the main or non-main campus to which they   are affiliated. 3. Extensions for submission of the Annual Report will not be granted.  Failure to respond to directives by deadline dates identified by the Commission may  result in a show-cause directive and subsequent withdrawal of accreditation. Again, all completed Annual Reports must be submitted on or before Friday, October 30, 2009. No extensions will be granted.  Please visit www.abhes.org, FORMS, Annual Report to download the required documents. Feel free to contact Amy Rowe at arowe@abhes.org or call the ABHES office directly at (703) 917-9503 if you have any questions concerning completion of the report.  Thank you.

07-07-2009

ABHES Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition

MEMORANDUM On behalf of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), I am pleased to announce that the Accreditation Manual, 16th edition, has been finalized, effective January 1, 2010, and is attached and posted at www.abhes.org. Those institutions or programs undergoing site visits during the first cycle of 2010, and completing the Self-Evaluation Report due this year, will be evaluated based upon the current standards they followed for completion of the Self Evaluation Report. However, it is the expectation of ABHES that over the next six months all currently accredited institutions and programs will work diligently toward full compliance with these new standards by January 1, 2010. As described in the Important Notice dated January 9, 2009, the substantive revisions to the accreditation standards include the following:
  • The separation of administrative and educational standards into a new Chapter IV (administrative and applicable only to institutionally-accredited members or those seeking institutional accreditation) and a new Chapter V (educational standards applicable to each educational program, whether institutionally- or programmatically-accredited or seeking accreditation). Degree standards now fall under Chapter VI.
  • Updated programmatic standards (medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology), now under one chapter (Chapter VII).
  • Updated program-specific standards, currently diagnostic medical sonography only, with additional standards coming soon. The program-specific standards also fall under one chapter (Chapter VIII).
In developing the revised accreditation standards, ABHES’ Standards Review Committee and the Commission considered carefully the comments to all proposals. The Commission is confident that this new Accreditation Manual is a culmination of best practices for accreditation of health education institutions and programs. The revisions focus more on each individual program’s outcomes; a focus crucial to the future success of the student. Complimentary orientation sessions will continue to be provided by ABHES throughout the country through 2010 to assist institutions and programs as they amend internal practices to comply with the new standards. The next session is being held in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 29, 2009. The workshop registration form is attached and posted at www.abhes.org. Currently accredited institutions and programs and those seeking initial accreditation are urged to take advantage of these sessions. Finally, ABHES wishes to thank Elsevier Health Sciences for its comprehensive and timely editing of the Accreditation Manual. If you would like to download the entire notice and/or TheAccreditation Manual - 16th Edition, please click below: The Accreditation Manual, 16th Edition - Notice The Accreditation Manual - 16th Edition

07-02-2009

New Website Launches

ABHES BULLETIN The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned Website!  The new Website features expanded content and is fully searchable with an array of user-friendly tools.  Our online visitors, member schools and programs, will now experience a more vibrant and seamless view of ABHES and its services.  In addition, the site provides visitors with a number of improvements, including ● Navigation that allows web pages to work in consistent ways through an intelligent search to looking for and know where they are within the website. ● Searchable directory of institutions and schools by program, school name, state, programs offered, method of delivery ● Attractive visual environment with a refined appearance focused on uniformity ● Easier to find and view calendar of events Thank you in advance for your input and enjoy your visit to our new site!

06-11-2009

Workshops & Joint Accrediting Agency Reception

ABHES BULLETIN As a reminder, the following ABHES workshops are being held prior to the Career College Association (CCA) Convention at the Marriott Orlando World Center Resort, Orlando, Florida: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009 Initial Accreditation Workshop (9am-5pm) Renewal Accreditation Workshop (9am-5pm) FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2009 Surgical Technology Programmatic Evaluator Training & Assessment Workshop (8am – 12pm) Team Leader Evaluator Training Workshop (1pm-5pm) SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2009 Revised Accreditation Manual Orientation Session (effective January 2010) (9am – 1pm) Joint Accrediting Agency Reception (5pm to 7pm) The Joint Accrediting Agency Reception on Saturday, June 13, has become a much anticipated annual event. This complimentary reception provides an opportunity for representatives from ABHES-accredited institutions and programs to meet ABHES commissioners and staff as well as other members from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). All workshops are complimentary with the exception of the Accreditation Workshops and all require registration. Please note that although we were successful in securing larger meeting rooms, space is still very limited. Don’t delay, register today! If you would like to download the Workshops and Joint Accrediting Agency Reception Bulletin, please click below: Workshops and Joint Accrediting Agency Reception

05-18-2009

Northwest Career Colleges Federation

ABHES BULLETIN The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) will participate in the Northwest Career Colleges Federation’s (NCCF) annual conference on June 3-4, 2009, at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington. Events ABHES will participate in include: Wednesday, June 3, 10am – 12pm (no fee or registration required) ∙ Overview of the revised Accreditation Manual ∙ Group and individual meetings with ABHES The revised Accreditation Manual, including policies, procedures, and standards, is effective for applications made January 1, 2010, and after. Soon to undergo final editing, the revised Accreditation Manual is expected to be posted in late June. Preview the key revisions to the accreditation standards and their applicability to institutionally- and programmatically-accredited schools during this session. Following the Accreditation Manual overview, approximately one hour will be devoted to answering any questions and discussing any areas of interest either as a group or individually. This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss with ABHES areas of interest to your institution or program. Thursday, June 4, 1:30pm – 2:45pm (registration through NCCF is required) Placing Graduates in Challenging Times ABHES will participate in a panel discussion focusing on the economic challenges facing our accredited institutions and programs and its effect on students. To learn more about the conference or to register, call 425/376-0369 or visit www.nwcareeercolleges.org. We hope to see you there! If you would like to download the ABHES to Participate in Northwest Career Colleges Federation Conference please click below: ABHES to Participate in Northwest Career Colleges Federation Conference

05-15-2009

Employment Trends and Responsibilities

We are all too familiar with the economic decline and the heart-wrenching, life- altering affects it has had throughout the country. As an agency accrediting institutions and programs preparing individuals for careers in numerous health care fields, ABHES too is concerned despite the employment outlook in health care careers overall. As an educator or administrator you have likely seen the positive outcome to the economic decline for your programs, which has resulted in a heightened number of individuals enrolling in need of retraining. This positive outcome however could be impaired with another probable result of the economic decline; namely, a decreased number of externship sites available to train your students, given hospital and other medical facility cut backs and closures. This trend potentially results in less employment opportunity for graduates despite client demand for services. Recent news of increased default rates adds to the dilemma. The ABHES Commission urges its accredited institutions and programs to consider carefully, and immediately, externship availability by program, as applicable, and the current local employment demand in the fields in which you train when enrolling students. The involvement of program advisory boards, program directors, faculty, externship coordinators and placement personnel in determining knowledge and competency demands is essential. Attached is a document entitled “Guidelines for Conducting a Market Survey”. We hope the guidelines will assist your institution or program in addressing the concerns noted above in this current and changing economic environment. Guidelines for Conducting a Market Survey If you would like to download the Employment Trends and Responsibilities Bulletin, please clikc below: Employment Trends and Responsibilities

05-01-2009

Flu Bulletin

News and updates on the Swine flu (now referred to as “H1N1 flu”), is changing minute by minute. To assist our accredited members’ staff and students in preventing this disease from spreading at campuses, we are offering the following helpful tips and preventive measures for you to share to lower the risk of contracting the disease: 1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 2. Wash your hands properly: • Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap. • Rub your hands together for 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Make sure to get between your fingers and underneath your nails. • Rinse hands with water. • Dry hands using a disposable paper towel. Wash your hands after: • Coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose • Using the bathroom • Taking out the garbage 3. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Then throw the tissue away. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your hands and wash your hands right away. 4. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread and how you can get sick. 5. Consider a facemask. If you live in an area where swine flu has been identified and you cannot avoid crowded settings or close contact with others, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the use of a facemask. 6. Maintain healthy habits. • Sleep seven to eight hours each night. • Exercise regularly. • Try to manage stress. • Drink plenty of water. • Eat nutritious foods. See the attached most recent posted update on human case statistics, by state. Additional information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key facts about swine influenza. SOURCES: • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clean hands save lives • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Recommendations for facemask and respirator use in certain community settings where swine influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission has been detected. • World Health Organization. Swine influenza frequently asked questions. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine influenza and you. • By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth If you would like to download the Flu Bulletin, please click below: Flu Outbreak

04-30-2009

Commissioner Appointments and Elections

On April 26, 2009, the Commission reappointed Michael Covone, M.Ed, RT (R) CT, to a second, three-year term beginning July 1, 2009, to the position of Appointed Seat 2 – Educator in a Specialty Area.  Mr. Covone serves as Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania College of Technology, in Williamsport Pennsylvania with specialty in radiologic science and distance education. The Commission also elected the following officers for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2009: Chair Guy Euliano, President, Tri-State Business Institute, Erie, Pennsylvania Vice Chair Michael Covone, MEd, RT (R) CT, Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pennsylvania Secretary Linda Swisher, EdD, Sarasota, Florida (Retired) Treasurer Florence Tate, President Emeritus, Potomac College, Washington, DC Commissioner at Large Michael Schafer, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Career Education Corporation, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Please join us in congratulating the commissioners identified above. Visit www.abhes.org for a complete listing of current commissioners. If you would like to download the Commissioner Appointments and Elections notice, please click below: Important Notice - Commissioner Appointments and Elections

04-27-2009

7th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! We are pleased to announce that the 7th Annual National Conference on Allied Health Education hosted by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) will be held February 10-12, 2010, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  More details including the preliminary program and registration form coming soon! Given the overwhelming success of our 2009 Conference and your feedback, the 2010 conference has a new extended format which promises more breakout sessions with dynamic speakers that feature topics of most interest and benefit to your institution, and more quality time to spend with exhibitors providing the products and services you most want and need! You will not want to miss the unveiling of the exciting and new changes being made at ABHES, including the newly revised Standards Manual, effective January 1, 2010,  new website, new look, and much, much more. If you are interested in leading a breakout session or know someone who is, please see the attached Breakout Session Proposal Guidelines.  We are currently seeking breakout session proposals for innovative and creative subject matter with experienced presenters. Completed proposals must be received no later than Friday, June 5, 2009. Mark your calendars and we hope you will join us for an exciting and always productive time in our return to the "Las Vegas City of Lights". If you would like to download the Breakout Session Proposal Guidelines, please click below: Breakout Session Proposal Guidelines

04-16-2009

New Appointment to ABHES Commission

Randall J. Nikola, President of Healing Mountain Massage School, Salt Lake City, Utah, has been appointed to the Commission of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) in a recently vacated ownership representative position.  Mr. Nikola is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is the Past President of the Utah Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.  He has worked actively with ABHES as a volunteer on site visits, both as a massage therapy specialist and team leader.  Mr. Nikola’s replacement term runs through June 30, 2010.  We welcome Mr. Nikola to ABHES! If you would like to view the entire document, please click the download button below: New Appointment to ABHES Commission

04-08-2009

New ABHES Commissioner Appointed

Randall J. Nicola, President of Healing Mountain Massage School, Salt Lake City, Utah, was recently appointed to the Commission of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) in a recently vacated ownership representative. Mr. Nicola is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is the Past President of the Utah Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.  He has been active working with ABHES as a volunteer on site visits both as a massage therapy specialist and team leader.  Mr. Nicola’s replacement term runs through June 30, 2010.  We welcome Mr. Nicola to ABHES! If you would like to download the New Commissioner Appoinment notice, please click below: Important Notice - New Commissioner Appointment

04-08-2009

ABHES Evaluator

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SERVE AS AN ON-SITE EVALUATOR FOR ABHES? March 13, 2009 The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) continuously seeks new evaluators to ensure a continued pool of qualified and trained individuals to serve on site visit teams.  Educators and practitioners in numerous health care disciplines including, but not limited to, medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, surgical technology, dental assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, and radiologic technology, are urged to become involved.  We are anxious for program directors, faculty, and externship or placement coordinators to use their contacts at externship sites to solicit individuals practicing in these fields to become involved in the accreditation process. Individuals possessing the leadership abilities to serve as team leaders, as well as people possessing an expertise in the use of distance education delivery, are also in demand. While serving as an evaluator requires time away from work and home, the benefits of participating in on-site evaluation visits are immeasurable.  Not only does the training and participation heighten one’s level of awareness and understanding of accreditation requirements, but also provides the ability to observe from the inside how other institutions and programs operate. Participating on an evaluation team is an invaluable experience. If you are interested in serving ABHES, please review the attached policy statement, “The Importance of Evaluator Training”, which provides such things as minimum qualifications and training requirements to serve as an ABHES evaluator.  Feel free to provide this information to individuals within and outside of your organization who you believe may be interested and qualified. All travel expenses are reimbursed and a small daily honorarium is provided. Our next evaluator training workshops, one general and one specializing in surgical technology are being held on June 12, 2009, in Orlando, Florida.  Attached is ABHES’ workshop registration form. Individuals interested in becoming an on-site evaluator should provide a letter of interest and current curriculum vitae to Laura Tache at ltache@abhes.org. ABHES is recognized by the United States Secretary of Education to accredit private, postsecondary institutions in the United States offering predominantly allied health education programs and the programmatic accreditation of medical assistant, medical laboratory technician, and surgical technology programs leading to a certificate, diploma, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Occupational Science, or Academic Associate degrees, including those offered via distance education. It also holds recognition by nationally recognized agencies for purposes of graduate credentialing and other graduate advancement.

03-13-2009

Commission Initiatives & Actions

On behalf of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), Happy New Year to all! The year 2009 promises to be both challenging and exciting for health education. Along with world-wide economic issues continuing to be at the core of all that we do, the increased need for health care has never so prominently been at the forefront of concern. If you would like to view the entire document, please click the download button below: Commission Initiatives & Actions

01-15-2009

Ferpa Updates (Compliments of DETC)

Final Regulations on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”) On December 9, 2008, the Secretary of Education published final regulations on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The final regulations is designed to implement amendments to FERPA contained in the USA Patriot Act and the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, to implement two U.S. Supreme Court decisions interpreting FERPA, and to make necessary changes identified as a result of the Department of Education’s (ED) experience in administering the FERPA. A notice of proposed rulemaking was published on March 24, 2008. The regulations are effective January 9, 2009. A copy of the final regulations may be found at: [url]http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2008-4/120908a.html[/url] If you would like to view the entire document, please click the download button below: Ferpa Updates (Compliments of DETC)

12-01-2008