Section 246-808-030. Accreditation of colleges—Procedure.

(1) Application and determination. A chiropractic college which desires to be accredited by the commission may secure an application form by sending a written request to the commission. The applicant shall complete the application form and submit it to the commission, along with any accompanying documents. Recent photographs of the college or the buildings in which the college is located shall be submitted with the application. Within one hundred twenty days after the receipt of the completed application, the commission shall consider the application, determine whether or not the college fulfills the requirements for accreditation, and notify the applicant, by mail, of the commission's determination. If the commission determines that the college is not approved for accreditation, the notice shall set forth the reasons for denial. The commission may withhold making a determination for a reasonable period of time for any justifiable cause upon giving notice to the applicant.

(2) Interrogatories. If the commission desires, it may request the applicant to answer specific inquiries. The granting or the denial of accreditation may be contingent upon the applicants' response to such inquiries.

(3) Oath. The answers to the inquiries in the application, and any other inquiries, shall be sworn to before a notary public.

(4) Inspection. If the commission desires, it may make the physical inspection of a particular college a condition for its being accredited. Reasonable costs for necessary on-campus visitation shall be paid by the applicant.

(5) Duration. A college which is once accredited shall continue to be accredited for so long as it fulfills the requirements set forth by the commission, or to be set forth by the commission. Upon receiving convincing evidence that a college has ceased to fulfill the requirements, the commission shall withdraw the accreditation of the college and shall inform the college of its reasons for doing so. A college shall inform the commission of changes, if any, in status which could reasonably jeopardize the college's qualifications for accreditation. Such changes shall include, but are not limited to, changes in curriculum, administration, faculty, classrooms and equipment.

(6) Revocation of accreditation. When the commission receives evidence that an accredited institution is not complying with commission criteria, it may, after meeting with institutional representatives, place the institution on probation. The institution shall be supplied with a written statement of charges setting forth the specifics of the noncompliance. The commission and chief administrative officer of the institution may agree on a mutually acceptable timetable and procedures for correction of the deficiencies or the commission may set the timetable. Should the institution not make the corrections recommended, or should further deficiencies develop during the probation, the commission may, after meeting with institutional representatives, revoke the accreditation of the college.

(7) Reinstatement of accredited status. Once the commission has revoked the accredited status of an institution, it must reapply by submitting either a new self-study or an updated self-study as may be required by the commission. The commission's usual procedure for applicants for initial accreditation and petitions for renewal is applied to petitioners for reinstatement. The visitation team report, hearing evidence and supporting data must show not only correction of the deficiencies which led to the disaccreditation but, in addition, compliance with the commission's criteria.

(8) Appeal. An appeal of a decision adverse to the college must be filed with the commission within thirty days of receipt of the commission's written decision. To be valid the appeal must contain a certified copy of a formal action authorizing the appeal, taken by a lawfully constituted meeting of the governing body of the institution. The appeal is based on a review of self-evaluation documents, catalog, visitor's report, institution's response to visitor's report, predecision hearing of the commission and commission decision. Alleged improvements effective subsequent to the evaluation which can be verified only through another on-site visit provide the basis for another evaluation, not for an appeal. An appeal does not include a dispute on a finding of fact unless appellant presents a valid reason showing the finding is clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative and substantial evidence on the whole record before the commission. The commission shall meet to consider the appeal at its earliest opportunity, and send a formal reply to the appealing college within thirty days of such meeting, unless it extends the time for good cause shown.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.25 RCW. WSR 96-16-074, § 246-808-030, filed 8/6/96, effective 9/6/96.]

Chapter 18.25 RCW. WSR 96-16-074, § 246-808-030, filed 8/6/96, effective 9/6/96.