ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR

ACPE ACCREDITATION OF PROFESSIONAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

June 2024

Table of Contents

Definitions

1. Scope of Accreditation

2. External Recognition of ACPE

3. Accreditation Standards and Guidelines

4. Review, Revision, and Establishment of Standards

5. Eligibility for ACPE Accreditation

6. Types of Accreditation Status and Notification of Accrediting Decisions

7. Reference to Accreditation

8. Disclosure of Program Information

9. Procedure for Achievement and Maintenance of Accreditation

10. Conflict of Interest Policy

11. Evaluation and Operational Procedures

12. Substantive Change

13. Adverse Accreditation Action

14. Appeal Procedure for an Adverse Accreditation Action

15. Forum for Litigation

16. Teach-Out Plans and Teach-Out Agreements

17. Record Keeping Procedure for Preaccredited and Accredited Degree Programs

18. Fees

19. Assistance in Accreditation Matters

20. Complaints Regarding an Accredited Program

21. Complaints Regarding ACPE

22. Decisions of Other Accrediting and State Agencies and Relationship to ACPE Accreditation

23. Reporting to the U.S. Department of Education

24. Student Charges

25. Updates to the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs

26. Board Member Training

Addendum 1: Clarification of Standards

1.1 Use of Non-Pharmacist Preceptors in Enhancement of Interprofessional Practice-Based

Educational Experiences

1.2 Simulations for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences

1.3 Enrollment in Non-Traditional (Post-Bac) Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Addendum 2: Adverse Action Policies and Procedures: Summary of Key Steps

Addendum 3: Procedure for Application for New Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Addendum 4: ACPE Travel Guidelines for Site Visits

Addendum 5: Guidelines to Substantive Change Policies and Procedures

Addendum 6: Guidelines for Interim Reports during the Accreditation Term

Addendum 7: Programmatic Teach-Out Plan Form

Addendum 8: Conflict of Interest Template

Addendum 9: Interpretation and Additional Guidance Statement #1 for Standards 2016

Addendum 10: Accreditation Manual with Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation

Definitions

The definitions provided below define each term as it is used in the ACPE Policies and Procedures

and as it applies to ACPE business.

Accredited: the accreditation status granted to a Doctor of Pharmacy program that has

successfully achieved both preaccreditation statuses, produced at least one class of graduates,

and that has demonstrated continued compliance with all accreditation standards.

Accredited with Contingency: the accreditation status granted to a Doctor of Pharmacy program

that has been identified by the Board as having standard(s) still in need of development but

expected to be addressed within one (1) year.

Accredited with Probation: the accreditation status granted to a Doctor of Pharmacy program

that has been identified by the Board as being partially or non-compliant with one or more

accreditation standard and that has not made adequate progress towards bringing the standard(s)

into compliance.

Accreditation: the status of public recognition that ACPE grants to a Doctor of Pharmacy program

that meets ACPE’s requirements for such recognition; includes Precandidate, Candidate, and

Accredited, and Accredited with Probation.

ACPE: the acronym for the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education; refers to the

organization as a whole.

Administrative warning: action taken for failure to meet administrative requirements set forth by

ACPE (see paragraph 6.4).

Adverse accreditation action: denial or withdrawal of a program’s accreditation by ACPE.

A&R: Action and Recommendations; report sent to a college or school of pharmacy detailing the

final accreditation actions taken by the ACPE Board of Directors.

Board: refers to the ACPE Board of Directors.

Candidate: the second of two preaccreditation statuses; granted by ACPE to a new Doctor of

Pharmacy program previously awarded Precandidate status and that has students enrolled but

that has not yet had a graduating class.

CHEA: the acronym for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

College or School: the academic unit housing the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Compliance/Compliant: no factors exist that compromise current compliance; no factors exist

that, if not addressed, may compromise future compliance.

iii

Compliant with Monitoring: no factors exist that compromise current compliance; factors exist

that, if not addressed, may compromise future compliance; OR factors exist that compromise

current compliance; an appropriate plan exists to address the factors that compromise

compliance; the plan has been fully implemented; sufficient evidence already exists that the plan

is addressing the factors and will bring the program into full compliance.

ETR: Evaluation Team Report; the written report generated by the on-site evaluation team that

assesses compliance with each of the accreditation standards as observed during the on-site

evaluation. The ETR does not represent a final accreditation action but rather is an evaluative

step in the review process.

Extended pathway: a formal educational pathway that surpasses four (4) academic years but

does not exceed 1.5 times the traditional program length (i.e., 6 years maximum).

Guidelines: guidance accompanying each of the accreditation standards to illustrate ways and

means of complying with the standard.

Institution: the regularly incorporated and legally empowered postsecondary educational

institution within which a college or school of pharmacy operates.

Non-compliant/non-compliance: factors exist that compromise current compliance; and

appropriate plan to address the factors that compromise compliance does not exist or has not yet

been initiated; OR adequate information was not provided to assess compliance.

On-time graduation: students are considered graduating “on-time” if they are able to complete

the program with their matriculating cohort or prior to the start of the next academic year.

Partially compliant/partial compliance: factors exist that compromise current compliance; an

appropriate plan exists to address the factors that compromise compliance and it has been

initiated; the plan has not been fully implemented and/or there is not yet sufficient evidence that

the plan is addressing the factors and will bring the program into compliance.

Preaccreditation: the status of public recognition that ACPE grants to a new Doctor of Pharmacy

program for a limited period of time that signifies that the program is progressing towards

accreditation and is likely to attain accreditation before the expiration of that limited time period.

The time period allowed preaccreditation (Precandidate and Candidate Status combined) by

ACPE is five years.

Precandidate: the first of two preaccreditation Statuses; granted to a new Doctor of Pharmacy

program that meets all eligibility criteria but that has no students enrolled or has students enrolled

but has not advanced to Candidate Status.

Program: a postsecondary educational program offered by an institution of higher education that

leads to the awarding of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Secretary: refers to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education.

Staff: refers to the ACPE staff.

Standards: refers to the ACPE Accreditation Standards and Guidelines for the Professional

Program in Pharmacy Leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.

Substantive Change: see paragraph 12

Teach-out plan: A written plan developed by a program to provide equitable treatment of all

students if the program should cease to operate, plans to cease operations, or the program’s

accreditation is withdrawn before all enrolled students have completed their course of study.

Teach-out agreement: a written agreement between colleges or schools of pharmacy that

provides for the equitable treatment of students and a reasonable opportunity for students to

complete the Doctor of Pharmacy program if an institution, a college or school of pharmacy, or a

college or school location that provides one hundred percent of the Doctor of Pharmacy program

ceases to operate before all students have completed the program.

USDE: the acronym for the United States Department of Education

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

1. Scope of Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredits the professional

degree program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree in the United States and in

other countries. Evaluation and accreditation of the professional degree program

(hereinafter “program(s)”) is in accord with Standards and Guidelines for the Professional

Degree Program Leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Degree (hereinafter “the

Standards”). Information concerning specific programs may be obtained by corresponding

directly with the programs listed in the ACPE Directory of Preaccredited and Accredited

Professional Degree Programs of Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy, available at

www.acpe-accredit.org.

2. External Recognition of ACPE

ACPE is recognized for the accreditation and preaccreditation of professional degree

programs by the Secretary of Education, United States Department of Education (USDE).

ACPE recognition by the USDE is based upon compliance with USDE criteria and is

subject to periodic review for continued compliance. ACPE accreditation serves to

establish eligibility for participation in a variety of federally funded programs, not including

eligibility for Title IV Programs, Higher Education Act, 1965, as amended. ACPE is also

recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for meeting its

recognition criteria.

3. Accreditation Standards and Guidelines

ACPE accreditation standards reflect professional and educational qualities identified by

ACPE through profession-wide dialogue and feedback as essential to the program leading

to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD). Based upon the several evaluative steps in

the accreditation process, the ACPE Board of Directors (hereinafter “the Board”)

determines compliance with the standards, likelihood of continued compliance with such

standards, and the eligibility of the program to be accredited. Guidelines are a derivative

of a particular standard and are provided for guidance and/or interpretation of the

standard’s intent and purpose. Guidelines are also presented to illustrate ways and means

of complying with the standards. Moreover, guidelines assist the program in demonstrating

compliance with the standards and assist evaluation teams in the application of the

standards to such programs. The guidelines also assist the Board in determining

compliance with the standards (see “Addendum #1 Clarification of Current Standards”).

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

3.1 Alternative Standards: ACPE does not utilize an alternative set of Standards,

applicable under special circumstances when an undue hardship on students

occurs, for the accreditation of Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs.

4. Review, Revision, and Establishment of Standards

The first ACPE accreditation standards were published in 1937 and have been revised

periodically, approximately every six to eight years, in keeping with changes in pharmacy

education and pharmacy practice.

ACPE maintains a systematic program of review that assures that its standards are

appropriate to the educational preparedness of the students and graduates and are

adequate to evaluate the quality of professional education provided by the program. The

systematic program of review is comprehensive and involves the community of interest,

allows for input by all relevant stakeholders, and includes examination of each standard

and guideline, as well as the standards as a whole. The review and revision process for

guidelines may be separate from that of the standards. The standards will likely be

reviewed approximately every eight to ten years, while the guidelines can be refined and

improved as needed based on stakeholder feedback and experience. If at any point it is

determined by ACPE that a change needs to be made to a standard(s) action for change

is initiated within 12 months. Completion of the revision process, so initiated, will occur

within a reasonable period of time and as soon as feasible, based upon the magnitude of

the change necessitated.

Action for establishing or revising a standard(s) requires that advance public notice of the

revisions proposed by ACPE be provided to all relevant stakeholders. A draft of the

proposed revisions is posted on the ACPE web site (www.acpe-accredit.org) and is made

available to the general public and to relevant stakeholders with an invitation to comment.

Relevant stakeholders include: the deans, institutional administrative and executive

officers, faculties, and students of the programs; state boards of pharmacy; educational

and professional organizations and societies affected by the accreditation process in

pharmacy; the leaders of national pharmacy student organizations; and the chief executive

officers of institutional (regional) and other programmatic accrediting agencies. The

proposed revisions are also provided to USDE. Comments on the proposed revisions

received within the published timeframe for the comment period are taken into account

and considered in the revision process. Subsequently, revisions are finalized and adopted

by the Board. The revised standards become effective on a date designated by ACPE

based upon the magnitude of the change necessitated. Notification of approval of revised

standards will be provided to all stakeholders in advance of the effective date.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

5. Eligibility for ACPE Preaccreditation and Accreditation

In order to be eligible for preaccreditation or accreditation, the Doctor of Pharmacy program

must be part of an independent college or school of pharmacy or a college or school of

pharmacy that is part of a legally authorized postsecondary educational institution that has

institutional accreditation from a USDE-recognized accrediting agency (or, in the case of

a new program, is seeking such accreditation). ACPE accreditation standards require

college or school to be an autonomous organizational unit, and the administrative structure

of the college or school must provide for a dean, who serves as the chief administrative

and academic officer. Evaluation for purposes of initial or renewed preaccreditation or

accreditation by ACPE requires an invitation by the chief executive officer or designate of

the institution. ACPE is prohibited from granting initial or renewed preaccreditation or

accreditation to any program offered by an institution subject to the following: (1) a pending

or final action brought by a State agency to suspend, revoke, withdraw, or terminate the

institution’s legal authority to provide postsecondary education in the state; (2) a decision

by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency to deny the institution accreditation

or preaccreditation; (3) a pending or final action brought by a recognized regional or

national accrediting agency to suspend, revoke, withdraw, or terminate the institution’s

accreditation or preaccreditation; or (4) probation or an equivalent status imposed by a

recognized agency. The agency may grant accreditation or preaccreditation to an

institution or program described in the paragraph above in this section only if it provides to

the Secretary, within 30 days of its action, a thorough and reasonable explanation,

consistent with its standards, why the action of the other body does not preclude the

agency's grant of accreditation or preaccreditation.

5.1 Retroactive Accreditation: ACPE does not offer retroactive application of an

accreditation decision.

6. Types of Accreditation Status and Notification of Accrediting Decisions

6.1 Preaccreditation: A newly instituted Doctor of Pharmacy program must be

granted each of the two Preaccreditation statuses at the appropriate stage of its

development. The standards are the same as those employed for accredited status;

however, Preaccreditation involves planning in accord with the standards and provision of

reasonable assurances for a quality outcome. A new program must achieve Precandidate

Status prior to beginning instruction of students.

6.1.1 Precandidate: A newly instituted program that has no students enrolled but

that meets the eligibility criteria (see “Eligibility for ACPE Accreditation or

Preaccreditation”) for accreditation may be granted Precandidate Status. The

granting of Precandidate Status indicates that a program’s planning for the Doctor

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

of Pharmacy program has taken into account the standards and guidelines and

suggests reasonable assurances of moving to the next step, that of Candidate

Status. Granting of Precandidate Status brings no rights or privileges of Accredited

Status. Public disclosure by the program of the terms and conditions of

Precandidate status is required (see paragraph 7, “Reference to Accreditation”).

6.1.2 Candidate: Once students have enrolled in a new program that is currently

recognized by ACPE with Precandidate Status, such program may be granted

Candidate Status by ACPE. The granting of Candidate Status denotes a

developmental program that is expected to mature in accordance with stated plans

by the time the first class has graduated. Granting of Candidate Status brings rights

and privileges of Accredited status. Public disclosure by the program of the terms

and conditions of Candidate Status is required (see paragraph 7, “Reference to

Accreditation”).

6.2 Accredited: Initial, Continued, or with Contingency: A program is granted initial

or continued accreditation if it has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of Board that the

program complies with the standards, and there is reasonable assurance of the continued

compliance with standards. A program is granted Accreditation with Contingency if a

program in Candidate status has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board that the

program complies with all the standards, but there is reasonable assurance the program

will be in compliance with standards within one (1) year. Graduates of a program with a

status of Accredited with Contingency will be deemed to have graduated from an

Accredited program. Accredited programs have the ongoing obligation to continually

demonstrate compliance with the standards. Public disclosure by the program of

accreditation is required (see “Reference to Accreditation”).

6.3 Accredited with Probation: A program that has been determined by the Board to

be partially or non-compliant with a standard or standards may be given the accreditation

status of Accredited with Probation at any time during the period of a program’s partial or

non-compliance. Graduates of a program with a status of Accredited with Probation will be

deemed to have graduated from an accredited program. Public disclosure by the program

of Accredited with Probation, along with the standard or standards found to be partially or

non-compliant, is required (see paragraph 7, “Reference to Accreditation”).

6.4 Administrative Warning: Administrative Warning is an accreditation status

assigned administratively when a program does not comply with administrative

requirements for maintaining preaccreditation or accreditation. These requirements may

include: (1) failure to pay ACPE any invoiced fees within the time limitation indicated on

the invoice; (2) failure to submit interim reporting or annual monitoring requirements by the

established deadline; (3) failure to submit the self-study no later than six weeks prior to a

scheduled visit; (4) failure to schedule an on-site evaluation at or near the time established

by ACPE; (5) failure to submit timely notification of a substantive change (see paragraph

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

12, “Substantive Change”); and (6) inappropriate use of the ACPE logo.

If staff determines that a program has failed to meet its administrative obligations as listed

above, the program will be notified in writing of each delinquency and given ten (10) days

to fulfill all outstanding requirements, after which continued failure to comply will result in

the imposition of Administrative Warning. Administrative Warning will be removed once all

administrative requirements have been met. Failure to cure any such delinquency within

the designated time period will result in a review for Board action at the next regularly

scheduled Board meeting and may result in the program being placed on probation (see

paragraph 6.3, “Accredited: Probation”) or subjected to an adverse action (see paragraph

13, “Adverse Accreditation Actions: Denial or Withdrawal of Accreditation”).

Administrative Warning is an administrative classification and is not subject to appeal.

During a period of Administrative Warning, a program continues to be recognized as being

preaccredited or accredited according to the last status decision and is maintained in the

Directory listing of preaccredited and accredited programs. In addition, the program will be

listed as being on Administrative Warning in all published documents that specify

accreditation status.

7. Reference to Accreditation

The preaccreditation or accreditation status of a program and other information as

specified below must be prominently disclosed by the program in its promotional and

descriptive materials, such as its web site, catalog, or bulletin. References must accurately

reflect the designation indicated in the current Directory of Preaccredited and Accredited

Doctor of Pharmacy Programs of Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy, specifically

Precandidate, Candidate, or Accredited, as the case may be. References to

preaccreditation and accreditation are regularly monitored by ACPE to ensure accuracy;

any inaccurate or misleading statements concerning the preaccreditation or accreditation

status of a program must be corrected immediately. Any time a program’s preaccreditation

or accreditation status changes, written notification of such actions shall be made to the

U.S. Secretary of Education, the appropriate state licensing or authorizing agency, the

appropriate regional and/or other accrediting agencies, and the public within the

timeframes as stated in these Policies and Procedures. Public notification includes

presentation on the ACPE web site.

7.1 Application: References to the effect that a program has applied or is in the

process of applying to ACPE for accreditation may only be made by the program once an

application has been formally submitted, fees paid, and the receipt thereof has been

acknowledged in writing by ACPE. Applicant programs must state only the following in

reference to the program’s accreditation status: “Name of Institution’s Doctor of Pharmacy

program has applied for accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy

Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603, 312/664-3575; FAX

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

866/228-2631, web site www.acpe-accredit.org. For an explanation of the ACPE

accreditation process, consult the Office of the Dean or ACPE (www.acpe-accredit.org).”

7.2 Authorization of on-site evaluation for consideration of Precandidate Status:

Authorization of an on-site evaluation for consideration of Precandidate Status does not

carry with it nor imply an accreditation status. The on-site evaluation is authorized solely

for purposes of gathering additional information to assist the Board in evaluating and

assessing the applicant program’s compliance with the standards.

Once an on-site evaluation has been authorized by the Board, reference to that effect may

be made by the program. Any such reference must state only the following: “Name of

Institution’s Doctor of Pharmacy program has been authorized by the Board of Directors

for an on-site evaluation to be scheduled during spring/fall YEAR for consideration of

Precandidate Status. Authorization of an on-site evaluation for consideration of

Precandidate Status does not carry with it nor imply an accreditation status. The on-site

evaluation is authorized solely for purposes of gathering additional information in

furtherance of an accreditation decision. Following the on-site evaluation, the Board will

consider Precandidate Status at the next regularly scheduled meeting, which occur in

January and June of each year unless extenuating circumstances exist. For an explanation

of the ACPE accreditation process, consult the Office of the Dean or the Accreditation

Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603,

312-664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631; website www.acpe-accredit.org.”

7.3 Preaccreditation: References to a program that has been granted a

preaccreditation status (Precandidate or Candidate) must state the only following in

reference to the program’s accreditation status: “Name of Institution’s Doctor of Pharmacy

program has been granted Precandidate/Candidate Status by the Accreditation Council

for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603,

312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631, website www.acpe-accredit.org.” An explanation of the

respective preaccreditation status, which will be provided by ACPE, must also be provided.

7.4 Accredited: References to a program that is accredited must state only the

following: “Name of Institution’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000,

Chicago, IL 60603, 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631, website www.acpe-accredit.org.”

7.5 Accredited with Probation: References to a program that has been the status of

Accredited with Probation must state the following: “Name of Institution’s Doctor of

Pharmacy program has given the status of Accredited with Probation by the Accreditation

Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603,

312/664-3575; FAX, 866/228-2631, website www.acpe-accredit.org, for partial or non-

compliance with Standard(s): PROVIDE STANDARDS. For an explanation of the

program’s Accredited with Probation status, consult the Office of the Dean or ACPE.”

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

7.6 Denial or Withdrawal of Accreditation: References to a program that has had

its accreditation denied or withdrawn must state the following: “Name of Institution’s Doctor

of Pharmacy program has been denied accreditation OR has had accreditation withdrawn

by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite

3000, Chicago, IL 60603, 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631, website www.acpe-

accredit.org, for partial or non- compliance with Standard(s): PROVIDE STANDARDS. For

an explanation of the denial/withdrawal of the program’s accreditation status, consult the

Office of the Dean or ACPE.”

8. Disclosure of Program Information

8.1 Directory of Preaccredited and Accredited Professional Programs: ACPE

publishes the Directory of Preaccredited and Accredited Doctor of Pharmacy Programs of

Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy (“Directory”) on its web site. The current

preaccreditation or accreditation status and accreditation history are indicated for each

program. In addition, the standards found to be partially or non-compliant during the most

recent programmatic review by the ACPE board is presented. The Directory presents the

name, address (mail and web site), telephone, and fax numbers of the dean of the college

or school offering the professional program.

8.2 Report of the Proceedings: Within thirty (30) days following each meeting of the

Board, ACPE will publish on its web site (www.acpe-accredit.org) the Report of the

Proceedings, which will provide information regarding actions taken by the Board as well

as a list of programs with upcoming scheduled reviews. Programs advancing from

Candidate to Accredited or Accredited with Contingency status will be published within five

(5) days of the close of the Board meeting. The report will state the accredited actions taken

and the accreditation term awarded to each program considered at the meeting and any

standard(s) found to be partially compliant or non-compliant by standard number and

standard title. The Report will also be provided to the Secretary and to other relevant

stakeholders. Coincident with the release of the Report of the Proceedings, ACPE will

update the USDE database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs to

match the Report content.

8.3 Sharing of Information with Other Agencies: ACPE shares information through

public documents, special notices, or upon request regarding the preaccreditation or

accreditation status of the programs it accredits, including information regarding probation,

any adverse actions, or the voluntary withdrawal of a program’s preaccreditation or

accreditation, with institutional and other appropriate recognized accrediting and state

agencies in conformance with applicable laws and ACPE policies.

8.4 Policy on Program Disclosure of Specific Information: A program accredited

by ACPE is required to post on its website the following information:

• The on-time graduation rate for the most recent graduating class in the single

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Doctor of Pharmacy degree pathway offered, i.e., the percentage of a class

cohort completing the curriculum in a specified timeframe (4-year campus-

based pathway, accelerated hybrid/on-line pathway, extended pathway, etc.);

• The most recent year’s NAPLEX® results for first-time takers as reported on

the NABP Website;

• A link to the NAPLEX passing rate data on the NABP Website; and,

• A measure of student achievement for the most recent graduating class as

determined by the institution or its pharmacy program. Examples include, but

certainly are not limited to: the number of students in a class cohort passing a

required “end-of-didactic” high-stakes examination before advancing to the

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences if such is required by the program;

the number of graduates in a class cohort entering residencies or graduate

school; or the number of graduates in a class cohort employed in the profession

of pharmacy within the state during the first year after graduation.

9. Procedures for Achievement and Maintenance of Accreditation

9.1 Preaccreditation:

A college or school seeking accreditation for a Doctor of Pharmacy program must

submit a written application to ACPE. Written instructions regarding format, length,

content, and timeline shall be made available by ACPE.

9.1.1 Precandidate: A college or school that satisfies eligibility requirements (see

paragraph 5, “Eligibility for ACPE Accreditation or Preaccreditation”) may apply for

Precandidate Status for the Doctor of Pharmacy program by submitting an

application supplied by ACPE and a self-study of the proposed program. The

application should be organized by standard and present plans by which

compliance with the standards will be assured. An invitation to evaluate the

program for purposes of granting Precandidate Status is required from the chief

executive officer of the institution. Upon submission of the application/self-study,

ACPE staff will provide an initial review for purposes of eligibility for accreditation

and may provide comments for the consideration of the college or school. If the

Board review of the applicant's application/self-study and other materials finds that

they are incomplete or do not otherwise provide sufficient evidence that suggests

that planning has taken into account standards and guidelines, the program will be

advised to defer its application and to resubmit an appropriately revised application.

If Board review of the application/self-study and other materials submitted suggests

that planning has adequately taken the standards and guidelines into account and

there appears a likelihood of success in obtaining accreditation, an on-site

evaluation will be authorized and scheduled in accord with standard evaluation and

operational procedures. The team report from the on-site evaluation, the original

application and self-study, and any updated information provided by the program

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

will be considered by the Board, and Precandidate Status will be granted or denied.

New programs denied Precandidate Status will have one opportunity for

reevaluation of the program’s readiness for Precandidate Status within the next two

consecutive Board meetings at which accreditation actions are taken (e.g., within

one year of the Board’s first review of the application). Reevaluation shall include

at a minimum an updated application, a comprehensive on-site evaluation, and the

payment of all applicable evaluation fees. Failure to attain Precandidate Status

within this period will require reapplication in its entirety, including payment of the

application fee and any subsequent evaluation fees.

9.1.2 Candidate: A program currently maintaining Precandidate Status and that

has enrolled its first class may be considered for Candidate Status. An on-site

evaluation will be authorized and scheduled in accord with ACPE standard

evaluation and operational procedures. The program will be evaluated taking into

account that portion of the program in operation, as well as plans for the remainder

of the program. The Board may grant or deny Candidate Status based on the

degree of the program’s development towards compliance with the standards and

guidelines. Initial Candidate Status may be awarded for up to a two-year term.

However, the Board reserves the right to award Candidate Status on a term less

than a two-year term.

9.1.3 Terms for Preaccreditation: Preaccreditation Status is awarded in accord

with specified terms and conditions, involving monitoring provisions that include on-

site evaluations. The Preaccreditation Status (the combination of Precandidate and

Candidate Status) of a program shall be limited to an aggregate of no more than

five years.

9.2 Initial and Continued Accreditation

9.2.1 Initial Accreditation: After graduation of its first class, a Doctor of Pharmacy

program currently maintaining a Preaccreditation Status shall be considered for

initial Accredited or Accredited with Contingency Status in accord with terms set

forth in the documents detailing the Preaccreditation action taken by the Board.

9.2.2 Continued Accreditation: The procedures for evaluation for purposes of

continuing Accredited Status are determined by the Board. ACPE will inform the

chief executive officer of the institution and the dean of the program of the approach

of a period during which re-evaluation would normally be conducted, as determined

during the previous evaluation of the program, presented in the last Accreditation

Action and Recommendation report, and published on the ACPE web site. The

customary on-site review cycle is eight years. The exact dates of the on-site

evaluation are established in consultation with the dean. Instructions concerning

the details of the evaluation, the materials required (e.g., self-study), and the

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

evaluative procedures employed will be made available by ACPE.

ACPE reserves the right to review programs for purposes of accreditation in a cycle

of less than eight years. Shorter review cycles are designed to monitor progress

on specified issues; however, the program retains Accredited Status. Such reviews

may be based upon a written report of progress from the program, an on-site

evaluation, or other method of review as deemed appropriate. An on- site

evaluation requires a self-study in accord with standard evaluation and operational

procedures. Modifications to the review cycle may be made for ACPE

administrative reasons, and ACPE will also consider requests from a program for

an alteration in the review cycle; however, the review cycle will not extend beyond

eight years without due cause.

Failure of a program to cooperate in any part of the accreditation review process

after due notice of the scheduled review has been given may constitute grounds

for a probationary or adverse accreditation action by the Board.

9.2.3 Continued Accreditation with Partial or Noncompliance: In the event that

the Board determines a program is in partial or non-compliance with a standard or

standards without cause for Accredited with Probation status, the program will be

notified in writing of the standard(s) found to be in partial or non-compliance.

Pursuant to USDE regulations with which ACPE must comply, the program will be

provided with a reasonable, written timeline for bringing the standard or standards

into compliance as determined by the Board based on the nature of the finding, and

the program’s stated mission and educational objectives. The timeline may include

intermediate checkpoints and may not exceed four (4) years unless extended for

good cause, as determined by the Board.

Failure of a program to cooperate in any part of the accreditation review process

after due notice of the scheduled review has been given may constitute grounds

for Accredited with Probation status or an adverse accreditation action, such as

Withdrawal of Accreditation status, by the Board.

9.3 Accredited with Probation: In the event that the Board determines a program is

in partial or non-compliance with a standard or standards, the program will be

notified in writing of its partial or non-compliance and may be given the

accreditation status of Accredited with Probation. Pursuant to USDE regulations

with which ACPE must comply, the program will be provided with a reasonable,

written timeline for bringing the standard or standards into compliance as

determined by the Board based on the nature of the finding, and the program’s

stated mission and educational objectives. The timeline may include intermediate

checkpoints and may not exceed four (4) years unless extended for good cause,

as determined by the Board. After giving a program adequate notice and

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

opportunity to respond to non-compliance with a standard or standards, the Board

may place a program on probation or take an immediate adverse action should the

Board feel such action is warranted.

In the event that a program is placed on probation, such probationary status and

the accreditation standards found to be partially or non-compliant will be published

in the Directory on the web site. Any response of the program to the accreditation

action should be presented in advance of the next meeting at which the program

is scheduled for consideration. The chief executive officer of the institution or a

designate, and the dean of the program are invited to personally attend this

subsequent Board meeting and present comments.

Written notification of a final probationary action shall be made to the Secretary,

the appropriate state licensing or authorizing agency, appropriate regional and/or

other accrediting agencies, and the public at the same time the program is notified

of the probationary action, but no later than thirty (30) days after the decision is

made. Public notification includes presentation on the ACPE web site.

Any program with the status of Accredited with Probation will, in addition to any

other interim reports or on-site evaluations, be required to submit to ACPE a

Teach-Out Plan that can be implemented in a subsequent withdrawal of

accreditation. Such a plan must address the needs of the program’s currently

enrolled students through their graduation (see paragraph 16.1 Teach-Out Plans)

9.3.1 Notification of Probationary Status: Notification of a decision (initial or

final) by the Board to place a program on probation shall be delivered electronically

to the chief executive officer of the institution and to the dean of the program

affected with a request for written confirmation of receipt. Such notification shall

provide a statement of the reasons for the probation action.

At the same time that ACPE notifies a program that it issues a final decision of

probation, ACPE will notify the USDE, the appropriate state licensing or authorizing

agency, the appropriate regional and/or other accrediting agencies, and the public

as required by USDE. The notification to the program shall provide a statement of

the reasons for the decision. Public notification includes presentation on the ACPE

web site (http://www.acpe-accredit.org/ ) within one (1) business day of its notice to

the program. The program subject to a final probation action must disclose such an

action within seven (7) business days of receipt to all current and prospective

students.

9.4 Alterations to the Established Accreditation Review Procedures: Under

circumstances as determined by ACPE that prohibit ACPE from conducting a

scheduled on-site evaluation of a program for purposes of accreditation, ACPE, in

cooperation with the program, shall identify and agree to an alternative venue or

format for conducting the evaluation in a timely manner. Should the circumstances

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

change after an alternative evaluation has occurred, ACPE will conduct a

comprehensive on-site evaluation as soon as possible. A program for which ACPE

has been prevented from conducting a comprehensive on-site evaluation within a

ten-year period will have its accreditation withdrawn, regardless of extenuating

circumstances. Should accreditation be withdrawn as per the terms of this policy,

ACPE and the program will work together to identify appropriate opportunities for

enrolled students to complete their course of study and allows their graduation

from an ACPE- accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program.

The chief executive officer of the institution may withdraw from preaccreditation or

accreditation status at any time through the withdrawal procedures outlined in

paragraph 13 of this manual.

Under certain circumstances, a program may work with ACPE to address a

circumstance that precludes the program’s compliance with a specific standard.

Circumstances applicable to the allowance for failure to come into compliance for

a period of time, as determined annually by the ACPE Board of Directors, not to

exceed three years unless there is good cause to extend the period of time include:

1) a natural disaster or other catastrophic event significantly impacting a program’s

operations; 2) accepting students from another institution that is implementing a

teach-out or closing; 3) significant and documented local or national economic

changes, such as an economic recession or closure of a large local employer; 4)

changes to state licensure requirements; and 5) the normal application of the

agency’s standards creates an undue hardship on students. The program must

show that the circumstances requiring the period of noncompliance are beyond the

program’s control. Resources necessary to achieve compliance with the standard,

policy, or procedure within the time frame allotted must be available. The program

must demonstrate to ACPE that the period of noncompliance will not contribute to

the cost of the program to students without the students’ consent; create any

undue hardship on, or harm to, students; or compromise the program’s academic

quality. For the avoidance of doubt, ACPE may extend the four-year period of the

time for non-compliance or partial compliance pursuant to Sections 9.2.3, 9.3,

11.5.1 and 13.3.2 of these Policies and Procedures for circumstances other than

what is listed in subsections (1)-(5) of this section, as long as the Board finds good

cause to grant such extensions.

10. Conflict of Interest Policy

Due to the sensitivity of its activities, ACPE employs a conflict of interest policy, applicable

to ACPE Board members, evaluation team members, professional staff, consultants, and

other representatives participating in or observing the program accreditation process.

Conflict of Interest statements are signed yearly by Board members and staff, as well as

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

prior to each visit or meeting by evaluation team members, consultants, and other

representatives participating in or observing the program accreditation process. Copies of

the signed conflict of interest statements are available on request. A copy of the conflict

of interest template is found in Addendum 8: Conflict of Interest Template.

When Board members are making any presentation in their individual capacity on a

subject directly or indirectly related to ACPE activities, the following statement should be

incorporated into materials and oral comments:

Disclaimer:

This presentation represents my personal views and opinions with regard to the subject

matter at hand. I am not making this presentation in my capacity as a member of the Board

of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The information

contained herein has not been reviewed by, nor is it endorsed by, ACPE.

For further information regarding ACPE, please refer to the web site located at www.acpe-

accredit.org.

11. Evaluation and Operational Procedures

11.1 Self-Study: For purposes of accreditation, submission of a program self-study and

completion of prescribed administrative summaries are required. The self- study

process should be in-depth and broadly based, involving a representative portion

of the program’s administrative leaders, faculty, professional staff, students,

alumni, practitioners, governing body, and other appropriate stakeholders. The

self-study should include: (i) required documentation and data as specified by

ACPE, (ii) a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the strengths and limitations

of the program, (iii) qualitative and quantitative information on both faculty and

student achievements, and (iv) provide evidence of outcomes that demonstrate the

program's successes in attaining its mission and goals, including success in

student learning. The self-study should (i) provide program description and

analysis, (ii) present findings and conclusions, (iii) appraise strengths and

weaknesses, and where deficiencies exist, (iv) outline plans for improvement, with

appropriate implementation strategies and timelines, and (v) provide the program’s

self-assessment of compliance with the standards. As an integral component of its

accreditation review, ACPE conducts its own analyses and evaluations of the self-

study and other documentation provided. The self-study should serve as a point of

reference for the institution's future planning.

To ensure adequate evaluation of educational quality and to effectively present

efforts to improve quality, ACPE requires programs to submit either a paper self-

study directly to ACPE using the Self-Assessment Instrument for the Professional

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Degree Program of Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy (the “Rubric”) as a guide

or to submit an electronic self-study through the AACP Assessment and

Accreditation Management System (AAMS). The Rubric is used by evaluation

teams during on-site visits to determine the team’s evaluation of the program’s

compliance with the standards. The final determination of a program’s level of

compliance with standards will be made by the Board.

All programs being evaluated by ACPE are required to submit data (raw data and

the analysis thereof) within each section of their self-study reports obtained through

the administration of the surveys developed by the American Association of

College of Pharmacy (AACP) with the support of ACPE for students, faculty,

preceptors, and alumni.

Members of the ACPE staff conduct workshops for representatives of those

programs scheduled for an accreditation review. The purpose of the workshop is

to orient and assist the programs in the process of the self-study, as well as to

other aspects of the evaluation procedure, such as use of the Rubric as the basis

for evaluation. Alternatively, a program may request assistance from the ACPE

staff by scheduling a conference at the ACPE office (no fee), or ACPE staff may

meet with the self-study committee at the college or school (with a consultative

fee). The staff consultation provides opportunity to assist with the self-study

organization and to offer clarifying and other information needed by the program.

11.2 Written Third Party Comments: Prior to each Board meeting, third parties will be

provided with an opportunity to provide written comments concerning

qualifications for accreditation for programs under review at the respective Board

meeting. Such notification of a comment period shall be posted on the ACPE web

site, and it is incumbent on interested parties to monitor the web site in order to

comply with the comment period.

11.3 On-Site Evaluation: Prior to the on-site evaluation, the self-study and other

pertinent materials are distributed by ACPE staff to members of an ACPE

evaluation team for their independent analysis. Evaluation teams include both

educators (one of whom is a dean of an ACPE-accredited program) and

practitioners and/or employers. The evaluation team will include two or more

selected individuals, qualified by experience and training and may include a

member of the ACPE Board of Directors. An ACPE Staff member of consultant

participates in the on-site evaluation by only serving in an administrative capacity.

Prior to their participation in an on-site evaluation, all evaluation team members

must complete training on the standards, policies and procedures, evaluation

techniques, and their role in the on-site evaluation. This training will include the

application of the Standards and Guidelines and Policies and Procedures in the

assessment of distance education programs. In order to be trained as an

evaluator, an individual must have held an academic appointment in a college or

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

school of pharmacy or be employed as a pharmacy practitioner for a minimum of

five years. Practitioners include individuals who are (1) employed as a practicing

pharmacist with no part of their employment funded by a college or school of

pharmacy; (2) serve as an experiential director at an accredited college or school

of pharmacy; or (3) employed by a national or state pharmacy organization such as

a State Board of Pharmacy. To remain eligible to serve as an evaluation team

member, trained individuals must complete periodic web-based modules designed

to provide training on any changes to the Standards and Guidelines, ACPE’s

Policies and Procedures, the evaluation process, or any other information relevant

to ACPE’s evaluation procedures. The dean of the program to be visited is given

opportunity to review the proposed team for potential or real conflicts of interest. A

member of the board of pharmacy of the state, district or territory, in which the

program is located, is invited to accompany the evaluation team as an observer,

thereby facilitating a better understanding of and engendering confidence in the

accreditation process among licensing bodies. A member of the appropriate

regional accrediting agency may be invited by the program to observe the work of

the team. The size of the evaluation team, the specific dates of the on-site

evaluation, and the number of days necessary for completion of the evaluation

are established in consultation with the dean of the program (see “Addendum #4

ACPE Travel Guidelines”).

Ordinarily, the on-site evaluation involves two to three days and includes interviews

with the dean and other administrative leaders, faculty, students, alumni,

preceptors, and university administrators. A survey is made of physical facilities,

the library and educational resources. Team members will be provided a standard-

by-standard evaluation form (Rubric) to aid in their review. At the conclusion of the

on-site evaluation, the evaluation team presents findings orally to the dean of the

college or school and to the chief executive officer of the institution, generally the

president or a designate. These findings serve as the framework for the written

Evaluation Team Report (ETR), which is furnished first to the evaluation team for

review and comment, then to the dean for correction of any factual errors, and

subsequently officially to the institution and to the Board for action.

The program is expected to demonstrate that it systematically obtains outcome

information, and that it applies this information to foster programmatic

improvements and to enhance student learning and achievement of the required

competencies. Other activities of the program may markedly influence the

instruction given in professional programs. Accordingly, the evaluation for

purposes of accreditation will include a review of other activities that may be

sponsored by the college or school, such as non-practice undergraduate degree

programs in pharmacy-related disciplines; graduate offerings including master and

doctor of philosophy degree programs in pharmacy-related disciplines; continuing

education activities; certificate or other non-degree programs; research and

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

scholarly activities; and professional and public service programs.

ACPE may rely upon the assessments made by a regional accrediting agency

concerning the basic science and general education components of the

professional programs. Additionally, the evaluations of the regional accrediting

agency concerning general institutional policies and central administrative support

may be used in the evaluation/assessment process. However, ACPE is not

obligated to consider the evaluations of any other agency.

11.3.1 Board Recusal: Any ACPE Board Member who has participated as a

member of the evaluation team for a program will be recused from

discussion and Board action on that program at the respective Board

meeting.

11.4 Evaluation Team Report: As a result of the on-site evaluation, a written

evaluation team report (ETR) that assesses compliance with each of the standards

and assesses performance with respect to student learning is furnished to the chief

executive officer of the institution and the dean of the college or school at a

reasonable time after the site team visit. The ETR also comments on the program's

areas of strength and areas needing improvement; mentions specific areas, if any,

where the program is partially or non-compliant with the standards; and may offer

suggestions concerning means of improvement for the program to consider. The

chief executive officer of the institution and the dean of the program are given

opportunity to correct factual errors and to comment on the draft ETR prior to

finalization and distribution of the ETR to the Board. The chief executive officer of

the institution and the dean of the program may also provide supplemental

materials related to standards identified as partially or non-compliant in the ETR

prior to the time the ETR is reviewed by the Board for action. Any such materials

must be received by ACPE no later than thirty (30) days prior to the start of the

Board meeting at which action on the ETR will be taken. The ETR is not an

accreditation action but is an evaluative step in the accreditation process. The

evaluation team validates the program’s self-study, providing the perspective of

an independent external peer review.

11.5 Accreditation Actions: Based upon the ETR, the self-study, communications

received from the institution, and, upon invitation, a presentation by the chief

executive officer of the institution or a designate and/or the dean of the college or

school, the Board determines the program's compliance with the standards, takes

an accreditation action (type of accreditation status and terms and conditions

associated with the accreditation status), and presents comments and

recommendations. A copy of the Accreditation Action and Recommendations

(“A&R”) indicating the accreditation status granted by the Board, along with stated

terms and conditions, comments, and the timeframe within which ACPE will

conduct its next on-site evaluation of the program is sent to the chief executive

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

officer of the institution and the dean of the program. ACPE staff will schedule on-

site evaluations within the designated timeframe as specified in the A&R. In the

unlikely event that an on-site evaluation cannot be scheduled during the timeframe

specified in an A&R, ACPE in conjunction with the accredited program shall

determine when such an on-site evaluation can be scheduled for a date falling

outside the timeframe specified in the A&R.

The ETR and the A&R are confidential documents and are considered to be the

property of the institution. Except in the instance of exercise of the appeal

procedure as provided in these Policies and Procedures, arbitration, litigation, or

as otherwise indicated in this paragraph, these documents will not be released by

ACPE to third parties without the authorization of the chief executive officer of the

institution. Without such authorization, the sole information available to the public

consists of that information contained in the Directory and in the Report of

Proceedings from the meeting at which the accreditation action was taken. If the

institution releases any portion of the ETR or the A&R, or releases any statement

concerning such documents, that ACPE determines requires public clarification or

presents a misleading impression, ACPE may publish an appropriate response or

require the release of such documents in their entirety. Except where

circumstances require immediate action, accreditation actions shall be made by

the Board only during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. Meetings of the

Board are currently scheduled for January and June of each calendar year unless

extenuating circumstances exist.

11.5.1 Findings of Partial or Non-Compliance: In the event that the Board

determines a program is in partial or non-compliance with a standard or standards,

the A&R will include notification of the finding of partial or non- compliance and

outline the requirements for bringing the standard(s) into compliance. Pursuant to

USDE regulations with which ACPE must comply, a program in partial or non-

compliance with any ACPE standard or standards is given a period not to exceed

four (4) years to bring all standards into compliance unless in limited circumstances

such time period is extended for good cause, as determined by the Board. Failure

to bring any standard found to be partially compliant or non-compliant into

compliance in a timely manner could result in Probationary Status or an adverse

accreditation action.

11.6 Annual and Other Reporting during the Accreditation Term: Program

monitoring between on-site evaluations is achieved by means of annual reviews,

correspondence, written interim reports, and focused evaluation visits as may be

requested by the Board. Programs are monitored annually through statistical

analysis of program information (including enrollment trends) and review of

graduates’ performance on standardized licensure examinations. Wherever

appropriate, the status that will require follow-up action by ACPE will be a value

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

greater or less (as applicable) than two standard deviations below the national

mean for the NAPLEX; percentages used in 11.6.3. reflect historical values that

are twice the national average for this benchmark.

11.6.1 Changes and Trends in NAPLEX

Outcomes: At least once per year, the

Board will review annualized data provided by the National Association of Boards

of Pharmacy (NABP) for the performance of graduates of accredited programs on

the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX

) for the purpose

of identifying changes or trends in outcomes that reflect student learning and

curricular effectiveness. For each graduating class, programs that have multiple

branches, campuses, or pathways to degree completion are required to provide to

NABP a list of student names and the respective branch, campus or pathway

designation. As applicable, the data provided to ACPE by NABP will include an

analysis of the performance of graduates segregated by campus, branch, or

pathway to facilitate a comparison of the respective outcomes. As described below,

ACPE will confer with applicable programs via written correspondence requesting

that they identify the cause of the change or trend and provide an action plan for

correcting any negative changes or trends.

11.6.1.a.

The program’s NAPLEX pass rates among first-time test takers must

equal or exceed ACPE’s benchmark calculated as the national average minus two

standard deviations. Effective July 1, 2025, if the College/School’s pass rate for

the NAPLEX examination falls below the national average minus two standard

deviations within a seven year period, the following actions will be taken:

1) following the first occurrence, a letter will be sent to the program requiring

that the program identify the root cause for the observed performance and

provide an action plan for correcting the negative performance observed;

2) following the second occurrence, the Board will request a focused

evaluation be completed to evaluate the program’s compliance with the

accreditation standards;

3) following the third occurrence, the program may be requested to meet with

the ACPE Board of Director to discuss steps taken to enhance NAPLEX

performance.

4) following the fourth occurrence, or as determined by the ACPE Board of

Directors, the program may be placed on probation; and,

5) following the fifth occurrence in a seven year period, accreditation of the

program may be withdrawn.

In accordance with ACPE Policy, the Board reserves the right to reduce a

previously awarded accreditation term, award a probationary status, or take an

adverse action at any point when there is documented evidence that serious

deficiencies exist and impair the program’s ability to achieve or maintain

compliance with a Standard(s) such that the Board is concerned whether or not

graduates of the program are competent to enter the next stage of their training.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

11.6.1.b. A letter may be sent to a program based on any other analysis indicating

a negative trend in NAPLEX

outcomes. (e.g., branch campus analysis, number

of first-time test takers failing NAPLEX).

11.6.2 Changes and Trends in Enrollment: At least once per year, the Board will

review data provided by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

(AACP) relating to enrollment of students in the program for the purpose of

identifying changes and trends in enrollment that may impact the ability of a

program to remain in compliance with the standards. Under conditions described

below, ACPE will follow-up with applicable programs via written correspondence

requesting that they identify the cause of the change or trend and provide an action

plan for correcting any negative changes or trends.

11.6.2.a. A letter may be sent to a program having a newly identified change in the

first professional year enrollment larger than 20 percent over a five-year period or

less. Situations in which a program is deemed to be in a period of transition will be

taken into account in a review of a program’s ability to remain in compliance with

the standards, particularly those addressing curricular effectiveness.

11.6.2.b. A letter may be sent to a program based on any other analysis indicating

a substantial trend affecting a program’s ability to remain in compliance with the

standards, particularly those standards addressing curricular effectiveness.

11.6.2.c. An increase in headcount enrollment of 50 percent or more within one

institutional fiscal year will be reported to the Secretary within 30 days of ACPE’s

receipt of notification of such an increase, in accord with expectations established

by the USDE.

11.6.3. On-Time Graduation Rate Monitoring: ACPE also requests annual

reporting of the following information regarding the most recent graduating class

from accredited programs and at least once per year, the Board will review the data

provided by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP):

• Matriculating class size for the first professional year of graduating class (e.g.,

for 2009-2010 graduates, entry class size in 2006-2007 for an academic four-

year curriculum)

• Number of graduates of the class completing the curriculum for each site and

pathway (i.e., campus-based, branch campus, online/hybrid) offered:

• Accelerated (less than 4 years)

• Traditional (4 years)

• Extended (between 4 and 6 years)

A letter will be sent to a program requesting that they identify the cause of and

provide an action plan for correcting any negative changes or trends if the total

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

attrition related to on-time graduation is greater than or equal to twenty- four percent

of the matriculating class size. This response should also provide an update on

graduation for the cohort (both actual and projected). For this purpose, attrition is

the total number of students who did not graduate on time for any reason, including

delayed graduation, academic dismissal, or withdrawal from the program.

Such a letter may not be required if the ACPE Board has received prior information

provided by the program that adequately addresses the matter.

11.6.4. Financial Resources: At least once per year, the Board will review data

provided by the program relating to the financial resources available to the program

for the purpose of identifying changes and trends in its fiscal viability that may

impact the ability of a program to remain in compliance with the standards.

Under conditions described below, ACPE will follow-up with applicable programs

via written correspondence requesting that they identify the cause of the change

and provide an action plan for correcting any negative changes.

11.6.4.a A letter will be sent to a program having a 10% decrease in its annual

fiscal year total revenue.

11.6.4.b A letter will be sent to a program experiencing a net reduction for two

consecutive years.

11.6.5 Job Placement/Gainful Employment: In July of each year, ACPE will

request from the college or school summary statistics of job placement/gainful

employment for the cohort graduating the previous year. This summary shall be

reported as percent of graduates whose primary pursuit is: 1) employment within

the profession of pharmacy; 2) employment outside the profession of pharmacy; 3)

post-graduate education or residency training; or 4) other/lost to follow-up. A full

accounting across these four categories (i.e., 100%) of the graduating class is

expected. How and when the data are captured to prepare this summary report is

at the discretion of the college or school; a brief description of the methodology used

to capture the data should be included with the report.

11.6.6 Other Monitoring: The Board may review data relating to other

programmatic outcomes, such as, the performance of graduates on other

standardized examinations including the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence

Examination® (MPJE®), to monitor changes and trends at colleges and schools.

ACPE will follow-up with applicable programs via written correspondence

requesting that they identify the cause of the change or trend and provide an action

plan for correcting any negative changes or trends.

11.6.7 Non Compliance with Requirements for Annual Monitoring: ACPE

reserves the right to reasonably request annual monitoring data and/or other

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

relevant information that allows ACPE to evaluate ongoing compliance with the

standards from any accredited program. Any program that does not provide data

and/or information in accordance with the above policies and procedures and

within the timelines specified in communications from ACPE will be deemed to be

in non-compliance with the appropriate standard(s). Where circumstances dictate,

accreditation action may be taken against such delinquency of a program other than

at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

11.6.8 Repeated Annual Monitoring Concerns: Accredited programs that

repeatedly raise the concerns of the Board in one or more of ACPE’s annual

monitoring areas will be subject to further action by the Board. If a program has

met any of the criteria for annual monitoring follow up in three or more years within

any five-year period, and has not previously appeared before the Board to discuss

previous annual monitoring concerns, the Board may, at its discretion, invite

representatives of the program to meet with the Board.

12. Substantive Change

ACPE is responsible for reviewing all substantive changes that occur between regularly

scheduled comprehensive on-site evaluations to determine whether or not the change has

affected the quality of the program and to ensure the public that all aspects of the

professional program in pharmacy continue to meet the standards. While the decision to

implement a substantive change is a program prerogative and responsibility, ACPE is

obligated to determine the effect of any substantive change on the program’s ability to

meet the accreditation standards.

It is the responsibility of the dean of an accredited program that is in operation and

proposes to implement a substantive change to provide written notification of the proposed

changes to ACPE in advance of the implementation of any changes. If a program is

unclear as to whether a change is substantive in nature, the dean should contact ACPE

staff for consultation.

ACPE’s definition of substantive change includes, but is not limited to:

• Any change in the established mission or goals of the institution or college/school;

• Curricular revisions or changes that represent a significant departure in either content

or method of delivery, from those that were offered during the program’s previous

accreditation cycle including:

• Development of a non-traditional doctor of pharmacy program

• Development of a joint delivery of program agreement

• Use of distance learning technologies or other unique methodologies to deliver a

substantial portion of the curriculum (e.g., 25% or higher);

• A substantial change in enrollment in the professional program (defined as 20% or

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

more in one year or cumulatively over two consecutive years);

• A substantial change in the number of clock or credit hours required for successful

completion of the program;

• A change in the way the program measures student progress, including whether it

measures progress in clock hours or credit hours, semesters, trimesters, or quarters or

uses time-based or non-time based methods;

• Entering a written arrangement under which an institution or organization not certified to

participate in the Title IV programs offers up to 25% of the program;

• A significant change in the length of the program;

• The establishment of an additional geographic location at which substantial

portions of the program are offered;

• A substantial change in faculty composition or size;

• Change in the legal status, governance, or ownership of the program;

• Changes in financial resources that could affect the quality of the program;

• Changes in leadership;

• Changes in organizational structure;

• Change in status with other accrediting agency;

• Any change that may impact compliance with a standard; and

• Any other changes that the Dean feels require notification of ACPE.

Documentation that the program will continue to comply with the standards must be

provided. The notification must allow sufficient time for evaluation of continued compliance

with the standards by ACPE. ACPE reserves the right to review and reconsider the terms

of accreditation in accord with standard evaluation and operational procedures or

appropriate monitoring, such as an on-site review (see Addendum #5 Guidelines to

Substantive Change Policies and Procedures for additional information regarding

substantive change reporting procedures). Substantive change notifications are evaluated

at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. A communication is returned to the School

following the Board’s review of the change and will outline any additional monitoring

required, any change in a standard’s rating of compliance, and notification of an on-site

evaluation, if warranted by the Board.

If a program fails to follow this substantive change policy and its procedures, the

accreditation of the program may be placed in jeopardy.

13. Adverse Accreditation Actions: Denial of Accreditation or Withdrawal of

Accreditation

13.1 Denial of Accreditation: Denial of accreditation will occur when there is

documented evidence that the plan for development is inadequate and exhibits substantial

deficiencies that are expected to prevent compliance with the standards within the five-

year developmental period mandated by the USDE.

13.2 Withdrawal of Accreditation: Withdrawal of accreditation will occur when there

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

is documented evidence that a program with any preaccreditation or accreditation status

(Precandidate, Candidate, Accredited, or Accredited with Probation) exhibits deficiencies

in achieving or maintaining compliance with a standard(s) and that the deficiencies are

sufficiently serious to raise concern as to whether or not graduates of the program are

competent to enter the next stage of their training.

13.2.1 Withdrawal of Preaccreditation Status: For a program with a

preaccreditation status (i.e. Precandidate or Candidate status), withdrawal of

preaccreditation will occur if the Board finds the program to be making inadequate

progress in implementing its plan to achieve full compliance with one or more

standards within the required five-year developmental time period allowed by the

USDE and after written notification to the program of the specific issues of

inadequate progress, the program fails to remedy all issues cited within the time

frame indicated in the notification.

13.2.2. Withdrawal of Accredited Status: For a program with Accredited status,

withdrawal of accreditation will ordinarily occur after the Board has found the

program to be partially or non-compliant with one or more of the standards, has

given the program written notification of the finding(s) of partial or non-compliance,

and the program fails to achieve compliance with the cited standard(s) within a

timeframe designated by the Board (not to exceed four years except in the limited

circumstances in which such time period is extended for good cause, as

determined by the Board). The four-year maximum time period to remedy all issues

of partial or non- compliance is required by USDE.

13.2.3. Consideration of Financial Information: Prior to a final adverse action

based solely upon a failure to meet a standard or guideline pertaining to finances,

a program may, on one occasion, seek review of significant financial information

that was unavailable to the institution or program prior to the determination of the

adverse action and that bears materially on the financial deficiencies identified by

Board. Any action taken with respect to the new financial information shall not be

separately appealable by the institution or program.

13.2.4. Immediate Withdrawal of Preaccreditation or Accreditation Status:

Regardless of the accreditation status of a program, rapid and precipitous

deterioration of the quality of the program may be sufficient grounds for the

immediate withdrawal of preaccreditation or accreditation after giving the program

adequate notice and opportunity to respond to findings of non-compliance with the

a standard or standards, whether or not a probationary period or other opportunity

to remedy issues of partial or non- compliance with the standards has been

provided.

13.2.5. Voluntary Withdrawal of Preaccreditation or Accreditation: The chief

executive officer of the institution may withdraw from preaccreditation or

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

accreditation status at any time. In the event of a voluntary withdrawal of a

program’s preaccreditation or accreditation status, ACPE will send a letter to notify

the Secretary, institutional and other appropriate recognized accrediting and state

agencies, and the public within 10 business days of receiving notification from the

institution or program that it is voluntarily withdrawing from preaccreditation or

accreditation. Additionally, should an institution or program let its accreditation or

preaccreditation lapse, ACPE will notify the Secretary, institutional and other

appropriate recognized accrediting and state agencies, and the public within 10

business days of the date on which preaccreditation or accreditation lapses.

13.3 Notification of Adverse Action: Notification of an adverse accreditation (denial

or withdrawal of preaccreditation or accreditation) action by the Board shall be delivered

electronically to the chief executive officer of the institution and to the dean of the program

affected with a request for written confirmation of receipt. Such notification shall provide a

statement of the reasons for the adverse accreditation action, along with notice of the right

to appeal and the time constraints for initiating such an appeal as detailed under Section

14 of these Policies and Procedures.

At the same time that ACPE notifies a program that has initiated or issued a final decision

to take an adverse action, ACPE will notify the USDE, the appropriate state licensing or

authorizing agency, the appropriate regional and/or other accrediting agencies, and the

public as required by USDE. The notification to the program shall provide a statement of

the reasons for the decision and offer the program an opportunity to make an official

comment on the decision that will be made available to USDE and other stakeholders.

Public notification includes presentation on the ACPE web site (http://www.acpe-

accredit.org/ ) within one (1) business day of its notice to the program. The program subject

to an initiated or final adverse action must disclose such an action within seven (7)

business days of receipt to all current and prospective students. For final decisions of

adverse actions, a brief statement summarizing the reasons for the adverse action, and

any official comments from the affected institution shall be made available to the USDE,

the appropriate state licensing or authorizing agency, the appropriate regional and/or other

accrediting agencies, and to the public via presentation on the ACPE web site

(http://www.acpe-accredit.org/ ) not later than 60 days after such final action.

13.4 Reapplication for Accreditation Status: Any time after the effective date of

denial or withdrawal of accreditation, the chief executive officer of the institution may

reapply for accreditation. The application shall follow the application procedure in its

entirety as detailed under policy 9 of these Policies and Procedures.

14. Appeal Procedure for an Adverse Accreditation Action

14.1 Right to Appeal and Retention of Accreditation Status: After receipt of notice

of an adverse accreditation action, the chief executive officer of the institution involved

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may appeal the decision of the Board to an Appeals Panel on the grounds that: a) the

Board’s decision was arbitrary, capricious or not supported by substantial evidence in the

record on which the Board took action; or b) the procedures used by the Board to reach its

decision were contrary to the Board’s bylaws, accreditation procedures or other established

policies and practices, and that procedural error prejudiced the Board’s consideration. The

accreditation status of the program existing prior to the entry of the adverse accreditation

action shall continue, pending the disposition of the appeal, and such status shall continue

to be reflected in the Directory until the appeal procedure is finalized. Notice of appeal by

the institution shall be in writing and delivered personally; by certified mail, postage prepaid,

with return receipt requested; by email; or by facsimile to the offices of ACPE within 30

days after receipt of notification of the adverse accreditation action of ACPE. The

appealing institution shall affirm its responsibility to undertake the costs of the appeal and

enclose a check for the amount equal to the current cost of a comprehensive on-site

evaluation as a deposit to be applied against expenses, as set forth in paragraph 14.3.1.

Such notice of appeal shall summarize the facts supporting the grounds on which the

appeal is based. ACPE shall promptly notify the appealing institution of the date the notice

of appeal was received.

ANY NOTICE OF APPEAL NOT FILED WITHIN THE 30-DAY PERIOD SHALL

RESULT IN A DISMISSAL OF THE APPEAL.

Both parties of the appeal have the right to representation by counsel throughout the

appeals procedure.

14.2 Members of the Appeals Panel

14.2.1 The Appeals Panel shall consist of no more than five (5) members and must

include: two (2) program administrators (a program administrator may include, but

is not limited to, a dean of an ACPE-accredited program); one (1) public member

(such as a former member of the Public Interest Panel or a former ACE appointee

to the ACPE Board); one (1) pharmacy educator; and one (1) pharmacy practitioner

and/or employer. One (1) member shall be selected by the CEO of the American

Association of Colleges of Pharmacy; one (1) member shall be selected by the

CEO of the American Pharmacists Association; one (1) member shall be appointed

by the CEO of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; and two (2)

members shall be selected by ACPE from former members of the ACPE Board of

Directors or former members of ACPE’s Public Interest Panel (maximum of one

former Public Interest Panel member can be selected). ACPE will select the public

member of the appeals panel. Other than the public member, each Appeals Panel

member shall have prior experience in pharmacy practice or pharmacy education.

Prior to sitting as a member of the Appeals Panel, each member shall have been

trained on ACPE’s Professional Degree Program Standards, policies and

procedures, including those related to distance education, in accordance with the

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Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

training provisions of Section 11, paragraph 11.3. In order to ensure currency, a

special training session will be held for all Appeals Panel members prior to the

convening of the Appeals Panel.

14.2.2 No former ACPE Board of Directors member shall be appointed to the

Appeals Panel by ACPE who participated in any manner while a Board member of

ACPE with respect to the adverse action taken by the Board against the appealing

party or who, under the policies of ACPE, has an apparent or real conflict of interest

with the appealing party.

14.2.3 No member of the Appeals Panel shall be a member of the Board or Staff

of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, nor shall any member have an

affiliation with the institution involved that would create an apparent or real conflict

of interest (e.g., alumnus, present or former faculty member).

14.2.4 Each Appeals Panel member will execute an agreement attesting to the fact

that he or she has no conflict of interest with the appealing institution or the

pharmacy program of that institution and agrees to hold confidential all matters

pertaining to the appeal procedure, including but not limited to, all documents, all

information and testimony received prior to and at the hearing, and the Appeals

Panel’s deliberations, unless a release of all or any part of such information is

mutually agreed to by the parties.

14.3 Convening of the Appeals Panel

14.3.1 Promptly after receipt of the notice of appeal, ACPE shall appoint the two

former Board members to the Appeals Panel, and, after consulting with officers of

the associations set forth in Section 14.2, shall notify the additional three individuals

of their appointment to the Appeals Panel. ACPE shall notify the institution that

initiated the appeal that the Appeals Panel has been created and inform it of the

names of the members of the Appeals Panel. The Appeals Panel can be convened

only on notice of appeal as described above. All reasonable expenses incurred by

the Appeals Panel, including, but not limited to, travel expenses (e.g.,

transportation, accommodations, and meals), shall be paid by the institution that

initiated the appeal. Notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a fee equal to the

current cost of a comprehensive on- site evaluation to be used against expenses.

Any necessary additional expenses shall be promptly paid by the institution that

initiated the appeal, and any surplus of the deposit shall be promptly returned to

the institution. The institution shall be provided with an itemized list of the expenses

of the Appeals Panel.

14.3.2 ACPE shall advise the members of the Appeals Panel of their

responsibilities promptly upon identification of the members. Once convened, the

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Appeals Panel shall designate a chairperson who shall conduct the meetings of

the Panel and shall act as the presiding officer at any hearings.

14.4 Appeals Procedure: Within thirty days of the receipt by ACPE of the notice of the

appeal, the institution, through its designated representatives, shall present a

written statement of its position to the Appeals Panel. Within thirty days after the

institution submits its written statement, the ACPE Board may submit a written

response to the Appeals Panel. A hearing shall be held at a date mutually agreed

upon by the parties and the Panel but not more than ninety (90) days after receipt

of the notice of appeal by ACPE, at which time the appealing institution shall have

the opportunity to make a verbal presentation for no more than 45 minutes,

followed by representatives of the ACPE Board which shall also have the

opportunity to present for no more than 45 minutes. Thereafter, the Appeals Panel

will have the opportunity to direct questions to and hear responses from the program

and ACPE. The written statements and presentations must be relevant to the

conditions existing at the program during the dates on which the site visit was

made and on which the adverse action was taken. New evidence that was not

considered by ACPE Board at the time of its decision, including improvement in

conditions and corrections of deficiencies made subsequent to the adverse action

shall not be considered. The hearing shall be recorded. Either party may, at its

expense, request such recording be transcribed.

14.4.1 Within an additional thirty days of the hearing, the Panel shall render a

decision. Consistent with the standard for review on appeal, the Appeals Panel

considers whether the Board’s decision was arbitrary and capricious or not

supported by substantial evidence that existed in the record at the time of the

Board’s decision, and whether the action of the Board was in accordance with its

established procedures. The Panel may (i) affirm, (ii) remand, or (iii) amend the

adverse action taken by the Board. In a decision to remand the adverse action to

the Board for further consideration, or to amend the decision, the Panel must

identify specific issues that the Board must address by providing an explanation

and basis for remanding or amending a decision that differs from the Board’s

action. If the Appeals Panel affirms the Board’s decision, the decision becomes

final at that time. The Appeals Panel shall provide a written report of the Panel’s

findings, which shall be submitted to the Board, the Executive Director of ACPE,

the chief executive officer of the institution, and the Dean of the program

concerned.

14.4.2 Where the adverse accreditation action being appealed is based upon

financial deficiencies, under the standards, the program affected may submit to

ACPE within ten (10) business days from the date of receipt of the adverse action,

any significant material financial information unavailable to the program at the time

of its last report (oral or in writing) to ACPE and request review of the adverse action.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

The right to submit such additional financial information is limited to one time only.

The ACPE Executive Committee will determine whether the new financial

information warrants review of the adverse accreditation action by the Board and

will notify the affected party in writing of its decision. If the Executive Committee

determines the new financial information does not warrant reconsideration by the

Board, the thirty (30) day appeal period set forth in this Section 14 for appealing

adverse accreditation actions shall commence upon receipt of the rejection of the

program’s request for review.

14.5 Final Action by ACPE

14.5.1 A decision by the Appeals Panel to remand or amend the Board’s adverse

action shall be considered by the ACPE Board of Directors at its next special or

regular meeting of the Board. The Board shall take final action consistent with the

decision and/or instructions of the Appeals Panel. A report of the final decision shall

be forwarded to the chief executive officer of the appealing institution, the Dean of

the college or school of pharmacy, and members of the Appeals Panel.

14.5.2 The Appeals Panel shall be discharged by the Board at the adjournment of

the regular or special Board meeting following the final action by the Board.

15. Forum for Litigation

15.1 Court: Any litigation instituted by (i) any school or college of pharmacy against

ACPE concerning any action taken by ACPE involving the accreditation process

or (ii) any litigation instituted by ACPE against any school or college involving the

accreditation process shall be brought in Cook County, Illinois, in the Circuit Court

of Cook County or in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

15.2 Personal Jurisdiction, Right of Removal, and Applicable Law: Each such

school or college and ACPE consent to personal jurisdiction by these courts.

Nothing herein shall restrict the right of a college or school of pharmacy or ACPE

to remove such litigation from state court to federal court where permitted by law.

Illinois law shall be applicable.

15.3 Prerequisite to Litigation: No litigation shall be instituted by a school or college

of pharmacy involving an adverse action taken by ACPE until after the appeal

procedure shall be instituted by such school or college and concluded in

accordance with Section 14 of these Policies and Procedures. In addition,

colleges or schools must agree to submit any dispute involving the final denial,

withdrawal, or termination of accreditation to initial arbitration prior to any legal

action.

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Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

16. Teach-out Plans and Teach-Out Agreements

16.1 Teach-Out Plans: In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy

Education (ACPE) Policy 16.1, ACPE requires submission and subsequent ACPE

approval of the Programmatic Teach-Out Plan and required attachments from any

program with a status of Accredited With Probation (as detailed in Section 6.3 of

these Policies and Procedures), when a program or its sponsoring institution

voluntarily withdraws its accreditation, or as otherwise set forth in this section.

Such a plan must detail how the sponsor institution will ensure the fair and

equitable treatment of the remaining enrolled students. Failure to submit a Teach-

Out Plan form within 90 days of notice of the Accreditation with Probation Status

will result in notification of the institutional administration and its accreditor of

ACPE’s intent to withdraw accreditation immediately.

ACPE requires a program to complete a Teach-Out Plan upon the occurrence of any of

the following events:

• When a program is in the preaccreditation (e.g., Precandidate, candidate status)

phase of accreditation;

• When a program is placed on probation, requests inactive status, voluntarily or

involuntarily withdraws;

• When ACPE acts to withdraw, terminate or suspend the accreditation or

preaccreditation of the program;

• When the institution receives notice that its State license or legal authorization to

operate will be or has been revoked;

• When the institution notifies ACPE that it intends to cease operations entirely or

close a location that provides 100% of the accredited program, including if the

location is being moved and is considered by the Department to be a closed

school.

• When the institution receives notice from the institutional accreditor that an action

has been initiated to suspend, revoke, or terminate an institution’s accreditation

status;

• When the institution receives notice from the U.S. Department of Education that

an action has been initiated to limit, suspend, or terminate a sponsor institution’s

participation in any Title IV program under the Higher Education Act and that a

Teach-Out Plan is required pursuant to federal regulations;

• When the institution receives notice from the U.S. Department of Education that

an emergency action has been initiated; or

• When ACPE otherwise determines that the submission of a Teach-Out Plan is

warranted.

Should the program's accreditation status be withdrawn, then the institution must

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

execute its stated Teach-Out Plan into a Teach-Out Agreement (see policy 16.2)

and provide ACPE with a copy of the agreement. If the institution chooses not to

execute its own Teach-Out Plan, it must enter into an agreement with an ACPE

accredited program to permit students to complete their education (Teach-Out

Agreement). The plan or the agreement must give careful attention to fair and

equitable treatment of students and provide notification of any additional charges

the remaining students will incur. Students remaining in the withdrawn program will

have the same privileges as the accreditation status prior to withdrawal of

accreditation throughout the Teach-Out Plan. The program must provide a

separate Teach-Out Agreement for each ACPE-accredited program that will

participate in the relevant agreement. The Programmatic Teach-Out Plan form can

be found in Addendum 7.

16.2 Teach-Out Agreements: In the event of withdrawal of accreditation, subsequent

to a final decision (after appeal or expiration of the opportunity to appeal) of an

adverse accreditation action, the institution must implement its Teach-out Plan and

execute a Teach-Out Agreement as detailed in such plan within thirty (30) days.

An institution that is party to a Teach-Out Agreement shall submit status updates

regarding the Teach-Out Agreement, upon request by ACPE. The Teach-Out

Agreement must include:

1. A complete list of students currently enrolled in the program and the program

requirements each student has completed;

2. A plan to provide all potentially eligible students with information about how to

obtain a closed school discharge and, if applicable, information on State refund

policies;

3. A record retention plan to be provided to all enrolled students that delineates the

final disposition of teach-out records (e.g., student transcripts, billing, financial aid

records);

4. Information on the number and types of credits the teach-out institution is willing to

accept prior to the student's enrollment; and

5. A clear statement to students of the tuition and fees of the educational program

and the number and types of credits that will be accepted by the teach-out

institution.

The institution entering into the Teach-Out Agreement as the teach-out institution:

(i) must have the necessary experience, resources, and support services to

provide the Doctor of Pharmacy program that is of acceptable quality and

reasonably similar in content , structure, and scheduling to that provided by the

institution that is no longer able to offer the Doctor of Pharmacy program; (ii) must

remain stable, carry out its mission, and meet all obligation of its existing students;

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

(iii) demonstrate that it can provide students with access to the Doctor of Pharmacy

program without requiring them to move or travel substantial distances; and (iv)

provide students with information about additional charges that may be incurred.

The program at the teach-out institution must be accredited by ACPE.

17. Record Keeping Procedure for Preaccredited and Accredited Degree Programs:

ACPE will maintain complete and accurate records for each program involved with ACPE

in the preaccreditation or accreditation process. Complete records will include ETRs,

reports of periodic or special reviews conducted during the accreditation period, all A&Rs

(including all adverse actions, e.g., withdrawal or denial), a copy of the most recent

application/self-study, and any and all correspondence regarding the ETR or ACPE

decisions. Complete and accurate records will be maintained of all accreditation decisions

made throughout a program’s affiliation with ACPE regarding accreditation and any

substantive changes, including all correspondence that is significantly related to those

decisions.

18. Fees

Fees for evaluation by ACPE for purpose of accreditation are set at a level intended to

assist in the support and continued improvement of accreditation services and to defray

actual travel and other costs involved in the evaluation of professional programs. In

addition, an annual sustaining fee is charged. ACPE reserves the right to adjust the fees

and set effective dates for such adjustments at any regular or special meeting of the Board.

Information regarding the current fee and assessment policy is available upon request and

is published on the ACPE web site (www.acpe-accredit.org). Failure to pay fees within the

time limit indicated on the invoice may result in the assessment of late fees.

19. Assistance in Accreditation Matters

ACPE staff provides guidance, upon request, on matters pertaining to pharmacy

education, especially as related to the accreditation process. Staff guidance is available

through various formats, including discussions at the ACPE office and at the site of the

institution. The Board and staff also provide assistance in the advancement and

improvement of pharmacy education through active cooperation with professional

organizations and societies in support of sound educational policies and procedures.

ACPE reserves the right to charge a fee and its reasonable expenses for services

rendered under this paragraph.

20. Complaint Regarding a Preaccredited or Accredited Program

20.1 ACPE has an obligation to assure that any program that seeks or holds an

accreditation status remains compliant with the standards and conducts its affairs

with impartiality, non-discrimination, honesty, and frankness.

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Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Any complaints from institutions, students, faculty, or the public against an

accredited pharmacy program or institution housing an accredited pharmacy

program must be based upon the fact that such program or institution is not in

compliance with a standard or standards as established, from time to time, by

ACPE.

20.2 Any complaint must be submitted to ACPE within one hundred and eighty (180)

days from the date the complainant knew or should have known of the occurrence

of facts on which the complaint arose. Any complaint not filed with ACPE within

the time limitations set forth above shall not be considered by ACPE, except when:

1) the Executive Director determines the matter’s seriousness warrants

investigation to ensure continued compliance with one or more accreditation

standards; or 2) any complaint held in abeyance by ACPE by reason of threatened

or existing legal challenge before a court of law or governmental agency as

provided in paragraph 20.8 may be reinstituted by the complainant by written

notice to ACPE within thirty (30) days after the latter of (a) a final judgment by the

court of law or governmental agency or (b) finalization of any appeal of such

judgment. The Executive Director may proceed with the investigation of the

complaint held in abeyance without notice by the complainant if the Executive

Director determines, in his or her discretion, that such is warranted due to the

severity of the complaint and potential impact on the quality of the program and

the effect on students.

20.3 ACPE will consider formal complaints about Doctor of Pharmacy programs

(PharmD) that allege a program is either (a) not in compliance with one or more of

ACPE's Standards and Key Elements, or (b) has violated any of ACPE's

expectations related to academic integrity. The complaint must specify which

Standard(s) or Key Element(s) are implicated or how the program violated

expectations of integrity.

Complaints fall into one of two categories: (1) those that involve situations subject to

formal institution/program due process policies and procedures and (2) those that

involve situations not subject to formal due process procedures:

1) If the complainant is involved with an institution/program grievance subject to

formal due process and procedure, ACPE requires that the process be

completed prior to initiating ACPE's formal complaint process, unless the

complaint includes an allegation that the institution/program process has not

been handled in a timely manner as defined in the institution/program policy.

In such cases, ACPE will consider the complaint prior to completion of the

grievance process. Evidence of completion of the institutional process or of the

untimely handling of such must be included in the complaint materials.

2) If the complaint is related to situations that fall outside of formal due process

policies and procedures, the complaint may be filed at any time.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACPE does not:

• consider complaints that fall outside its jurisdiction/authority as expressed

in the Standards and Key Elements and the academic integrity statements.

When appropriate, complainants will be referred to other organizations to

pursue their concern(s).

• intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for faculty

members or students in matters of admission, retention, appointment,

promotion, course grading, or dismissal unless such practices or conditions

indicate that the program may not be in compliance with the Standards and

Key Elements.

• promise that it will force programs into specific resolutions requested by the

complainant, but may instead require the program to comply with

Standards and Key Elements. Such is in the sole discretion of ACPE.

All complaints must be filled using the link found here: ACPE Complaint Form

20.4 Complaints that are submitted anonymously will not be considered by ACPE.

Depending on the circumstances and severity of the complaint, it may or may not

be forwarded to the program for information purposes only. The decision to forward

a complaint is made by the ACPE Director of Program Accreditation or the ACPE

Executive Director. During the eight-year cycle between each program’s self-

studies, a record of anonymous complaints received for the program will be

maintained by ACPE.

20.5 ACPE will proceed expeditiously in the investigation and resolution of complaints

in a manner that is fair and equitable to all parties. The ACPE Executive Director,

or his/her designate, shall have the authority to: (i) review the complaint in order to

determine relevance to the standards, policies, or procedures; (ii) dismiss a

complaint if it is determined that such complaint has no merit or is outside the

scope of ACPE accreditation activities; (iii) forward relevant complaints to the dean

of the program for a response to ACPE; and (iv) conduct any further investigation

deemed necessary to promptly determine the facts surrounding the issue and the

validity of the complaint. ACPE shall diligently investigate and resolve complaints

in a timely manner, taking into consideration all parties involved the severity and

complexity of the allegations, and pursuant to any legal obligations.

20.6 If, on the basis of such investigation, after notice to the program and opportunity

for response from the program, the Executive Director finds a complaint to be

extremely serious in nature, charging egregious conduct that may warrant

probationary or adverse action by ACPE, or involve an interpretation that the

Executive Director believes should be made by the Board, the complaint will be

submitted to the Board for consideration at the next regular meeting. Where the

Board finds that a program has violated the standards, engaged in unethical

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Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

conduct, or that its integrity has been seriously undermined, the Board will either:

(A) request that the program show cause, within a stated time period, as to why

probationary or adverse action should not be taken; or

(B) in extreme cases, immediately discontinue its relationship with the program by

denying or withdrawing the offending program’s accreditation status.

20.7 A record of complaints regarding a specific college or school is maintained in

perpetuity at the ACPE office for future consideration. The complaint file will be

reviewed as a component of the on-site evaluation process. Site team leaders will

review all complaints received against a program since the time of the program’s

last comprehensive on-site evaluation with all members of the team. Information

provided to the evaluation team will include the following for any complaint: (1) the

nature of each complaint; (2) the process used to review the complaint; and (3) the

status of the complaint. The evaluation team’s review of complaints will be

documented in the Evaluation Team Report. Any complaints received since the

prior on-site evaluation and the related investigative materials will be provided to

the ACPE Board of Directors as a component of the review process. The Board

will also conduct a general review of all open complaints at each meeting, including

those against a program not being considered for initial or continued

preaccreditation or accreditation at a given meeting.

20.8 Where a complainant has threatened or filed legal action in a court of law or before

a governmental agency against a program or institution housing said program,

ACPE reserves the right to hold such complaint in abeyance until after a final

judgment by a court of law or governmental agency or finalization of any appeal of

such judgment.

21. Complaint Regarding ACPE

ACPE has an obligation to respond to any written complaints that may be lodged against

ACPE by any party regarding the application of the standards, policies, and procedures

where the complaining party is directly affected thereby. The ACPE Executive Director

shall promptly determine the facts surrounding the issues and shall attempt to resolve the

matter in consultation with the Public Interest Panel, established pursuant to Article V of

the ACPE Bylaws. If a complaint pertains to the ACPE Executive Director, the ACPE

Board President will be responsible for determining the facts surrounding the issues and

attempting to resolve the matter in consultation with the Public Interest Panel. Complaints

that cannot be resolved by the ACPE Executive Director shall be considered at the next

meeting of the Board.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

22. Decisions of Other Accrediting and State Agencies and Relationship to ACPE

Accreditation

Prior to making a decision to grant initial or continued accreditation or preaccreditation to

a Doctor of Pharmacy program, the Board will consider the accreditation status of

sponsoring institutions, during a period in which the sponsoring institution is the subject

of: (i) a pending or final action brought by a state agency to suspend, revoke, withdraw, or

terminate the institution’s legal authority to provide postsecondary education in the state;

(ii) a pending or final decision by a recognized agency to deny accreditation or

preaccreditation; (iii) a pending or final action brought by a recognized accrediting agency

to suspend, revoke, withdraw, or terminate the institution’s accreditation or

preaccreditation; (iv) probation or an equivalent status imposed by a recognized agency;

and (v) a pending or final decision to deny, suspend, revoke, or withdraw the accreditation

or preaccreditation or placement on probation any individual program offered by an

institution also offering an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program. Upon discovery of any

decision referenced above by a State agency or another accrediting agency, ACPE will

within 30 days, initiate a written request for information regarding the action of the other

accrediting or state agency and the effect of the cited issues on the ability of the Doctor

of Pharmacy program to maintain compliance with the standards. The program will be

given thirty (30) days to respond to such a request. The program’s response and all

relevant information will be provided to the Board for review to determine whether the

circumstances leading to the other agency’s decision impact the Doctor of Pharmacy

program’s ability to maintain compliance with the accreditation standards and

consideration as to whether action, including a possible adverse action, related to ACPE

preaccreditation or accreditation is warranted.

If upon review of the program, the Board grants or continues preaccreditation or

accreditation notwithstanding the actions and context of the circumstances set forth

above, a report shall be provided to the U.S. Secretary of Education within thirty days of

the action, thoroughly explaining why the previous action by a recognized institutional

accrediting agency or the State against the parent institution does not preclude the

granting or continuation ACPE preaccreditation or accreditation for the Doctor of

Pharmacy program.

23. Reporting to the U.S. Department of Education

In addition to information relating to accreditation actions, documents are routinely

submitted to the USDE including, but not limited to: a list, updated annually, of its

accredited and preaccredited programs; a summary of accrediting activities during the

previous year; and proposed changes in policies, procedures, and standards that may

relate to scope of recognition or compliance with recognition requirements. Notification of

the name of any program accredited by ACPE, or of its parent institution, will be provided

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

to the USDE if there is reason to believe that the institution or program is failing to meet

its Title IV, HEA program responsibilities or is engaged in fraud or abuse, along with the

reason for the concern. Moreover, upon request of the USDE, information will be provided

regarding an accredited or preaccredited institution's compliance with its Title IV, HEA

program responsibilities, including its eligibility to participate in Title IV, HEA programs, for

the purpose of assisting the USDE in resolving problems with the institution's or program's

participation in these programs. In any circumstance where the identity of a complainant

or other individual communicating with ACPE about an accredited program is expected to

be confidential, ACPE will make every effort to maintain such confidentiality. Additionally,

ACPE will comply with any USDE request to maintain confidentiality of certain records

where circumstances warrant.

24. Student Charges

As may be required by institutional accreditors, ACPE requires programs to notify

students of any projected additional student charges associated with the verification of

student identity at the time of registration or enrollment.

25. Updates to the Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs

ACPE will update the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education’s

Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs with actions taken at

the respective meeting of the ACPE Board of Directors within one day of the release of

the Report of the Proceedings documenting the Board actions taken at the meeting.

26. Board Member Training

ACPE Board appointees shall complete an orientation period and training in advance of

beginning their term of service as an active member of the ACPE Board of Directors.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #1

CLARIFICATION OF STANDARDS

1.1 Use of Non-Pharmacist Preceptors in Enhancement of Interprofessional Practice-Based

Educational Experiences

1.2 Simulations for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences

1.3 Enrollment in Non-Traditional (Post-Bac) Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

1.1 USE OF NON-PHARMACIST PRECEPTORS IN ENHANCEMENT OF

INTERPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE-BASED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

In the spirit of fostering innovation and encouraging more interprofessional education that meets

the ACPE standards and guidelines, the ACPE Board offers the following guidance:

• Ideally, interprofessional practice-based educational experiences for pharmacy students

should occur with a pharmacist preceptor as a member of the team.

• On occasion, high-quality interprofessional practice-based educational experiences may

be available to pharmacy students that would need to be precepted by a non-pharmacist

member of the health care team. Examples include but are not limited to a volunteer,

indigent care, inner-city clinic IPPE or an APPE at an Area Health Education Center in an

underserved, rural setting where, in each case, students from a number of health

professions are all precepted by a primary care physician or nurse practitioner. In such

cases:

o Pharmacy faculty must be involved in defining, evaluating, and monitoring the

quality of the educational experiences for the pharmacy students;

o The non-pharmacist preceptor(s) must receive proper orientation to the pharmacy

curriculum and the competency and outcome expectations of students, especially

those involving preparation to serve on an interprofessional team.

o Non-pharmacist precepted interprofessional practice-based educational

experiences should be offered only as a small percentage of IPPE elective time

and for no more than one elective APPE rotation. That is, such rotations must not

supplant the required community and hospital IPPE experiences or the four core

APPE rotations (community, hospital, ambulatory care, and general medicine),

which must precepted by a qualified, licensed pharmacist.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

1.2 SIMULATIONS FOR INTRODUCTORY PHARMACY PRACTICE EXPERIENCES

Simulation is defined as an activity or event replicating pharmacy practice. For the purpose of

satisfying IPPE expectations, simulation includes multiple types of scenarios based on the

utilization of high-fidelity manikins, medium fidelity manikins, standardized patients, role-playing,

Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCE), and computer based simulations. Simulation

as a component of IPPE should clearly connect the pharmacy activity or delivery of a medication

to a patient (whether simulated patient, standardized patient, or virtual patient).

Colleges and schools may choose to include structured simulation as part of their overall IPPE

experience to meet their IPPE program goals and objectives. Colleges and schools are not

required to include simulation experiences if IPPE objectives are achieved by other experiences.

In addition to utilizing simulation as a component of IPPE, colleges and schools may choose to

include simulation experiences within the didactic curricula.

In the 2016 Standards and Guidance documents, simulation was specifically addressed.

• Key Element 12.7 Simulation for IPPE:

Simulated practice experiences (a maximum of 60 clock hours of the total 300 hours) may

be used to mimic actual or realistic pharmacist-delivered patient care situations.

• Guidance for Interprofessional Education: Standard 11

11b. Interprofessional simulation experiences – Colleges and schools are encouraged to

develop interprofessional simulations to ensure the expectations of Key Element 11.1 are

met. In addition to face-to-face interprofessional interactions, simulations can include

virtual interprofessional engagement. College/school and/or university financial and

physical resources needed to support these interprofessional activities should be

anticipated. (11.2)

• Guidance for the Pre-APPE Curriculum: Standard 12

12f. Simulation within IPPE – A college or school may choose to include structured

simulation as part of the overall IPPE to meet program goals and objectives. A college or

school is not required to include simulation experiences as a portion of IPPE. Simulation

is defined as an activity or event replicating pharmacy practice. Simulation closely mimics

an actual pharmacy activity or delivery of a medication to a patient (whether simulated

patient, standardized patient, or virtual patient). Colleges and schools are encouraged to

develop interprofessional simulations. They are also encouraged to seek guidance from

ACPE, if needed, on appropriate simulation experiences to meet IPPE program goals and

objectives. (12.7)

12g. Appropriate use of simulation – General pharmacy practice simulations provided

early in the curriculum are often helpful for students who have had limited exposure to

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

pharmacy practice. Simulation experiences are deemed appropriate when they: (1) are

structured around a set of specific learning objectives, (2) involve structured assessment

activities to assure that students have met the stated learning objectives, (3) are

supervised by pharmacy educators, practitioners, or other appropriately trained

faculty/facilitators, and (4) involve learning experiences that are difficult to achieve in

actual practice, such as:

• High-risk, low-occurrence medical situations (e.g., CPR, medical emergencies,

medications errors)

• When a state’s Pharmacy Practice Act limits certain patient-care activities (e.g.,

immunization training)

• Hands-on learning opportunities that enhance student learning experiences (e.g.,

ensuring student pharmacists are exposed to important disease states which

they may or may not experience in real patient-care settings) (12.7)

12h. Types of simulation – Colleges and schools may consider the use of actors, virtual-

reality software, artificial models/manikins, or artificial/virtual environments in the patient-

care simulations within IPPE. (12.7)

The Board has determined the following activities are not acceptable simulation:

• Student has hands-on experience with vial manipulation, reconstitution, documentation, full

garbing;

• Student prepares extemporaneous dosage forms pursuant to prescription for a simulated

patient;

• Student is trained in point-of-care-testing equipment (e.g., A1c, cholesterol, blood glucose);

and the following activities are acceptable simulation:

• Student counsels a standardized patient on appropriate contraceptive choice given the

patient’s condition and preference;

• Student interviews a simulated, standardized patient and is assessed for professionalism,

communication, accuracy, and quality of information;

• Student verbally communicates a simulated, standardized patient’s history, medication-

related problems, recommendations, and a plan for follow-up succinctly and effectively to a

simulated prescriber.

Looking carefully at the activities listed above, it is evident that activities involving a student, a

pharmacist (instructor/preceptor), and another person (either a simulated patient or another

member of the health care team) are activities the Board identifies as acceptable simulation as a

component of a student’s IPPE. The activities above that included only the student and a

pharmacist (instructor/preceptor) were viewed as student laboratory experiences, rather than

acceptable IPPE simulated experiences.

The amount of simulation within the overall IPPE experience will vary from program to program

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

based on needs and expectations. Prior approval is not needed, and guidance should be provided

by this policy statement. Colleges and schools must document, however, during typical ACPE

monitoring and evaluation processes, that their simulation experiences meet stated criteria for

appropriate simulation experiences.

The ratio of students to faculty/facilitators in simulation will likely vary from experience to

experience based on the characteristics of the simulation experience, the need for student

supervision/monitoring, and the ability to appropriately assess student achievement of stated

learning objectives. The qualifications of faculty/facilitators will be assessed much in the same

manner as other faculty members are evaluated under Standard 19.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

1.3 ENROLLMENT IN NON-TRADITIONAL (POST-BAC) DOCTOR OF PHARMACY

PROGRAMS (APPROVED JUNE 2014)

The Board approved the following clarification, effective immediately: New admissions to a non-

traditional (Post-Baccalaureate) Doctor of Pharmacy program accredited by ACPE must be

limited to either: 1) pharmacists awarded a Baccalaureate degree from a five-year pharmacy

program accredited by ACPE or the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs

(CCAPP) and holding a valid license to practice pharmacy in the United States or Canada; or 2)

pharmacists awarded a pharmacy degree from a non-US or non-Canadian program and holding

a valid license to practice pharmacy in a US jurisdiction.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #2

ADVERSE ACTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SUMMARY OF KEY STEPS

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ADVERSE ACTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SUMMARY OF KEY STEPS

Any program for which ACPE denied accreditation status, or for which ACPE has withdrawn

accreditation status has the right to appeal the Board’s decision (paragraph 14). Should the

Board’s decision be upheld by the Appeals Panel, the program may submit an application to

establish a new Doctor of Pharmacy program. The application must be accompanied by the

standard application fee and all policy and procedures applicable to application for new programs

apply. A summary of key steps relating to denial or withdrawal follows:

1. Denial (pertains to initial accreditation for precandidate)

f. Take denial action (cf. paragraph 13) – discuss/list reasons (standards and/or

administrative).

g. Notification of denial sent to program and, at the same time to the Secretary,

appropriate State licensing agencies, and appropriate accrediting agencies;

notification provided to public via ACPE website. Need to notify program to notify all

current and prospective students within 7 business days of receipt of notification.

h. Appeal Procedure (cf. paragraph 14).

i. Notification of final decision sent to program, and at the same time, the Secretary,

appropriate State licensing agencies, and appropriate accrediting agencies;

notification provided to public via ACPE website. Need to notify program to notify all

current and prospective students within 7 business days of receipt of notification.

j. Within 60 days of a final decision, a brief statement summarizing the reasons for the

denial and any official comments received from the affected institution and/or program

will be sent in writing to the Secretary, appropriate State licensing agencies, and

appropriate accrediting agencies, as well as posted to ACPE’s website.

k. Option to reapply as new college or school of pharmacy

a. Complete new submission, including new application fee.

2. Withdrawal (pertains to established accreditation for precandidate, candidate, and

accredited status) of failure to advance from precandidate status in required timeframe

a. Take withdrawal action (cf. paragraph 13) – discuss/list reasons (standards and/or

administrative)

b. Notification of withdrawal sent to program and, at the same time to the Secretary,

appropriate State licensing agencies, and appropriate accrediting agencies; notification

provided to public via ACPE website. Need to notify program to notify all current and

prospective students within 7 business days of receipt of notification.

c. Appeal procedure (cf. paragraph14)

d. Notification of final decision sent to program, and at the same time, the

Secretary, appropriate State licensing agencies, and appropriate accrediting agencies;

notification provided to public via ACPE website. Need to notify program to notify all

current and prospective students within 7 business days of receipt of notification.

e. Within 60 days of a final decision, a brief statement summarizing the reasons for the

withdrawal and any official comments received from the affected institution and/or

program will be sent in writing to the Secretary, appropriate State licensing agencies,

and appropriate accrediting agencies, as well as posted to ACPE’s website.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

f. Option to reapply

a. Submit application as new college/school of pharmacy, including fee.

g. Students

a. New students (no new enrollees under accreditation status)

b. Established students – see Teach-Out Section of Policies and Procedures

Manual.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #3

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION FOR NEW DOCTOR OF PHARMACY PROGRAMS

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ADDENDUM #3

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION FOR NEW DOCTOR OF PHARMACY PROGRAMS

(Approved by ACPE Board of Directors January 9-11, 2009)

1. New program Draft Application due January 15

The application must include a mapping of the proposed curriculum to faculty required to

deliver that curriculum. The faculty required must then be mapped to a 5-year hiring plan

and 5-year pro forma.

ACPE expects new program deans, to:

a. Have held a previous administrative position in academic pharmacy at the dean,

associate dean, or assistant dean level or a comparable leadership position

outside academia;

b. Attend the “New Deans School” offered by AACP or a comparable training

program if not previously served as dean of an ACPE-accredited program; and

c. Attend site visitor training or self-study workshop offered by ACPE.

2. ACPE staff on-site consultation with program in early spring.

Following the on-site consultation, the ACPE staff member is to provide brief written

feedback to the college or school of pharmacy highlighting recommendations for the

application. Staff disclaimer must be included in this feedback.

3. Final Application due April 1.

4. Final application reviewed by Application Review Team

Application Review Team will consist of experienced, trained evaluators and may include:

an ACPE staff member; a former Board member; a dean and a faculty member

representing different areas of expertise; and a practitioner.

The Application Review Team will conduct its review as follows:

a. Each member receives copy of final application;

b. Each member receives copy of Thresholds for Authorizing an On-site Evaluation

document;

c. Each member receives copy of the Standards;

d. Conference call three/four weeks later;

e. Draft report on application to be prepared by ACPE staff member and

reviewed/endorsed by full team; and

f. Final Report of Application Review Team goes to Board, using primary and

g. Secondary reviewer procedure as per ACPE custom.

5. June Board meeting

a. Review of program’s Final Application

b. Review Report of the Application Review Team

c. Personal appearance with program officials (maximum of three) to address Board

question

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

d. Board makes Decision

i. Yes, to authorize Precandidate Evaluation Visit

ii. No, recommend resubmission within one academic year (repeat application

could be received and reviewed at either next January or June meeting of the

Board)

iii. No, request withdrawal of application

iv. Applicant requests withdrawal of application, can resubmit within one

academic year.

6. Fall Precandidate Evaluation Visit (Comprehensive On-Site Evaluation)

a. Evaluation Team made up of as many of the Application Review Team members as

possible, fill in gaps with experienced site reviewers, current Board member need not be

on visit.

7. January Board meeting

a. Review ETR from Precandidate Evaluation Visit

b. Teleconference with program Dean and his/her leadership team to address Board

questions only

c. Board makes Decision:

i. Yes, grant Precandidate Status; status to be affirmed at next Board meeting based

on report of continued progress

ii. No, denial of Precandidate Status; adverse action, subject to appeal. Program can

request 2nd on-site evaluation to consider Precandidate status within the next two

consecutive Board meetings at which accreditation actions are taken (fee applies;

program can only make such a request one time before being required to restart

application process).

iii. Program withdraws application prior to Board consideration; can request 2nd on-

site evaluation to consider Precandidate status for following cycle (fee applies;

program can only make such a request one time before being required to restart

application process).

8. June Board meeting

a. Review report and any additional requested information from program from the

previous January Board meeting

b. Board makes Decision:

i. Yes, Precandidate Status affirmed & Board authorized spring comprehensive on-

site evaluation for consideration of Candidate status);

ii. No, Precandidate Status withdrawn (e.g., an adverse actions)

9. If Yes, Precandidate Status, students would be enrolled during fall term, Year 1 (Note: if

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

program matriculates students before receiving Precandidate Status, ACPE would not

consider granting accreditation status until AFTER the program has produced graduates

(who likely would NOT be eligible for state licensure—this per previous ACPE policy. See

policy above on Preaccreditation)

10. Spring term of Year 1, Evaluation for Consideration of Candidate Status (Comprehensive

On-Site Evaluation) Team composition:

a. Current Board member

b. ACPE staff member

c. One member from Application Review Team

d. Other trained experienced site team members

11. June Board meeting

ACPE Board reviews:

a. Evaluation Team Report;

b. Supplemental materials requested of the program; and

c. Teleconference with program officials to address Board questions, if needed.

Board Decision:

a. Yes, Candidate Status for 2-year term only

b. No, remain at Precandidate Status; action would include:

i. Areas for improvement; AND

ii. Establishment of next evaluation; OR

iii. Withdrawal of Accreditation Status (an adverse action)

12. Continuation of Candidate Status (2-year term only)

(Focused on-site evaluation)

Team composition:

a. ACPE staff member

b. Current or former Board member

Board reviews:

i. Evaluation team report and any supplemental materials provided by the college or

school;

ii. Recommendation from a Board member (primary reader) and ACPE Staff; and

iii. Teleconference with Program officials to address Board questions, if needed.

Board Decision:

a. Grant extension to Candidate Status (2 years maximum) and authorization of

Accredited Status On-Site Evaluation Visit term prior to graduation of inaugural class;

b. Withdrawal of Accreditation Status (adverse action).

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

13. Consideration of Accredited Status (Comprehensive On-site Evaluation)

Team composition:

a. ACPE staff member

b. 1 member from Application Review Team (if possible)

c. Other trained, experienced site team members

14. June Board meeting

Board reviews:

a. Evaluation Team Report;

b. Supplemental materials requested of the program; and

c. Teleconference with program officials to address Board questions, if needed

Board Decision:

a. Yes, Accredited Status granted (2 years); schedule next on-site evaluation, a

Continuation of Initial Accredited Status Evaluation Visit (to establish eight-year cycle

between self-studies) and request updated report of notable changes in any or all

standards, but not a self-study as before; and request any interim monitoring before the

Continuation of Initial Accredited Status Evaluation Visit;

b. No, hold in Candidate Status with reasons (i.e., noting unmet standards) and

monitoring details (NOTE: a program can hold a developmental accreditation status

(i.e., Precandidate and Candidate combined) for a maximum of five years; OR

c. Withdrawal of Accreditation Status (adverse action)

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #4

ACPE TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR SITE VISITS

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR ACPE STAFF AND GUESTS

Revised February 2022

It is the policy of ACPE to reimburse Representatives for actual travel-related expenses. Persons traveling

on ACPE business are entitled to transportation, accommodations and service that meet reasonable and

adequate standards for convenience, safety, and comfort. In applying this general policy, ACPE requires

that those traveling for ACPE will use the same care and judgment when incurring expenses that they would

use if the expenses were their personal responsibility. ACPE reserves the right to adjust reimbursement for

extravagant, unauthorized, or unreasonable expenses. Any concerns regarding travel or travel-related

expenses should be directed to the Director, Accounting and Human Resources.

Air Travel

• All travel for ACPE must be booked through Options Travel, ACPE’s contracted travel agency using the

booking code supplied by ACPE administrative staff. Travel not booked through Options Travel will NOT

be reimbursed unless prospectively approved by the Executive Director. Please refer to the Options Travel

document for further instructions.

• ACPE participates in the United Perks Plus program with United Airlines to obtain free airline tickets

and upgrades. While United Airlines is the preferred airline, the lowest fare should be obtained using

the best routing for appropriate flights.

• ACPE does not reimburse first-class or business-class air travel, unless unusual circumstances exist. The

Executive Director must approve, in advance, all first and business-class flight purchases including upgrade

coupon purchase and usage.

• Flights should be booked with advance notice (when possible, greater than 21 days in advance) to take

advantage of lower airfares and non-refundable tickets.

• Flight itineraries will be sent via Options Travel to the appropriate ACPE administrative staff to ensure

coordination of the arrangements, to provide emergency service as needed, to monitor location of

travelers for security purposes, and to manage the expenses. Best routings at the lowest fares, but also

at reasonable travel times, should be booked (i.e., employees and Representatives are not required to fly

late night or red-eye flights). ACPE administrative staff are also available to assist with booking your

flights through Options Travel if preferred by the traveler.

• If the traveler is booking travel in conjunction with another non-ACPE trip, the ACPE-reimbursable airfare

must be obtained and approved by the Executive Director prior to booking the combination ticket. The

ticket must be booked through Options Travel unless prior approval by the Executive Director is obtained.

ACPE must be reimbursed for the non-ACPE portion of the trip.

• ACPE maintains travel accident insurance for all staff and ACPE Representatives for travel worldwide.

Additional insurance is also included when the airfare is charged to the ACPE credit card.

Lodging

All ACPE travelers will be reimbursed for his or her own guest room if paid for by the traveler. Hotel

accommodations will be booked by ACPE administrative staff.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Mileage Reimbursement, Tolls, Parking and Other Ground Transportation

• Travelers will be reimbursed for mileage and tolls incurred. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate that

corresponds to the IRS’s standard mileage allowance.

• When automobile transportation is used in place of air travel, mileage reimbursement is limited to

comparable air travel expense (including the lowest available, reasonable airfare, and appropriate ground

transportation), identified by the Director, Accounting and Human Resources.

• Parking for ACPE Representatives is a reimbursable expense. Self-parking is encouraged because valet

parking is generally more costly. However, if safety appears to be in question, then valet parking should

be used.

• Parking for ACPE staff when the meeting is held at ACPE Headquarters or nearby will be considered on a

case-by-case basis when the meeting does not occur during regular working hours and requires the advance

approval of the Executive Director.

• Limos, taxis, ride-shares (e.g., Uber, Lyft), airport shuttles are reimbursable expenses. Care should be taken

to use a reasonable, cost-conscious means of ground transportation.

• Rental cars are not a reimbursable expense, unless prior approval has been given by the Director,

Accounting and Human Resources or the Executive Director.

Meals

Reasonable meal expenses are reimbursable when the traveler is on ACPE business. An itemized paid

receipt is required.

Additional Reimbursable Expenses

• Reasonable and customary tips

• Room service for reimbursable meals

• Reasonable phone calls, faxes, and Internet access for ACPE business

• Express mail, air freight or other postage for ACPE business

• Exercise facility usage fees (not including spa charges)

• ACPE will reimburse an average of $20.00 per day of travel in actual expenses for in-room movie charges, mini-

bar charges, laundry and dry cleaning.

Reimbursement

• Travelers pay their expenses directly and must submit an ACPE expense statement via Certify within 30

days after incurring the expense in order to be reimbursed. The exceptions are: airfare– this must be

charged to ACPE’s account through Options Travel; hotel – room and tax will be charged to an ACPE

master account if the reservation is booked by rooming list, or if the reservation is booked by ACPE

staff.

• Original receipts should be submitted for all expenses greater than $25. If on occasion a receipt is lost,

this must be noted on the expense report.

• Hotel – original folio plus proof of payment (if room and tax charged to ACPE master account, receipt will

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

be required for reimbursable incidental charges)

• Car rental agreement plus proof of payment (only if rental has prior approval of the Director, Accounting

and Human Resources and/or the Executive Director)

• Meals - credit card copy plus itemized receipt or cash register itemized receipt, including the names of the

people in attendance and business purpose for the meal.

• Ground transportation – receipt from driver

• Other – credit card charge slip or itemized cash register receipt

ACPE TRAVEL POLICY

February 2022

The following policy of ACPE is applicable to ACPE employees, members of the ACPE Board of Directors, site visit

members, members of ACPE committees or commissions, consultants and all other persons traveling on behalf of

ACPE. Such persons are referred to individually as a “Representative” and collectively as “Representatives.” For

purposes of this policy, “travel” shall include travel to any location in the world including locations within the United

States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.

Because of terrorism, civil conflicts, war zones, unrest in many areas, disease and virus epidemics and other

unpredictable problems, travel can present a potential safety and/or health hazard for travelers. ACPE’s top priority

is to have in effect measures to help avoid travel by ACPE Representatives into hazardous situations. Accordingly,

ACPE has adopted the following Travel Policy.

ACPE regularly monitors travel warnings and travel advisories of the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other appropriate

agencies, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and other agencies and organizations that release travel

advisories and warnings.

The U.S. Department of State has adopted the following ranking for travel advisories:

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk

in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change

at any time.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State

provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change

at any time.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides

additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any

time.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an

emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises

that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides

additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any

time.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

In addition, the U.S. State Department may assign a higher level of advisory to a specific geographic region of a

country, which shall be taken into consideration by ACPE when a decision is made whether or not to sanction travel

to the applicable country.

Unless specific conditions exist that would make travel unsafe, travel to countries with Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories

will likely be sanctioned by ACPE.

For countries with a Level 3 Travel Advisory, the Executive Director – if desired, in consultation with the ACPE

Executive Committee - will determine whether travel to the designated country or location will be sanctioned by

ACPE.

For countries with a Level 4 Travel Advisory, travel will not be sanctioned.

In determining whether to sanction travel to a particular country or region, ACPE will also consider the

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination.

Based on new information, at any time before or after commencement of travel any decision taken in accordance

with this policy may be reversed or altered by the Executive Director who, in making the decision, will consult with

the Executive Committee if time permits. The resulting action to be taken could include cancellation, discontinuation,

or postponement of travel. On-site evaluation visits may also need to be cancelled, discontinued, or postponed if a

required number of team members is no longer able to participate in the visit. Notice of such a postponement or

cancellation should be made as soon as is feasible following identification of the causative issue(s). Any costs/fees

incurred prior to a postponement or cancellation shall, whenever possible, be credited toward rescheduling the on-

site evaluation at a later date (preferably as soon as is possible). Costs incurred by ACPE staff and/or Representatives

will be reimbursed, and ACPE will retain any travel credit toward rescheduling, where possible.

When planning travel, ACPE will maintain a record of its monitoring and any applicable decisions or conditions. ACPE

will communicate the results of monitoring to all Representatives involved in the proposed travel and other

applicable stakeholders. Representatives are also responsible for independently monitoring the U.S. Department of

State and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel advisories, and reviewing and complying with

the COVID-19-related requirements for entering and departing the site visit country or region, which may change

frequently and vary based on factors such as their country of citizenship and/or country or region from which they

are traveling. Any Representative may elect to decline travel to any particular country or location because of concerns

for his or her health, security, and well-being or for any other reason.

ACPE, in its sole discretion, may require any Representative traveling to any location on behalf of ACPE to execute a

written agreement to be prepared by ACPE concerning the terms and conditions in respect to such travel. Two

versions of ACPE’s “Travel Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement” have been

prepared – one for international travel and one for travel within the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto

Rico and U.S. Territories.

This policy may not take into account and does not supersede relevant local, state or federal laws. All ACPE

Representatives are expected to comply with relevant local, state or federal laws, as well as any airline requirements

for travel.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #5

GUIDELINES FOR SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Procedures for Reporting Substantive Change

In general, a program considering or planning a substantive change should notify ACPE early in

the institution’s planning. Such notification will provide an opportunity for a program to seek

consultation from ACPE’s professional staff regarding the potential effect of the change on the

accreditation status and the procedures to be followed. Notification of ACPE may require the

submission of a comprehensive academic plan demonstrating the program’s continued

compliance with the standards.

The Comprehensive Academic Plan

The academic plan submitted to ACPE should include the following information regarding the

substantive change, where applicable:

1. Abstract

• Describe the proposed change.

• Provide a timeline for implementation of the substantive change.

• State the projected number of students affected by the change, if applicable.

• Describe the instructional delivery methods that will be used to implement the change,

if applicable.

2. Background Information

• Provide a clear statement of the nature and purpose of the change in the context of

the program’s mission and goals.

• Discuss the rationale for the change.

• Provide evidence of inclusion of the change in the program’s ongoing planning and

evaluation processes.

• Describe any changes to the College or School’s organizational structure that will be

implemented as a result of the substantive change.

• Include documentation that faculty and other groups were involved in the review and

approval of the change.

• Describe an exit strategy for protecting students if the proposed initiative fails to be

viable.

3. Curriculum

• Describe any modifications to curriculum, including the teaching and learning

processes used to deliver the curriculum, which will be implemented as a result of the

initiative.

• Describe the College or School’s technology capacity to teaching and learning

effectively.

• Describe the plan for curricular assessment; including assessment of teaching

strategies, indicators for student learning and the curriculum, related to the substantive

change.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

4. Students

• Describe any change in the program’s policies and procedures for recruitment that will

be implemented as a result of the substantive change.

• Describe modifications to the program’s Student Affairs area, which will be

implemented as a result of the substantive change, if applicable.

• Describe the proposed methods the program will utilize to ensure adequate

professionalization of students for substantive changes involving the establishment of

campuses at separate geographic locations or involving distance-learning techniques.

5. Faculty and Staff

• Provide a complete roster of faculty employed to teach in the program.

• Describe faculty and staff positions required to fully implement the substantive change.

• Include plans for recruiting faculty and staff.

• Describe the impact of the new initiative on faculty workload.

• Describe the actual and planned mechanisms for faculty development related to the

substantive change.

6. Library and Learning Resources

• Describe the library and educational resources available to support the substantive

change.

7. Physical Facilities

• Provide a description of physical facilities and equipment to support the initiative.

• Include a feasibility study of available practice sites, including:

o A description of the number and types of sites, and the level of practice at the

sites.

o Assess the impact of the substantive change on the existing program.

8. Financial Resources

• Provide a business plan that fully describes the financial resources to support the

change.

• Provide a cash flow analysis for the first year of implementation.

• Demonstrate with supporting documentation that adequate funds will be available for

a minimum of 1 year for:

o Operations

o Construction/capital development (where appropriate)

• An unencumbered reserve fund to be used to implement the Exit Strategy

Institutional or Collegiate Reorganization

Those colleges and schools in operation, which have an ACPE-accredited program and propose

to become affiliated with or become an integral part of another institution, or propose to implement

substantive changes in their institutional or collegiate organization and administrative structure,

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

should notify ACPE of such proposals. Should a change of ownership that results in a change of

control be affected, an on-site review may be required and conducted as soon as practicable but

no later than six months after the change of ownership.

Distance Campuses and Distance Education

ACPE defines a distance campus as a site other than the main (original) campus from which

faculty deliver significant components of the Doctor of Pharmacy didactic curriculum either live

and/or via distance education (defined below) or at which a group of students receive didactic

instruction in any format during any of the early years of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program (i.e.,

P1-P3 years). Sites used by the college or school for the coordination of practice experiences are

not classified by ACPE as a distance campus if didactic components of the Doctor of Pharmacy

curriculum are not delivered to or from the site.

ACPE defines for its accreditation and monitoring purpose that the term distance campus is

equivalent to terms such as satellite campus, branch campus, and other such labels.

ACPE has adopted the definition of distance education developed by the United States

Department of Education to be the use of one of the technologies listed below to deliver a

significant portion of the didactic component of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum to students

who are geographically separated from the instructor and to support regular and substantive

interaction between the students and the instructor, either synchronously or asynchronously. The

technologies used to support distance education may include:

1) The internet;

2) One-way and two two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable,

microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices;

3) Audio conferencing; or

4) Other media used in a course in conjunction with any of the technologies listed in (1)

through (3) above.

ACPE requires one-year advance notice (minimum of 12 months before arrival of students) for

the addition of a distance campus or the implementation of distance education for an existing

college or school. This notification is required to allow ACPE sufficient time to conduct the

monitoring to ensure readiness and continued compliance with the standards. Failure to comply

with the one-year notice requirement constitutes grounds for review and potential action under

Section 13 of this manual.

ACPE requires there to be a single dean with overall responsibility for the college or school and

there to be one committee structure serving programmatic needs for all sites (i.e., one curriculum

committee, one admissions committee, one grievance committee, etc.).

ACPE requires faculty, staff, and students at any distance campus to be integrated fully into the

academic, professional, and social life of the college or school. Evidence of this integration

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

includes distance campus faculty and students having committee assignments, distance campus

students being engaged in professional organizations, distance campus faculty and staff having

comparable research, scholarly activities, and faculty development opportunities.

ACPE requires all students, regardless of site, to have comparable access to faculty, advising,

academic affairs, teaching and learning technology, student services, professional organizations,

and library resources.

ACPE requires that all programs offering distance education have processes in place through

which the program establishes that the student who registers in a distance education program is

the same student who participates in, completes the course or program, and receives the

academic credit awarded.

The accreditation review process applies to the Doctor of Pharmacy program in its entirety. Non-

compliance or partial compliance with the standards at one site (main campus or distance

campus) will impact the accreditation status of the entire program.

When one or more groups of students receive didactic instruction at distance campuses as well

as the main campus location, ACPE, as a component of its routine monitoring (e.g., NAPLEX

examination scores), will compare outcomes from each distance campus with the outcomes from

the main campus. Colleges and schools must provide explanations and address concerns of this

nature and, if warranted, take corrective action.

Evaluation by ACPE

Any program that plans to deliver at least 25% and less than 50% of the curriculum via distance

education is required to provide ACPE notification of this substantive change at least one year

prior to doing so. In the notice, the program must describe the curriculum, list all of the courses

and associated credit hours, and indicate which courses are being taught virtually.

Any program that plans to deliver 50% or more of the curriculum via distance education is required

to provide ACPE notification of this substantive change at least one year in advance and submit

a comprehensive academic plan. The Board will review the comprehensive academic plan to

determine the need to further assess its impact on the total program’s ability to meet the

standards. The circumstances provided may present the need for additional review and

reconsideration of accreditation in accord with standard evaluation and operational procedures or

appropriate monitoring, such as a focused on-site evaluation by members of the Board,

professional staff and additional team members as appropriate.

Non-Compliance with Substantive Change Reporting

If a program fails to follow this substantive change policy and its procedures, the accreditation of

the program may be placed in jeopardy.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #6

GUIDELINES FOR INTERIM REPORTS DURING THE ACCREDITATION TERM

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Guidelines for Interim Reports during the Accreditation Term

Interim Reports During the Accreditation Term are an important mechanism by which ACPE

monitors and evaluates a college or school’s compliance with accreditation standards between

on-site evaluation visits. Such written interim reports may be requested for a number of reasons,

such as:

• to monitor progress of a program that is still in its development phase;

• to provide an update or additional details on issues or initiatives on which a college or

school is working; or

• when a specific area of concern regarding a standard has been identified by the

college or school (for example, in a self-study) or by ACPE.

The ACPE Board of Directors may request an interim report following a comprehensive on-site

evaluation, a focused on-site evaluation, a substantive change, or a previous interim report.

When a focused visit is scheduled, ACPE generally requests the college or school to submit an

interim report four to six weeks ahead of the visit. Specific issues to be addressed in the interim

report are itemized in an Actions and Recommendations Letter or an Interim Action Letter from

ACPE. Generally, each issue will refer to a specific standard or combination of standards.

The purpose of this document is to improve the efficiency of the reporting, submission and

evaluation processes, to minimize unnecessary work and effort by all parties, and to provide

additional guidance to colleges and schools regarding reporting expectations. Terminology used

in ACPE’s Actions and Recommendations and Interim Action Letters (i.e., when an interim

report is requested) is explained below so that the expectation, content, and level of detail

required by ACPE are more clearly communicated and appropriately addressed by the college

or school. ACPE urges colleges and schools to ensure that their reports:

• are concise and do not exceed the word limits detailed below;

• wherever possible, primarily focus on changes that have already been implemented

and assess the impact of such changes on the program; and

• when appropriate, make judicious use of appendices to illustrate specific points in the

main text.

Content and Required Level of Detail

ACPE uses three standardized terms to indicate the required level of detail when an interim

report is requested:

• A copy of [document name]: The college or school is required to submit the

document or table (e.g., a strategic plan, an evaluation plan, faculty bylaws, faculty

resource table). Generally, no additional explanation is required unless specifically

requested. A short explanatory paragraph, however, should be provided if the

document contains new information that may impact future compliance with

standards, for example, an initiative or objective described in a strategic plan.

• Brief description: The college or school should provide ACPE with a brief description

of progress or developments on the issue* in question since the last report or

accreditation review. The text of the report (excluding any tables, charts, appendices,

etc.) must not exceed 400 words (approximately one page) per requested issue.

• Detailed description: This should include a detailed description of progress and/or

developments on the issue* since the last report or accreditation review and, where

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

applicable, the college or school’s evaluation of the impact and/or effectiveness of

relevant strategies and initiatives. The text of the report (excluding any tables, etc.)

must not exceed 800 words (approximately two pages) per requested issue.

* In Actions and Recommendations Letters and Interim Action Letters, an “issue” is generally

indicated as a bulleted item under a specific Standard. For example, if a cited Standard had

three main bullets associated with it, this would constitute three requested issues.

Colleges and schools that submit interim reports in which the above word limits have

been exceeded may be requested to resubmit an amended report that complies with the

specified word limits. The deadline for re-submission will be 10 business days from the

original due date.

The specific wording of ACPE’s request will clarify the required scope and content that needs

to be addressed by the college or school. ACPE will endeavor to ensure that requests for

information are clear so that the college or school’s response can be appropriately focused. If

the scope of a request is not clear, please communicate with ACPE staff. If applicable, requests

for additional requirements (such as tables or charts) will be clearly stated in ACPE’s letter.

Use of Appendices

As noted above, when colleges and schools are submitting appendices, such documents should

be used judiciously, primarily to validate points made in the interim report. Unless specifically

requested or necessary, documents do not need to be submitted in their entirety; in most cases,

the applicable section(s) will suffice. If an appendix contains information critical for ACPE’s

evaluation of ongoing compliance with standards, such as details of a new initiative in a strategic

plan, that information should be included in the text of the report. The text of the report itself

should constitute the main component of the college or school’s response and the primary basis

for ACPE’s analysis and evaluation. When reference is made to a specific aspect of an

appendix, the location of the information (e.g., page number, table number) should be clearly

stated.

Administrative Changes since Last On-Site Evaluation

In addition to the items specifically requested by ACPE, please LIST (include name,

position, and effective date) any administrative changes that are relevant to the professional

degree program that have been made at the college, school, or university since the last on-site

evaluation or interim report. Commentary on these changes (e.g., the impact on the program

and any action taken or proposed by the college or school) is not specifically required by ACPE

at the time of the submission of the report, but may be subsequently requested if deemed

necessary. If the college or school elects to provide a commentary on any change, details should

be brief. Examples of administrative positions for which changes should be reported include:

• At the university level: president, chancellor, provost, or equivalent positions

• At the college or school level: deans, department chairs, divisional directors,

experiential coordinator

Inclusion of Additional Information in the Interim Report

It is ACPE’s expectation that the college or school will continue to address all the issues raised

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

by the last on-site evaluation team and documented in the Evaluation Team Report, even if the

college or school is not subsequently specifically requested to submit an interim report on the

issue(s). When submitting an interim report, however, the college or school may elect to also

provide an update on the issues not specifically requested in the Actions and Recommendations

or Interim Action Letter. Such “voluntary” reporting should be a “brief description” as described

above.

Furthermore, the college or school may wish to proactively report to ACPE notable new

developments or enhancements at the college or school or in the program. Likewise, this

“voluntary” reporting should be a “brief description.” If a development constitutes a “substantive

change” for the program (as defined in Section 17 of ACPE’s Policies and Procedures) the

college or school is requested to submit details via a separate written communication to ACPE.

Format of the Report

ACPE requires the Interim Report to be submitted electronically as a single PDF. Ideally, the

electronic version should be submitted by email as an attachment(s).

Should you choose to submit a hard copy, ACPE requests that any printed copies be submitted

in an unbound format - not spiral bound, not in a binder/file; binder clips are preferable. This

request is intended to save the college or school the time and expense of specialized binding,

and to facilitate the handling and distribution of reports by the ACPE staff.

Word limits for responses have been provided above. The respective word limits (400 and 800

per requested issue) provide an indication of the level of detail required by ACPE. For short

reports (e.g., less than six pages), an index is not necessary. For longer reports and/or for those

including several appendices, an index is requested.

Standardized Tables

To facilitate evaluation, ACPE may request that certain data be submitted in a standardized

format using an ACPE-designed template. Examples are:

• Faculty Resource Report

• Faculty Addendum

• Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE & IPPE) Capacity Charts

These forms may be requested by sending an email to csinfo@acpe-accredit.org.

Submission Deadline

This is the last date by which the report should be received at ACPE’s office. As the members

of the ACPE staff usually have to review a high number of interim reports per cycle, submission

by the due date is essential; however, whenever possible early submission is most appreciated.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Some Frequently Asked Questions

• Should we include information relevant to the issue even if it has been previously

submitted to ACPE?

There is no need to repeat information previously reported or submitted to ACPE; such

information can, however, be referenced, either by directing ACPE to a previous report or to

another section within the interim report itself. Interim reports should update previously

submitted data and describe any new developments. ACPE staff review previous reports and

documents when analyzing the interim reports, and relevant background information is

summarized for the members of the Board to assist them in their deliberations and evaluation.

• We are considering or planning “substantive change” at the college or school. Should

we include it in our Interim Report and, if so, where?

If the college or school wishes to advise ACPE about new developments or initiatives

affecting the program but unrelated to the issue(s) covered by the interim report, this should

be the subject of a separate written communication, so that the issue can be appropriately

addressed in accordance with ACPE’s policies and procedures. Furthermore, “Substantive

Changes” is a separate item on the agenda of board meetings, so separate documentation

is appreciated. Developments defined by ACPE as “substantive change” must be reported in

accordance with ACPE’s Substantive Change Policy.

• If we have a question regarding our Interim Report, to whom should it be addressed at

ACPE?

Questions relating to your Interim Report can be emailed to csinfo@acpe-accredit.org. Your

question will then be referred to the appropriate member of the ACPE staff. You can also call

the ACPE office at (312) 664-3575

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #7

PROGRAMMATIC TEACH-OUT PLAN FORM

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Programmatic Teach-Out Plan Form

Please submit a complete copy of the proposed Teach-Out Plan(s) cross-referenced to the following

checklist:

Item #

Criteria

Teach-Out Plan

The Teach-Out Plan provides:

Page #

That the teach-out program

will deliver equitable treatment of students (i.e., existing

and teach-out students) and has the necessary experience, fiscal, academic, clinical,

and physical resources, as well as support services to accommodate all students.

That the teach-out program will deliver an educational program that is reasonably

similar in content, structure, and scheduling to what was provided by the program

that is ceasing operations.

That the teach-out program has the capacity to provide all students with all

instruction and services which the students originally contracted and paid but did not

receive due to the closure of the program.

That the teach-out program will provide students with information and sufficient

advance notification about additional charges, if any.

That the closing program

will provide a list of student names enrolled with address,

phone number, and the estimated graduation date for each student to the teach-out

program.

A description of where the teach-out will occur: the closing program, the teach-out

program, or a combination. This description should include likely programs for a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Whether the teach-out program intends to retain any faculty from the closing

program or add additional faculty for the purposes of the teach-out. A list of faculty

responsible for the teach-out program along with their qualifications must be

included.

That the teach-out program will, upon a set schedule, offer each student enrolled at

the closing program a reasonable opportunity to promptly resume and complete the

course of study.

That the closing program will provide notice in a timely manner to each student of

the availability of the teach-out and the teach-out program will provide information to

students enrolled at the closing program pertinent information regarding the teach-

out program.

10.

A clear description of the financial responsibilities of all parties.

11.

Which institution will award the degree.

12.

Whether students would be entitled to begin training or re-enroll at the teach-out

program if the students had enrolled but not yet started their course of study at the

closing program or students who are on leave of absence from the closing program.

13.

That the closing program will provide the teach-out program copies of academic and

financial aid records for the students being taught-out and the teach-out program will

maintain separate records and document performance for the students being taught-

out.

14.

Appropriate notification to ACPE and compliance with applicable federal and state

law.

15.

List of currently enrolled students

16.

Names of other institutions that offer similar programs and that could potentially

enter into a teach-out agreement with the institution.

Teach-out program: Program providing instruction and support for students

Closing program: Program in jeopardy of losing accreditation or is no longer accredited by ACPE

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #8

CONFLICT OF INTEREST TEMPLATE

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

CONFLICT OF INTEREST – CONSULTANTS, COMMISSION MEMBERS, TASK FORCE MEMBERS AND

OTHER PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH ACPE

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is an independent, autonomous agency charged

by its Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Policies and Procedures and policies established by the ACPE Board

of Directors with the important responsibility of (i) the evaluation and accreditation of the educational programs

of colleges and schools of pharmacy, (ii) the evaluation and accreditation of the providers of continuing

pharmacy education, (iii) the evaluation and international-accreditation of international programs, and (iv) the

administration of other related ACPE activities (collectively, the “Professional Program” or the “Professional

Program of ACPE”).

Due to the sensitivity of ACPE’s activities administering the Professional Program of ACPE, strict policies are

maintained regarding conflict of interest or the appearance thereof, by ACPE Board members, evaluation team

members, professional staff, consultants, commission members, task force members and other

representatives (collectively “ACPE Affiliates”) participating in the Professional Program. To avoid actual or

perceived conflicts of interest, ACPE Affiliates must agree in writing to abide by the following policies:

On-Site Evaluations and Accreditation Decisions

No ACPE Affiliate will participate in a site visit, or in discussions or voting at ACPE board meetings, if the

program being visited or discussed is:

One in which the ACPE Affiliate or an immediate family member (defined as a spouse, life partner,

child, parent, or sibling) has been connected as a student, graduate, faculty member, administrative

officer, staff member, employee, or contracted agent within the past five years.

One in which the ACPE Affiliate or an immediate family member has interviewed for employment

within the past two years.

Located in such close geographic proximity to another program or institution with which the ACPE

Affiliate has some affiliation or relationship such as those outlined herein, that the programs or

institutions involved can be reasonably considered as competing with each other for financial or

other advantages.

Part of a university system where the ACPE Affiliate is employed.

Engaged in substantial cooperative or contractual arrangements with the program or institution of

the ACPE Affiliate or an immediate family member.

One which has engaged the ACPE Affiliate or an immediate family member as a paid consultant

within the past five years on matters such as program development or evaluation, organizational

structure or design, and institutional management of finances.

One in which the ACPE Affiliate or an immediate family member has any financial, political,

professional, or other interest that may conflict with the interests of ACPE.

One in which the ACPE Affiliate believes that there may be a conflict due to other circumstances,

such as participation in accreditation or review of the program for other agencies, close personal

relationships with individuals at the program, etc.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

One in which the program has reason to believe, and can document to the satisfaction of ACPE that

the participation of the representative could be unfairly prejudicial.

Conflict Determinations

ACPE Affiliates must be aware of conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in all functions

of ACPE. The determination of the existence of a disqualifying conflict of interest or appearance thereof is,

many times, subjective in nature. While the above guidelines may be helpful in respect to site visits and other

business activities of ACPE, they do not and are not meant to be all-inclusive. It is incumbent upon the person

involved to advise ACPE, even in the most remote circumstances, of any facts that could lead to potential

conflict problems in order to permit the appropriate decision to be made with regard to possible disqualification.

In accordance with the long-standing policies of ACPE, where it is determined that a conflict or appearance of

conflict requires disqualification, the person involved will be excluded from any accreditation activities that may

be affected by the conflict. The strength of ACPE as an accreditation agency has been and continues to be its

ability to administer the accreditation process in a fair and unbiased manner.

Confidentiality

All information related to the accreditation of colleges and schools of pharmacy and providers of continuing

pharmacy education, the evaluation of international programs and any and all other ACPE activities shall be

held in complete confidence and no such information shall be revealed to any third party unless authorized by

ACPE or required under court order.

The purpose of the above is to guide you in your service to ACPE and to protect the integrity of the Board.

Your relationship as an ACPE Affiliate is contingent upon your signing the statement below acknowledging

your understanding of your commitment and your agreement to abide by the above terms and conditions.

Sincerely,

Accreditation Council for

Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

Statement of Commitment

I have read and understand the above undertakings and agree to conduct myself in accordance with the above

terms and conditions during my tenure as an ACPE Affiliate (Effective January 1, 20XX – December 31, 20XX)

Dated this day of , 20_ .

Name: _

Signature: _ _ _

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #9

INTERPRETATION AND ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

STATEMENT #1 FOR STANDARDS 2016

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Interpretation and Additional Guidance Statement #1 for Standards 2016

Regarding Standard 11: Interprofessional Education (IPE):

Interpretation and additional guidance:

• The ACPE Board expects IPE experiences in both the didactic and experiential

components of the curriculum to include prescribers/student prescribers.

Additionally, ACPE expects this mix of prescribers to include (but is not limited to)

physicians and their students in both the didactic and experiential components

of the curriculum.

The Board further reiterates these points from the Standard:

• IPE applies to all students in a variety of practice settings.

• Prescribers/student prescribers (as well as other health care professionals) must

be included in IPE experience.

• IPE experiences occur in both the didactic and the experiential components of the

curriculum.

The ACPE Board instructs site teams to find programs without these above IPE experiences in both

the didactic and experiential components of the curriculum, at a minimum, to be found Partially

Compliant (Less than Expected for developing programs) beginning immediately (i.e., visits

conducted during spring 2018 and beyond). The Board’s actions in June 2018 and beyond will reflect

this interpretation and additional guidance statement.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION

ADDENDUM #10

ACCREDITATION MANUAL WITH BYLAWS

AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ACCREDITATION MANUAL

June 2024

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Chicago, Illinois

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

CONTENTS

ACCREDITATON COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION, INC. Page

A. Introduction

B. Articles of Incorporation

C. By-Laws

D. Introduction to the Professional Degree Program Accreditation Process

107

E. Introduction to the Continuing Pharmacy Education Accreditation Process

109

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is the national agency for accreditation of the

professional degree programs in pharmacy and for accreditation of providers of continuing pharmacy

education. ACPE was established in 1932 for accreditation of pre-service education and in 1975, its scope

of activity was broadened to include accreditation of providers of continuing pharmacy education. In 2002,

ACPE’s scope was again broadened to include international pre-service education accreditation after it

accredited an international program meeting ACPE’s accreditation standards.

In 2011, ACPE launched its International Services Program to help other countries enhance the quality of

their pharmacy education through consultations and quality assurance evaluations. In 2015, ACPE began

to collaborate with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) in the U.S. accreditation of

pharmacy technician education and training.

ACPE is an autonomous agency whose Board of Directors is derived through the American Association of

Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the National Association of

Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) (three appointments each), and the American Council on Education (ACE) (one

appointment). The Board of Directors, which has authority for management of corporate affairs, is

responsible for establishing policies and procedures, setting standards for accreditation of professional

programs of colleges and schools of pharmacy as well as criteria for accreditation of providers of continuing

pharmacy education, and taking actions concerning accreditation. In addition, the Continuing Pharmacy

Education (CPE) Commission consists of 10 members from the CPE providers, appointed by CPE

Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and ACPE Director of CPE Provider Accreditation with ACPE Board of Director

approval. The Commission recommends to the ACPE Board of Directors, policies and procedures for CPE,

standards for accreditation of CPE and actions concerning accreditation for CPE. Similarly, the International

Commission, composed of eight members (four from the United States and four from outside the United

States), advise the ACPE Board on international consulting and quality assurance matters. The Pharmacy

Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC) consists of nine members from a wide variety of pharmacy

practice areas. The commission, which is jointly appointed by ASHP and ACPE, works together to advise

each Board of Directors on pharmacy technician education and training accreditation decision. All

commissions reporting to the ACPE Board of Directors have elected board liaisons who attend commission

meetings and advise on commission activities.

Beginning in 1998, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Accreditation

Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) began the

process of aligning the three accrediting systems to create a unified “joint accreditation” process for

organizations that develop education for the healthcare team. The goals of this joint accreditation are to

support interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) through interprofessional continuing education

(IPCE), and at the same time to streamline the accreditation processes. In March 2009, specific joint

accreditation criteria, eligibility information and process steps for joint accreditation were released. The

ACCME, ACPE and ANCC began making Joint Accreditation decisions in July 2010 as Joint Accreditation for

Interprofessional Continuing Education™. In addition to the evaluation by a team of reviewers, review of

provider materials is discussed with a Joint Accreditation Review Committee (Joint ARC) comprised equally

by representatives from ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC; then, recommendation of the Joint ARC to the governing

boards/commission of ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC for their approval.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

A Public Interest Panel, which consists of at least two representatives of the public, participates in the

accreditation process in an advisory capacity. The ACE appointee, as well as the members of the Public

Interest Panel, are neither members of the profession nor involved in pharmacy education, thereby

assuring a public perspective in policy and decision-making processes.

The AACP, APhA, and NABP provide professional and financial support to the work of ACPE; however, these

organizations are not members of ACPE nor do their appointees serve as delegates of these organizations.

Fees are charged to the Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy, Providers of Continuing Pharmacy Education,

and Providers of Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education, as well as international

programs seeking ACPE assistance, to sustain the accreditation program. The organizational structure

assures the integrity of the accreditation program through responsive, responsible, and autonomous

operation.

Recognition. ACPE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher

Education Accreditation (CHEA) for the accreditation and preaccreditation, within the United States, of

professional degree programs in pharmacy leading to the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy, including those

programs offered via distance education. ACPE accreditation serves to establish eligibility for participation

in a variety of federally-funded programs (not including eligibility for Title IV Programs, Higher Education

Act, 1965, as amended).

Name Change. In August 2003, the ACPE Board of Directors approved a name change from The American

Council on Pharmaceutical Education to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. This change

was made to better reflect ACPE’s activities. The new name was formally adopted on November 6, 2003.

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Term Expires

Susan E. Buechele

Assistant Dean of Graduate Clinical Programs

Assistant Clinical Professor

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing

Loyola University Chicago, IL

June 30, 2025

Kimberly S. Croley

Director of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacist

Laurel Senior Living Communities

London, KY

June 30, 2026

Reza Karimi

Dean and Professor

Pacific University School of Pharmacy

Portland, OR

June 30, 2024

John Clay Kirtley

Executive Director

Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy

Little Rock, AR

June 30, 2026

Winnie Landis

Diabetes Educator

CVS Pharmacy

Lafayette, IN

June 30, 2024

LuGina Mendez-Harper

Government Affairs Principal

Prime Therapeutics

Eagan, MN

June 30, 2025

Michael A. Moné

Senior Legal Counsel

CVS Health

Scottsdale, AZ

June 30, 2024

Amy Seybert

Chair of Pharmacy and Therapeutics

Associate Professor, Pharmacy and Therapeutics

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Pittsburgh, PA

June 30, 2025

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Cindy D. Stowe

Dean and Professor

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AK

June 30, 2025

Sharon Youmans

Vice Dean and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy

University of California San Francisco

School of Pharmacy

San Francisco, CA

June 30, 2026

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Cindy Stowe, President

LuGina Mendez-Harper, Vice President

Kimberly Croley, Treasurer

PUBLIC INTEREST PANEL

Term Expires

Mary Donnelly

Chicago, IL

July 1, 2025

Judy Martin-Holland

San Francisco, CA

July 1, 2028

Tim Donovan

Chicago, IL

July 1, 2027

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

CONTINUING PHARMACY EDUCATION COMMISSION

Term Expires

Crystal Carter, MPA

Client Strategist

Louisiana Pharmacists Association

Baton Rouge, LA

December 31, 2026

Peter J. (P.J.) Hughes, PharmD, MSEd, BCPS

Associate Provost for Faculty Success and Continuing

Professional Development

Samford University

Birmingham, AL

December 31, 2025

Lindsay Kaster, PharmD, BCOP

Associate Chief of Pharmacy for Inpatient Services

Boise VA Medical Center

Boise, ID

December 31, 2024

Chair 2024

Nicholas Lehman, PharmD, BCACP

Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake University

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Clinical Pharmacist

– UnityPoint West Des Moines Family Medicine & Internal

Medicine Clinics

Des Moines, IA

December 31, 2025

Jodie V. Malhotra, PharmD

Director – Scientific Services

Neuroscience at Clinical Care Options

Denver, CO

December 31, 2024

Jennifer Pauley

Clinical Coordinator, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memphis, TN

December 31, 2024

Kathryn (Kathy) Schott, PhD

Vice President, Operations

CEImpact

Clive, IA

December 31, 2026

Vice Chair 2024

Ginger Scott

Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy

and Director of Continuing Education

West Virginia University School of Pharmacy

Morgantown, WV

December 31, 2024

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Rubina M. Singh, BS Pharm, PharmD, BCPS

Vice President, Education and Training,

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

Alexandria, VA

December 31, 2024

Elliott M. Sogol, PhD, RPh, FAPhA

Director of Postgraduate Education

University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy

Laramie, WY

December 31, 2025

James A. Trovato, Pharm.D., MBA, FASHP

Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs

University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Baltimore, MD

December 31, 2025

Barbara Ellen Maguire Vick, JD, PharmD, BCSCP

Associate Executive Director

North Carolina Board of Pharmacy

Chapel Hill, NC

December 31, 2025

INTERNATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM

Term Expires

Joseph DiPiro, PharmD

Professor of Pharmacy, and Associate Vice President for Health Sciences

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia, USA

January 31, 2027

Michael Katz, PharmD

Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science

Director, International Programs

Director, Residency Programs

University of Arizona

College of Pharmacy, USA

January 31, 2025

Abdullah Alhammad, BSc, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy

King Saud University

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

January 31, 2029

Mohamad Rahal, PhD

Dean and Professor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

in the School of Pharmacy

Lebanese International University

Khyara, Lebanon

January 31, 2025

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

Sherief Khalifa, PhD

Professor and Vice-Chancellor for Quality and Global

Engagement; Dean, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical

University, UAE

January 31, 2027

Donald E. Letendre

Dean and Professor

University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy

Iowa City, Iowa, USA

January 31, 2026

Thomas Paraidathathu, BPharm, MS, PhD

Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Executive Dean, and Faculty of Health

and Medical Sciences

Taylor’s University

Malaysia

January 31, 2027

Jenelle Sobotka

Professor and Director, Online Certificate and Masters Programs in

Leadership

University of Cincinnati, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

January 31, 2027

Michael Moné (Board Liaison)

January 31, 2025

2024 INTERNATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM CERTIFICATION COMMISSION OFFICERS

Donald Letendre, Chair

Abdullah Alhammad, Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Executive Director

Janet P. Engle

Associate Executive Director, and Director, Professional Degree Program Accreditation

J. Gregory Boyer

Assistant Executive Director, and Director, Continuing Pharmacy Education Provider Accreditation

Dimitra V. Travlos

Director, International Services Program

TBD

Associate Director, Professional Degree Program Accreditation

Mary E. Kiersma

Assistant Director, Continuing Pharmacy Education Accreditation Program

Kimberly Catledge

Logan T. Murry

Assistant Director, Accreditation

Dawn Zarembski

Jacob P. Gettig

HONORARY STAFF

Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Fellow

Daniel A. Nona

Executive Director Emeritus

Peter H. Vlasses

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

HISTORY OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE ACPE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Appointed by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

1932-46 Townes R. Leigh

1932-36 Theodore J. Bradley

1932-48 Andrew G. DuMez

1946-52 Glenn L. Jenkins

1937-41 C.B. Jordan

1948-56 B.V. Christensen

1952-58 Hugo H. Schaefer

1942-48 Ernest Little

1956-62 Joseph B. Burt

1958-64 Louis C. Zopf

1948-54 Troy C. Daniels

1962-68 Lloyd M. Parks

1964-69 Richard A. Deno

1954-60 Tom D. Rowe

1968-74 Roy A. Bowers

1970-76 Donald C. Brodie

1960-66 Linwood F. Tice

1974-80 Warren E. Weaver

1976-82 C. Boyd Granberg

1966-72 Harold G. Hewitt

1980-86 Charles A. Walton

1982-85 Lawrence C. Weaver

1972-78 Varro E. Tyler

1986-92 William J. Kinnard

1985-88 Harold H. Wolf

1978-84 August P. Lemberger

1988-92 Jack R. Cole

1990-96 Michael A. Schwartz

1984-90 Robert K. Chalmers

1992-98 J. Chris Bradberry

1992-00 John W. Mauger

1996-02 H.W. Matthews

1998-04 M.A. Koda-Kimble

2000-06 Barbara F. Brandt

2002-08 S. William Zito

2004-10 George R. Spratto

2006-12 Heidi M. Anderson

2008-14 Robert S. Beardsley

2010-16 Stephanie F. Gardner

2012-18 Victoria F. Roche

2014-20 Lori J. Duke

2016-22 Marie Chisholm-Burns

2018-24 Reza Karimi

2020-26 Sharon Youmans

2022-25 Cindy D. Stowe

2024-2027 Diane Ginsburg

Appointed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

1932-46 A.C. Taylor

1932-36 Russel B. Rothrock

1932-44 H.C. Christensen

1946-48 H.C. McAllister

1936-60 Robert L. Swain

1944-62 P.H. Costello

1949-60 Frank W. Moudry

1960-65 Robert J. Gillespie

1962-73 H.C. McAllister

1961-81 Fred T. Mahaffey

1965-72 Francis S. Balassone

1974-80 Lowell J. Anderson

1981-88 William J. Grosz

1972-78 A.G. McLain

1980-92 John H. Vandel

1988-00 Michael E. Hart

1978-81 Rex C. Higley

1984-96 Jack L. Coffey

1992-95 Lester Hosto

1981-84 Richard H. Rolfsen

1995-98 Howard B. Bolton

1996-02 Judith Christensen

1998-04 W. Whitaker Moose

2000-06 Paul G. Boisseau

2002-08 David E. Holmstrom

2004-10 Donald H. Williams

2006-27 Michael A. Moné

2008-14 Donna S. Wall

2010-16 Dennis McAllister

2014-26 John C. Kirtley

2016-25 LuGina Mendez-Harper

Appointed by the American Pharmacists Association

1932-40 H.A.B. Dunning

1932-42 David F. Jones

1932-44 E.F. Kelly

1940-63 Robert P. Fischelis

1943-54 L.D. Bracken

1945-62 George D. Beal

1963-64 Geo F. Archambault

1955-60 L.L. Riggs

1962-64 John E. Preston

1964-72 Charles F. Dahl

1960-69 William S. Apple

1964-68 Lonnie Yarbrough

1972-82 Mary M. Runge

1969-78 Clifton J. Latiolais

1968-76 David J. Krigstein

1982-88 Robert C. Johnson

1978-86 Grover C. Bowles

1976-86 Max W. Eggleston

1988-00 Harold N. Godwin

1986-90 Leonard J. DeMino

1986-92 Evelyn D. Timmons

1990-91 Robert J. Osterhaus

1991-96 James B. Powers

1992-98 Jody A. Stewart

1996-02 Robert J. Osterhaus

1998-04 Dennis K. Helling

2000-06 Terry A. Short

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

2002-08 Betty Jean Harris

2004-10 William A. Gouveia

2006-12 Warren A. Narducci

2008-11 Michael P. Cinque

2010-16 Bruce Canaday

2011-20 Anthony Provenzano

2012-19 Timothy L. Tucker

2016-18 Martha Rumoré

2019-25 Amy Seybert

2020-24 Winnie Landis

2020-26 Kimberly S. Croley

2024-2027 Kathy Campbell

Appointed by the American Council on Education

1932-39 David A. Robertson

1942-49 Earl J. McGrath

1950-58 Edward C. Elliot

1959-64 Herbert Longenecker

1978-82 Evelyn E. Handler

1982-89 Rosemary Schraer

1989-98 Ellen E. Chaffee

1998-04 John R. Johannes

2004-10 Joan Straumanis

2010-16 Barbara G. Burch

2016-19 Sharon Hahs

2019-22 Gregory Gruener

2022-25 Susan E. Buechele

History of Officers and Professional Staff at ACPE

President

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

1932-44 E.F. Kelly

1941-44 H.C. Christensen

1932-48 A.G. DuMez

1945-48 P.H. Costello

1944-45 P.H. Costello

1948-62 P.H. Costello

1948-62 George D. Beal

1946-47 Ernest Little

1962-81 Fred Mahaffey

1962-63 R.P. Fischelis

1948-48 George D. Beal

1981-86 John H. Vandel

1964-69 William S. Apple

1948-52 Glenn L. Jenkins

1986-90 Robert Chalmers

1969-72 Charles F. Dahl

1953-56 B.V. Christensen

1990-92 Evelyn Timmons

1972-74 D.J. Krigstein

1956-58 Hugo H. Schaefer

1992-96 Jack L. Coffey

1974-78 Varro E. Tyler

1958-62 Joseph B. Burt

1996-98 Jody A. Stewart

1978-82 Max Eggleston

1962-64 Louis C. Zopf

1998-00 Judith S. Christensen

1982-86 Grover C. Bowles

1964-66 Linwood F. Tice

2000-02 H.W. “Ted” Matthews

1986-92 John H. Vandel

1966-68 Lloyd M. Parks

2002-04 Terry A. Short

1992-96 Harold N. Godwin

1968-69 Richard A. Deno

2004-06 S. William Zito

1996-98 Michael E. Hart, Jr.

1969-78 John C. Weaver

2007-10 Donald H. Williams

1998-00 John W. Mauger

1978-80 Warren E. Weaver

2010-15 Michael A. Moné

2000-02 Robert J. Osterhaus

1980-84 August P. Lemberger

2015-16 Timothy L. Tucker

2002-04 Dennis K. Helling

1984-86 Charles A. Walton

2016-17 John C. Kirtley

2004-06 Terry A. Short

1986-88 Robert C. Johnson

2017-19 Anthony Provenzano

2006-08 George R. Spratto

1988-90 Evelyn D. Timmons

2019-20 Michael A. Moné

2009-10 William A. Gouveia

1990-92 William J. Kinnard

2020-21 Reza Karimi

2010-12 Heidi M. Anderson

1992-96 Michael E. Hart, Jr.

2021-22 Amy Seybert

2012-14 Robert S. Beardsley

1996-98 John W. Mauger

2022-23 LuGina Mendez-Harper

2014-15 Stephanie F. Gardner

1998-00 Robert J. Osterhaus

2023-24 Cindy Stowe

2015-16 Bruce R. Canaday

2000-02 Judith S. Christensen

2024-25 Kimberly Croley

2016-17 Michael A. Moné

2002-04 Mary Anne Koda-Kimble

2017-18 Timothy L. Tucker

2004-06 Paul G. Boisseau

2018-19 John Kirtley

2006-07 David E. Holmstrom

2019-20 Lori Duke

2008-09 William A. Gouveia

2020-21 Michael A. Moné

2009-10 Heidi M. Anderson

2021-22 John Kirtley

2010-12 Robert S. Beardsley

2022-23 Reza Karimi

2012-13 Donna S. Wall

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

2023-24 Amy Seybert

2013-14 Stephanie F. Gardner

2024-25 Cindy Stowe

2014-15 Bruce R. Canaday

2015-16 Michael A. Moné

2016-17 Timothy L. Tucker

2017-18 John Kirtley

2018-19 Lori Duke

2019-20 Anthony Provenzano

2020-21 John Kirtley

2021-22 Reza Karimi

2022-23 Amy Seybert

2023-25 LuGina Mendez-Harper

Appointed to the Continuing Pharmacy Education Commission

2007-12 Mary-Anne Benedict

2007-12 Stephen Caiola

2007-14 Janet Cline

2007-12 Jeannine Dickerhofe

2007-13 Kristin Janke

2007-10 Judy Filip

2007-12 Scott Meyer

2007-12 Jennifer Moulton

2008-13 John C. Kirtley

2007-14 Timothy Welty

2007-07 Malcolm Broussard

2010-12 Carol Abel

2013-15 Amir Amamifar

2013-18 Anita Young

2013-15 Kathleen McCartney

2013-15 Richard Artymowicz

2012-17 Shelby Englert

2012-17 Tian Merren Owens

2014-17 Kevin Mitchell

2015-20 Tammie Armeni

2015-20 Aaron Reich

2016-21 JoAnn Harris

2016-21 Barbara Jolly

2017-19 Joe Fontenot

2017-19 Tracy Hunter

2018-20 Trish Wegner

2019-24 Lindsay Kaster

2019-24 Jennifer Pauley

2019-24 Ginger Scott

2020-25 Peter J. Hughes

2020-25 Barbara Ellen Vick

2020-25 Nicholas Lehman

2020-22 Diane Yoon

2021-26 Crystal Carter

2021-26 Kathy Schott

2022-24 Jodie V. Malhotra

2022-24 Rubina M. Singh

2022-22 Jacob P. Gettig

2023-25 Elliott M Sogol

2023-25 James A. Trovato

Continuing Pharmacy Education Commission Officers

2008 Kristin Janke, Chair

Janet Cline, Chair

2009 Janet Cline, Chair

Jeannine Dickerhofe, Vice Chair

2010 Jeannie Dickerhofe, Chair

Scott Meyers, Vice Chair

2011 Scott Meyers, Chair

Jennifer Moulton, Vice Chair

2012 Jennifer Moulton, Chair

Timothy Welty, Vice Chair

2013 Timothy Welty, Chair

Janet Cline, Vice Chair

2014 Janet Cline, Chair

Tian Merren-Owens, Vice Chair

2015 Richard Artymowicz, Chair

Tian Merren-Owens, Vice Chair

2016 Tian Merren-Owens, Chair

Dennis Brierton, Vice Chair

2017 Dennis Brierton, Chair

Aaron Reich, Vice Chair

2018 Aaron Reich, Chair

Tammie Armeni, Vice Chair

2019 Tammie Armeni, Chair

Barbara Jolly, Vice Chair

2020 Barbara Jolly, Chair

JoAnn Francis, Vice Chair

2021 JoAnn Francis, Chair

Ginger Scott, Vice Chair

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

2022 Ginger Scott, Chair

Peter J. Hughes, Vice Chair

2023 Peter J. Hughes, Chair

Lindsay Kaster, Vice Chair

2024 Lindsay Kaster, Chair

Kathy Schott, Vice Chair

Board Liaison to Continuing Pharmacy Education Commission

2007

Joan Straumanis

2008

Donald H. Williams

2009-10

Donna S. Wall

2011

Warren A. Narducci

2012-13

Anthony Provenzano

2014

Donna S. Wall

2014-15

John Clay Kirtley

2016

Lori Duke

2017

LuGina Mendez-Harper

2018-22

Marie Chisholm-Burns

2022-23

Michael A. Moné

2023-24

Kimberly Croley

2024-25

Susan E. Buechele

Appointed to the International Commission

2011-12 Robert S. Beardsley

2011-13 Bruce R. Canaday

2011-14 William A. Gouveia

2011-15 Peter J. Kielgast

2011-16 Claude Mailhot

2011-11 Sobhi Said

2011-15 George R. Spratto

2012-17 Azza M. Agha

2012-18 Janet P. Engle

2012-18 A. Patricia Acuña Johnson

2013-19 Indra Reddy

2014-20 Anthony K. Wutoh

2015-21 Suresh Bhojraj

2015-21 Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner

2016-21 Yen Huei Tarn

2017-23 Yousif A. Asiri

2018-24 Jannet M. Carmichael

2018-24 Abeer Alghananeem

2019-25 Michael Katz

2020-26 Donald E. Letendre

2021-24 Shailendra Saraf

2021-27 Sherief Khalifa

2021-27 Jenelle Sobotka

2023-29 Abdullah Alhammad

International Services Program Ex-Officio Member

2012-14 Robert S. Beardsley

International Services Program Commission Officers

2011 William A. Gouveia, Chair

George Spratto, Vice Chair

2012 George R. Spratto, Chair

Claude Mailhot, Vice Chair

2013 Claude Mailhot, Chair

Janet P. Engle, Vice Chair

2014 Janet P. Engle, Chair

A. Patricia Acuña Johnson, Vice Chair

2015 A. Patricia Acuña Johnson, Chair

Indra Reddy, Vice Chair

2016 Indra Reddy, Chair

Anthony K. Wutoh, Vice Chair

2017 Anthony K. Wutoh, Chair

Suresh Bhojraj, Vice Chair

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

2018 Suresh Bhojraj, Chair

Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, Vice Chair

2019 Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, Chair

Abeer Alghananeem, Vice Chair

2020 Abeer Alghananeem, Chair

Jannet Carmichael, Vice Chair

2021 Jannet Carmichael, Chair

Michael Katz, Vice Chair

2022 Michael Katz, Chair

Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chair

2023 Sherief Khalifa, Chair

Donald Letendre, Vice Chair

2024 Donald Letendre, Chair

Abdullah Alhammad, Vice Chair

Board Liaison to International Commission

2013-14

Bruce R. Canaday

2014-15

Timothy L. Tucker

2015-16

Lori J. Duke

2016-17

Victoria F. Roche

2017-18

Martha Rumoré

2019

Timothy L. Tucker

2019-20

LuGina Mendez-Harper

2020-23

Winnie Landis

2023-24

Sharon Youmans

2024-25

Michael Moné

Director of Educational Relations

1949-50

Edward C. Elliott (Acting Director)

1950-52

Richard A. Deno

1952-74

Melvin W. Green (Director Emeritus)

1974-75

Daniel A. Nona

Executive Director

1975-00

Daniel A. Nona, Director Emeritus

2000-19

Peter H. Vlasses, Director Emeritus

2019-

Janet P. Engle

Associate Executive Director

1983-88

W. Robert Kenny

1989-20

Jeffrey W. Wadelin

1995-97

Carl K. Buckner

1995-00

Kimberly K. Werner

2020-

J. Gregory Boyer

Assistant Executive Director

1975-79

Alan L. Granat

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

1979-81

Roxie R. Smith

1981-83

W. Robert Kenny

1987-90

K.M. Schnobrich

1991-95

Kimberly K. Werner

1998-99

Mary Ellen Bonk

1998-

Dimitra V. Travlos

1999-08

Ulric K. Chung

1999-04

Dawn G. Zarembski

2000-13

Sharon L. Hudson

2001-24

Michael J. Rouse

2002-20

J. Gregory Boyer

2006-09

Anne-Marie Sesti

Policies and Procedures for ACPE Accreditation of

Professional Degree Programs –June 2024

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION, INC.

Article 1

The name of the corporation is the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education, Inc.

(Note: Name Change effective November 6, 2003: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, Inc.)

Article 2

The name and address of the initial registered agent and registered office is:

Daniel A. Nona

20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Article 3

The number and terms of office of the Board of Directors shall be determined by the Board of

Directors. The first Board of Directors shall be ten (10) in number, their names, addresses and terms of

office being as follows:

Member

Address

Term Expires

Dr. Robert K. Chalmers

2824 Henderson Avenue

West Lafayette, IN 47906

June 30, 1990

Mr. Jack L. Coffey

1917 N. Minnesota

Shawnee, OK 74801

June 30, 1990

Dr. Jack R. Cole

7522 E. Knollwood Drive

Tucson, AZ 85715

June 30, 1994

Mr. Leonard J. DeMino

11712 Dinwiddie Drive

Rockville, MD 20852

June 30, 1990

Mr. Harold N. Godwin

10112 West 98th Street

Overland Park, KS 66212

June 30, 1994

Mr. Michael E. Hart, Jr.

707 Sunshine Court

Forest Lake, MN 5502

June 30, 1994

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Dr. William J. Kinnard, Jr.

4000 N. Charles Street

Baltimore, MD 21218

June 30, 1992

Dr. Rosemary Schraer

9303 Box Springs Mtn. Road

Sunnymead, CA 92388

June 30, 1992

Ms. Evelyn D. Timmons

P.O. Box 1389

Scottsdale, AZ 85252

June 30, 1992

Mr. John H. Vandel

2041 Main Street

Torrington, WY 82240

June 30, 1992

Article 4

The Corporation is organized for the purpose of promoting or encouraging educational, research, and

scientific activities, including but not limited to:

A. To organize and operate a corporation exclusively for educational and other non-

profitable purposes, with no part of the net earnings of the Corporation to inure to the

benefit of any director.

B. To formulate the educational, scientific, and professional principles and standards, which

an accredited professional program of a college or school of pharmacy or an accredited

provider of continuing pharmacy education will be expected to meet and maintain.

C. To revise these principles and standards when deemed necessary or advisable.

D. To evaluate the professional program(s) of any college or school of pharmacy and any

provider of continuing pharmacy education and any pharmacy technician education and

training program that requests accreditation of this corporation.

E. To publish a directory of accredited professional programs of colleges and schools of

pharmacy and a directory of accredited providers of continuing pharmacy education, and

to revise such directories annually or as frequently as deemed necessary.

F. To satisfy itself that the accredited professional programs of Colleges and Schools of

Pharmacy, providers of continuing pharmacy education maintain the proper standards

through evaluation of at regular intervals or at such other times as may be deemed

advisable; and to withdraw the accreditation of any professional program of a college or

school, the accreditation of a provider of continuing pharmacy education that fails to

maintain the standards formulated by the Corporation.

G. To assist in the advancement and improvement of pharmacy education as well as

prerequisites and procedures for licensure.

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Article 5

The Board of Directors shall promulgate such bylaws, as it shall from time to time determine,

provided that no such bylaw be in conflict with any of the terms and conditions of these articles.

Article 6

A. The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific

objectives and purposes and may for such objectives and purposes make distributions to

organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal

Revenue law).

B. In furtherance of its stated charitable, educational, and scientific objectives and purposes,

but not for any other objectives or purposes, the Corporation may exercise the following

powers to the extent permitted by law:

1. To receive, accept, hold, and administer funds exclusively for such objectives and

purposes and, to that end, to take and receive by request, devise, gift, benefit

or trust, any property, real, personal, tangible or intangible, wheresoever

located;

2. To purchase, otherwise acquire, construct upon or lease any property, real or

personal, tangible or intangible, including but not limited to securities

and secured obligations of any nature whatsoever, wherever located;

3. To hold, sell, lease, convey and otherwise dispose of any property so received,

purchased, constructed or otherwise acquired, and invest and reinvest

the principal thereof, and invest and reinvest the income therefrom; to

add any such income to principal, and to deal with, use, expend, convey,

donate, assign or otherwise transfer the property of the Corporation,

whether principal or income, exclusively for its objectives and purposes;

to hold uninvested all or any part of its funds for such length of time as

may be necessary or desirable to carry out such objectives and purposes;

4. To exercise its rights, powers, and privileges by holding meetings of its Board

of Directors, keeping its books, employing personnel, and establishing

one or more offices, branches, subdivisions or agencies in any part of the

United States of America or elsewhere; and

5. To do everything and anything reasonable and lawfully necessary, proper,

suitable, or convenient to achieve its stated objectives and purposes.

C. No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be

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distributable to, its directors, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the

Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for

services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes

set forth in Article 4 hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall

be the dissemination of propaganda, or other attempts to influence legislation, nor shall

the Corporation participate in, nor intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of

statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Corporation shall not carry on

any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from

federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the

corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).

D. Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying and

making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Corporation, dispose of all

of the assets of the Corporation to such organization or organizations organized and

operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as shall at the time

qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal

Revenue law), as the Board of Directors shall determine.

Article 7

These Articles of Incorporation may be altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors upon

the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of the Board of Directors.

The undersigned incorporator hereby declares, under penalties of perjury, that the statements

made in the foregoing Articles of Incorporation are true.

/August 12, 1988

John H. Vandel, President Date

2041 Main Street

Torrington, WY 82240

ACPE

CORPORATE

SEAL

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BYLAWS OF

ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION (ACPE)

ARTICLE I. PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES

Section 1. Governing Documents and Activities

ACPE is a national agency for accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of

continuing pharmacy education. ACPE offers evaluation and certification of professional degree

programs in pharmacy outside the United States.

ACPE operates under its Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws and published Policies and Procedures.

ACPE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) for the accreditation and

preaccreditation, within the United States, of professional degree programs in pharmacy leading to the

degree of Doctor of Pharmacy, including those programs offered via distance education. All programs

seeking accreditation or certification from ACPE (including but not limited to professional degree

programs in pharmacy leading to the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy, continuing pharmacy education

providers, international pharmacy programs, jointly accredited programs, and pharmacy technician

programs) voluntarily seek accreditation or certification from ACPE. With respect to activities within

the scope of its USDE recognition, ACPE must comply with the applicable provisions of the federal Higher

Education Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder by USDE. ACPE’s Continuing Pharmacy

Education Provider Accreditation, International Services programs, Joint Accreditation, and Pharmacy

Technician Education and Training Accreditation are not within the scope of ACPE’s USDE recognition.

Section 2. Charitable and Educational Organization

ACPE’s activities are undertaken for the purpose of the protection of the public health and welfare and it

is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable and educational

organization exempt from federal income taxes. ACPE is subject to the restrictions applicable to Section

501(c)(3) organizations as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the

regulations adopted thereunder.

ARTICLE II. OFFICES

ACPE shall maintain in the State of Illinois a registered office and a registered agent and may have other

offices within or without the state.

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ARTICLE III. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. General Powers.

The business, property and affairs of the organization shall be managed by its Board of Directors.

Section 2. Number, Qualification, and Appointment

(a) Number. The number of directors shall be ten (10), or such other number as the Board of

Directors may from time to time establish by amendment to these bylaws.

(b) Qualifications.

1. Each director should have a record of exemplary professional practice and/or leadership

experience and meet the relevant specific criteria outlined below in paragraph (c).

2. The Board of Directors, as a whole, shall include a diverse range of perspectives and

experiences. Such diversity shall include:

(i) Experience and training in a variety of pharmacy disciplines (e.g., community, health-

system, ambulatory care, long-term care, managed care, pharmacy practice,

pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy administration, regulatory affairs);

(ii) Varied academic experience (e.g., faculty, administration, assessment, experiential

education, interprofessional education, academic affairs); and

(iii) Cultural and individual diversity (e.g., age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity,

language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic

status).

3. No person shall be appointed to serve on the Board of Directors, or any of its commissions,

who is an officer or director with any national or international organization affiliated with the

profession of pharmacy including but not limited to the American Association of Colleges of

Pharmacy (“AACP”), the American Pharmacists Association (“APhA”), and the National

Association of Boards of Pharmacy (“NABP”).

4. Each director shall be required to complete an orientation period and training as set forth in

policy and to comply with ACPE’s conflict of interest policies.

Executive Director shall consult with each of AACP, NABP, APhA, and, in applicable years, the

American Council on Education (“ACE”) regarding the desired qualifications of appointees,

consistent with paragraph (b) above. The Board of Directors shall be appointed as follows:

1. APhA shall appoint three (3) directors, who, in addition to meeting the criteria outlined in (b)

above, should:

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• be a licensed, registered pharmacist for a minimum of 10 years;

• preferably have prior experience serving as a preceptor for pharmacy students; and

• have a working knowledge of the broad array of pharmacy practice settings and

contemporary issues.

2. NABP shall appoint three (3) directors who, in addition to meeting the criteria outlined in (b)

above, should:

• have a minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmacy practice or education; and

• be or have recent experience as a member of a state board of pharmacy or as a

member of the executive leadership team of a state board of pharmacy.

3. AACP shall appoint three (3) directors who, in addition to meeting the criteria outlined in (b)

above, should:

• have a minimum of 10 years of experience as a member of the faculty or

administration of an ACPE college or school of pharmacy with accredited program;

and

• be in a full-time academic position.

4. ACE shall appoint one (1) director, who serves as a representative of the public on the Board

of Directors and, as such, must not be:

• An employee, student, member of the governing board, owner, or shareholder of, or

consultant to, an institution or program that either is accredited or preaccredited by

ACPE or has applied for accreditation or preaccreditation;

• A member of any trade association or membership organization related to, affiliated

with, or associated with ACPE; or

• A spouse, parent, child, or sibling of an individual identified in the previous two

bullets.

Section 3. Term.

Each director shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and until their successor has been duly

appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, or removal. The terms of the directors

may be staggered. Directors may serve up to three (3) consecutive terms, disregarding any partial terms.

Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any director in office on the date these bylaws became effective

shall be eligible to be appointed to no fewer than one (1) additional term.

Section 4. Meetings

(a) Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet as often as determined necessary to conduct

the business of the organization, but no less than twice annually. The dates, locations,

development of the agendas shall be determined through policy adopted from time to time by

the Board of Directors.

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(b) Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request

of the President or any four (4) directors. Written requests for a special meeting shall be

submitted to the President or Executive Director. The date, time, and location of a special

meeting shall be determined by the President or, if the meeting is not being called by the

President, by the Executive Director.

Section 5. Electronic Meetings

Directors may attend and act at any meeting of the Board of Directors through the use of secure,

private electronic communication equipment by means of which all persons participating in the

meeting can communicate with each other.

Section 6. Notice

(a) Requirement. Notice of each regular meeting shall be given by the Executive Director or their

designee to each director at the address as shown on the records of the organization not less

than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting. Notice of

any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given by the Executive Director not less

than five (5) nor more than thirty (30) days prior thereto by written notice to each director at

the address as shown on the records of the organization, unless otherwise provided in these

bylaws. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United

States mail in a sealed envelope so addressed, with postage prepaid. If notice is given by email,

such notice shall be deemed to be delivered on the date sent.

(b) Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given by the bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation

or otherwise required by law, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled

to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to

the giving of such notice. The attendance of a director at any regular or special meeting shall

constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director advises the presiding

officer prior to the commencement of the meeting that they are attending the meeting for the

express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not

lawfully called or convened.

Section 7. Action by Unanimous Consent

If and when the directors shall unanimously consent in writing to any action taken or to be taken by the

organization, such action shall be a valid corporate action as though it had been authorized at a meeting

of the Board of Directors.

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Section 8. Quorum, Voting

(a) Quorum. Α majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the

transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that if less than a

majority of the directors are present at a meeting, a majority of the directors present may

adjourn the meeting to another time without further notice.

(b) Voting. The act of a majority of the directors eligible to vote who are present at a meeting at

which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater

affirmative vote is required by law or by these bylaws.

Section 9. Confidentiality

Directors, staff, consultants, and volunteers must respect the confidential nature of ACPE activities and

adhere to confidentiality and communication protocols established in policy from time to time by the

Board of Directors.

Section 10. Executive Session

The Board of Directors may meet in executive session for the purpose of discussing matters related to

personnel, pending or current litigation, and to protect attorney-client privilege.

Section 11. Vacancies

Any vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled by the organization that appointed the director who

vacated the position. In the event that a vacancy shall continue in excess of six (6) months, the President,

with input and approval of the Board of Directors, may fill such vacancy consistent with the qualifications

set forth above. Α director appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of their

predecessor and may be reappointed subject to the term limits set forth in Section 3 above.

Section 12. Removal of Directors

Any director may be removed by the Board of Directors by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of

the directors whenever in the judgment of the Board of Directors the best interests of the organization

would be served thereby. Removal may be considered at any regular or special meeting of the Board of

Directors provided that at least twenty (20) days written notice is given to the Board of Directors

(including the director proposed to be removed) summarizing the reason or reasons for consideration

of such removal.

Section 13. Compensation

Directors shall not receive any compensation for their services, but any reasonable expenses incurred

by the directors in the official conduct of ACPE business shall be paid by ACPE pursuant to the

organization’s policies.

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Section 14. Robert’s Rules

All meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees shall proceed in accordance with Robert’s

Rules of Order except where contrary to applicable law, these bylaws, or policies adopted from time to

time by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES

Section 1. Establishment of Committees

The standing committees of ACPE shall be the Executive Committee and the Nominating Committee.

The Board of Directors may establish one or more additional committees comprised of two or more

directors, for such purposes and for such duration as the Board of Directors shall determine, and each

such committee shall be administered under the direction of such person or persons as the Board of

Directors shall select. Except with respect to the Executive Committee, all committee members shall

serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Power of Committees

Each committee shall have such powers and authority, subject to applicable law, as the Board of

Directors shall deem proper. Such powers shall be set forth in a committee charter approved by the

Board of Directors. In addition to the duties and responsibilities set forth in these bylaws, each

committee shall have such additional duties as may be set forth in its charter or as may be specifically

delegated to it by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any committee of which

the majority of members are not directors shall be advisory in nature.

Section 3. Executive Committee

(a) Duties. During intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee

shall have and exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the

organization, except where prohibited by law and provided that all decisions establishing new

ACPE Policies and Procedures, involving accreditation actions, actions requiring action of the

Board of Directors under these bylaws and other decisions, which may set precedent in

respect to the organization, shall be reserved to the Board of Directors. The Executive

Committee shall cause minutes of its proceedings to be kept and filed with the minutes of the

proceedings of the Board of Directors.

(b) Composition. The President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the organization shall constitute

the Executive Committee. The President shall preside over meetings of the Executive

Committee.

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Section 4. Nominating Committee

(a) Duties. Each year, the Nominating Committee shall advise the Board of Directors as to officer

positions available for the following year and solicit volunteers interested in serving in an

officer position. The Nominating Committee will present to the Board of Directors each

volunteering director as a candidate for election to the desired office.

(b) Composition. The Nominating Committee shall be comprised of two (2) Directors, neither of

whom is a current officer of the Board of Directors. Members of the Nominating Committee

may run for election to an officer position.

frequently as necessary.

Section 5. Limitations

Consistent with applicable law, no committee may:

(a) Adopt a plan for the distribution of the assets of the organization, or for dissolution;

(b) Fill vacancies on the Board of Directors or on any of its committees;

any member of a committee;

(d) Adopt, amend, or repeal the bylaws or the Articles of Incorporation;

(e) Adopt a plan of merger or adopt a plan of consolidation with another corporation, or authorize

the sale, lease, exchange or mortgage of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the

organization; or

(f) Amend, alter, repeal or take action inconsistent with any resolution or action of the Board of

Directors when the resolution or action of the Board of Directors provides by its terms that it

shall not be amended, altered or repealed by action of a committee.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers

The officers of the Board of Directors shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Only current directors are eligible to serve as President, Vice President, or Treasurer of the Board of

Directors.

The Executive Director will serve as the ex officio Secretary (without the right to vote) and shall be

authorized under the direction of the President or Board of Directors to sign relevant documents and bind

ACPE to contractual terms and conditions.

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Section 2. Election and Terms of Office

(a) Each officer shall be elected by a plurality vote at the first meeting of the Board of Directors in

the calendar year and shall serve for a period of one (1) year or until their successor is elected

and takes office, whichever shall later occur. The term shall start the first day following the

close of the meeting where the election occurred and continue until the last day of the

following year’s first meeting.

(b) Any director may be a candidate for election to any office.

ballot.

(d) Any vacancy in an officer position shall be filled by a plurality vote of the remaining members of

the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.

(e) If the election of officers is not held at the first meeting of the calendar year, such election shall

be held as soon thereafter as conveniently possible.

Section 3. Removal of Officers

Any officer may be removed by the Board of Directors by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the

directors whenever in the judgment of the Board of Directors the best interests of the organization would

be served thereby. Removal may be considered at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors

provided that at least twenty (20) days written notice is given to the Board of Directors (including the

officer proposed to be removed if such officer is a director) summarizing the reason or reasons for

consideration of such removal.

Section 4. President

The President shall be the principal elected officer of the organization and, subject to the direction of the

Board of Directors, oversees the business and affairs of ACPE. The President shall discharge all duties

incident to the office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors except in those instances when the

President shall be recused by reason of conflict of interest or vacates the position for purposes of

discussing any matter before the Board of Directors. Except where the authority to execute is expressly

delegated to another officer or agent of the organization or a different mode of execution is expressly

prescribed by the Board of Directors or these bylaws, the President may execute for the organization any

contracts, deeds, mortgages, bonds, or other instruments individually or with the Treasurer or Secretary,

or any other officer thereunto authorized by the Board of Directors, according to the requirements of the

form of the instrument.

Section 5. Vice President

In the absence of the President or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act, the Vice

President shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be

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subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Vice President shall also perform any other duties

and responsibilities assigned by the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the oversight of the financial books of account, funds, and

securities of the organization. The Treasurer shall submit, at least annually, to the Board of Directors a

detailed financial report, and shall perform other duties assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The

Treasurer may, under applicable policies, delegate authority for the collection and disbursement of funds

to the Executive Director but cannot delegate financial oversight.

Section 7. Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, ensuring

that all notices are duly given in accordance with applicable law, these bylaws, and other governing

documents. The Secretary shall be the custodian of corporate records, shall have the authority to certify

such records as true and correct copies, and, in general, shall perform all duties customarily incident to

the office of the Secretary and such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of

Directors.

ARTICLE VI. PUBLIC INTEREST PANEL

The Board of Directors shall appoint a Public Interest Panel comprised of not less than two (2)

representatives of the public to act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors, as requested by

the Board of Directors. Appointments to the Public Interest Panel shall be for one non-renewable

five-year term. Individuals appointed to the Public Interest Panel must not be:

• An employee, student, member of the governing board, owner, or shareholder of, or consultant

to, an institution or program that either is accredited or preaccredited by ACPE or has applied

for accreditation or preaccreditation;

• A member of any trade association or membership organization related to, affiliated with, or

associated with ACPE; or

• A spouse, parent, child, or sibling of an individual identified in the bullets above.

Prior to taking office as a member of the Public Interest Panel, each appointee shall execute an

attestation confirming that he or she meets all of the above requirements and restrictions.

ARTICLE VII. NON-DISCRIMINATIΟΝ POLICY

All ACPE activities shall be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner and in accordance with applicable

federal, state, and local laws.

ARTICLE VIII. BONDS

At ACPE’s expense, the Board of Directors may require any director, officer, staff or consultant, agent or

employee of ACPE to give to ACPE for the faithful discharge of their duties, a bond, in such amount, in

such conditions, and with such surety or sureties, as may be required by the Board of Directors.

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ARTICLE IX. INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Action by other than the organization.

ACPE shall, to the extent not prohibited by law, indemnify any person who was or is a party or is

threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding,

whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by, or in the right of, the

organization) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of

ACPE, or is or was serving at the request of the organization as a director, officer, employee, or agent of

another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including

attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by

the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a

manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the organization, and

with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was

unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or

conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption

that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that the person reasonably believed to be in, or

not opposed to, the best interests of the organization, and, with respect to any criminal action or

proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 2. Action by Organization

ACPE shall, to the extent not prohibited by law, indemnify any person who was or is a party or is

threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right

of the organization to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a

director, officer, employee, or agent of the organization, or is or was serving at the request of the

organization as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,

trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by

such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if such person acted in

good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests

of the organization; provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter

as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the

performance of duty to the organization unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action

or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view

of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for

such expenses that the court shall deem proper.

Section 3. Expenses

To the extent that a director, officer, employee, or agent of ACPE has been successful on the merits or

otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1 or 2 of this Article IX, or in

defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, they shall, to the extent allowed by law, be indemnified

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against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection

therewith, if that person acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in, or not

opposed to, the best interests of the organization.

Section 4. Prerequisites

Any indemnification under Article IX (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by ACPE only as

authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former

director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because the director, officer,

employee, or agent has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Article IX. Such

determination shall be made (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of directors who were not

parties to such action, suit, or proceeding, even though less than a quorum; or (ii) if there are not such

directors or the directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

Section 5. Advances by ACPE

Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director, officer, employee, or agent in defending a civil

or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the organization in advance of the final disposition

of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the Board of Directors in the specific case, upon receipt

of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee, or agent to repay such amount,

unless it shall ultimately be determined that the director, officer, employee, or agent is entitled to be

indemnified by the organization as authorized by this Article.

Section 6. Indemnification Not Exclusive

The indemnification provided by this Article IX shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which

those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of disinterested

Directors, or otherwise, both as to action in their official capacity and as to action in another capacity

while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,

employee, or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a

person.

Section 7. Insurance

The organization may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director,

officer, employee, or agent of the organization, or who is or was serving at the request of the organization

as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other

enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such

capacity, or arising out of their status as such, whether or not the organization would have the power to

indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article IX.

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Section 8. No Payments Resulting in Taxes

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification or other payment shall be made under this Article IX

that would give rise to a tax under Section 4958 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

ARTICLE X. CONTRACTS AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

Section 1. Budget

The Board of Directors shall approve a budget annually at the first Board of Directors meeting in the

calendar year. The Treasurer shall prepare a proposed budget for consideration by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Financial Report

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Board of Directors shall regularly review the financial aspects of

ACPE, including revenue, expenses and investment activities.

Section 3. Contracts

The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, the Executive Director or the Executive

Director’s designee, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and

on behalf of the organization. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 4. Deposit

All funds of the organization shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the organization in such

banks, trust companies, or other depositories as may be selected by the Treasurer in conjunction with the

Executive Director and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Checks, Drafts, etc.

All checks, drafts, other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness

issued in the name of the organization shall be signed by the Treasurer, the Executive Director or a

designee and in such manner as shall from time to time be directed by the Board of Directors.

Section 6. Gifts

The Board of Directors may accept or reject on behalf of ACPE any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise;

provided however, no gift may be accepted that is not given on an unrestricted basis for a permissible

general or special purpose of ACPE.

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ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Power to Amend

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to amend or repeal the bylaws or adopt new bylaws. Such

action may be taken at any duly noticed Board of Directors meeting or by unanimous written consent.

Section 2. Required Vote

Any amendment to these bylaws shall require a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the total number of

directors if adopted at a meeting, or unanimous written consent, and will become effective immediately upon

adoption unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors.

Adopted by the Board of Directors on June 16, 2021.

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INTRODUCTION TO THE PROFESSIONAL DEGREE PROGRAM ACCREDITATION PROCESS

Accreditation is the public recognition accorded a professional program that is judged to meet

established qualifications and educational standards through initial and subsequent periodic

evaluations. Accreditation applies to professional programs and is distinguished from certification or

licensure, which applies to individuals.

Accreditation standards reflect professional and educational qualities identified by ACPE as essential to

quality professional programs of Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy and serve as the basis for program

evaluation. Standards are set by ACPE in accordance with a procedure, which provides adequate time

and opportunity for all parties significantly affected by the accreditation process to comment on such

standards prior to their adoption. Advance notice is given whenever a revision of standards is proposed

by ACPE. The initial standards were published in 1937 and revisions occurring every seven years, on the

average, in keeping with changes in pharmacy education and practice. New Accreditation standards and

guidelines were adopted June 14, 1997. The revision process leading to Accreditation Standards and

Guidelines for the Professional Program in Pharmacy Leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree was

initiated in September 1989 and conducted in accord with the Procedure and Schedule for the Revision

of Accreditation Standards and Guidelines, issued January 7, 1990. This Procedure and Schedule involved

a step-wise, decade-long process. The early years were devoted to study and formation of proposed

revisions and the later years provided for two comment periods, each affording open hearings and

opportunities to submit written comments. Final consideration of the last iteration of proposed

revisions, Proposed Revision, January 15, 1996, was given during the June 1997 meeting of ACPE. The

Accreditation Standards and Guidelines for the Professional Program in Pharmacy Leading to the Doctor

of Pharmacy Degree were adopted June 14, 1997. The ACPE Accreditation Standards and Guidelines

were again reviewed, revised and adopted January 25, 2015, and effective July 1, 2016. These Standards

replaced Standards 2007.

ACPE publishes on its website the Directory for Preaccredited and Accredited Professional Programs of

Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy, which presents the complete accreditation status history of each

professional program as well as the academic year of the most recent review or consideration of

accreditation, and the academic year for the next currently scheduled review or consideration of

accreditation.

A professional program is evaluated on the extent to which it accomplishes its stated goals and is

consistent with the concept that pharmacy is a unique, personal service profession in the health science

field. Many college and school programs exceed ACPE standards in one or more of the various elements

comprising accreditation. In pharmacy education, as in American education generally, there is diversity.

In this diversity, there is potential strength. The accreditation process, therefore, seeks to maximize

potential strengths while assuring basic expectations for quality pharmacy education.

The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional judgment of the quality

of a college or school of pharmacy's professional program(s) and to encourage continued improvement

thereof. Accreditation concerns itself with both quality assurance and quality enhancement. The

responsibilities of the ACPE's accreditation program are:

1. To advance the standards of pharmacy education in the United States and

associated commonwealths.

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2. To formulate the educational, scientific and professional principles and standards for

professional programs in pharmacy which a College or School of Pharmacy is expected to

meet and maintain for accreditation of its programs, and to revise these principles and

standards when deemed necessary or advisable.

3. To formulate policies and procedures for the accreditation process.

4. To evaluate the professional program(s) of any College or School of Pharmacy within or

beyond its national geographic scope that requests accreditation of its program(s).

5. To publish on its website a directory of accredited professional programs of Colleges and

Schools of Pharmacy for the use of state boards of pharmacy or appropriate state licensing

agencies in pharmacy, other interested agencies, and the public, and to revise such

directory annually or as frequently as deemed desirable.

6. To provide assurances to constituencies that the professional programs which have been

accredited continue to comply with standards, and therefore to conduct periodic

evaluations in a manner similar to that for original accreditation.

7. To assist the advancement and improvement of pharmacy education as well as

prerequisites and procedures for licensure and to provide a basis for inter-institutional

relationships.

Accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy provides a national basis for quality

assurance. In so doing, the accreditation process serves multiple constituencies:

For boards of pharmacy, accreditation provides a reliable basis for decision-making with regard

to licensure.

For the public, accreditation assures conformity to general expectations of the profession

and identification of Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy, which have explicitly undertaken

activities, directed at improving the quality of their professional programs, and are

carrying them out successfully. Accreditation also assures improvement in the professional

services available to the general public in that accredited programs are expected to modify

their requirements to reflect advances in knowledge and practice.

For students and prospective students, accreditation assists in the transfer of credits

among institutions and provides an assurance that a program has been found to provide

satisfactory educational preparation for licensure and practice.

For institutions of higher education, accreditation provides a framework for self-evaluation

and improvement as well as opportunity for external review and counsel. Accreditation

also provides a basis for the decision-making of private and public agencies, including the

Department of Education, in the awarding of grants and loans.

For the profession, accreditation provides a means for practitioner participation in the

setting of requirements for preparation to enter the profession.

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INTRODUCTION TO THE CONTINUING PHARMACY EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

PROCESS

Accreditation is the public recognition accorded a continuing pharmacy education (CPE) organization that

is judged to meet established qualifications and continuing pharmacy education standards through initial

and subsequent periodic evaluations.

ACPE’s CPE Provider Accreditation Program was initiated in 1975. The purpose of the CPE provider

accreditation program is to assure and advance the quality of continuing pharmacy education thereby

assisting in the advancement of the practice of pharmacy. ACPE accredits providers offering CPE for content

that meets the definition of CPE and involves the appropriate target audience (pharmacist, pharmacy

technicians, etc.).

Accreditation standards reflect continuing pharmacy education qualities identified by ACPE as essential to

quality continuing pharmacy education and serve as the basis for evaluation. Standards are set by ACPE in

accordance with a procedure, which provides adequate time and opportunity for all parties significantly

affected by the accreditation process to comment on such standards prior to their adoption. Evaluation

and accreditation of this program is in accord with the Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education. The

latest revision was adopted June 2007, and became effective January 1, 2009.

CPE Monitor is a national, collaborative effort by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to provide an electronic system for pharmacists

and pharmacy technicians to track their completed continuing pharmacy education (CPE) credits. It will also

offer boards of pharmacy the opportunity to electronically authenticate the CPE units completed by their

licensees, rather than requiring pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to submit their proof of completion

statements (i.e., statements of credit) upon request or for random audits. This electronic system will be

expanded to include a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) platform. CPD is an approach to lifelong

learning; self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning that is

applied into practice. It involves the process of active participation in formal and informal learning activities

that assist individuals in developing and maintaining continuing competence, enhancing their professional

practice, and supporting achievement of their career goals.

ACPE publishes on its website the Directory of Accredited Continuing Pharmacy Education Providers, which

presents the complete accreditation status history of each provider as well as the year of the most recent

review or consideration of accreditation, and the year for the next scheduled review or consideration of

accreditation.

The CPE provider accreditation program is designed to assure pharmacists, boards of pharmacy, and other

members of pharmacy's community of interests, of the quality of continuing pharmacy education activities.

Quality is assured by evaluating and monitoring capabilities of providers of continuing pharmacy education

programs as well as monitoring and reviewing their continuing pharmacy education activities. The

responsibilities of the ACPE provider accreditation program are:

• To establish and maintain procedures and standards of accredited continuing pharmacy

education providers and their programs;

• To provide feedback to providers about their programs, through periodic comprehensive reviews

and ongoing monitoring activities, with a view toward continuing improvement and strengthening

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of continuing pharmacy education capabilities and activities;

• To publish on its website a directory of accredited continuing pharmacy education providers for the

use of state boards of pharmacy or appropriate state licensing agencies in pharmacy, other

interested agencies, and the public, and to revise such directory as necessary;

• To provide pharmacists with a dependable basis for selecting continuing pharmacy education

activities of consistently good quality;

• To provide a basis for uniform acceptance of continuing pharmacy education credit among the

several states; and,

• To advance the quality of continuing pharmacy education and thereby assist in the overall

advancement of the contemporary practice of pharmacy.

Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education™

• The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Accreditation Council for

Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) began the

process of aligning the three accrediting systems to create a unified “joint accreditation” process for

organizations that develop education for the healthcare team. The goals of this joint accreditation

are to support interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) through interprofessional continuing

education (IPCE), and at the same time to streamline the accreditation processes. Interprofessional

education (IPE) is designed to address the professional practice gaps of the healthcare team using

an educational planning process that reflects input from those healthcare professionals who make

up the team. The education is designed to change the skills/strategy, performance, or patient

outcomes of the healthcare team.