POLICY #21
COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE ACCREDITATION COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION IN NURSING
The Board of Commissioners Executive Committee of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) receives complaints made against the ACEN.
When a written, signed, and dated complaint is received, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Accreditation Officer, or Chief Financial Officer will refer the complaint to the Executive Committee of the Board of Commissioners for review.
The complaint is presented to the ACEN CEO, CAO, or CFO as a written, signed, and dated statement.
The CEO, CAO, or CFO will review the complaint and may request as necessary additional information from the complainant or the ACEN staff.
Within 10 business days of receipt of complaint.
The CEO, CAO, or CFO will refer the complaint to the Executive Committee for review.
Within 10 business days of receipt of all necessary complaint information/materials.
If the Executive Committee determines that the complainant raises significant issues, the Executive Committee will direct the CEO, CAO, or CFO to appoint a special committee to investigate the complaint in a timely, fair, and equitable manner. Conflicts of interests will be considered in the appointment of the special committee members. Commissioners shall not participate in any capacity on the special committee.
Within 10 business days of the Executive Committee’s receipt of complaint information/materials.
The CEO will appoint a Special Committee of three persons composed of:
One representative from nursing education (nurse educator/clinician). One representative from nursing service (practitioner/clinician).One public member.
Within 15 business days of the Executive Committee’s referral.
The Special Committee will meet to consider the complaint.
Within 30 business days of appointment to the Special Committee.
The Special Committee presents its findings and recommendation to the CEO, CAO, or CFO for consideration.
Within 7 business days of meeting.
The CEO, CAO, or CFO will present the Special Committee’s finding(s)/recommendation(s) to the Board of Commissioners.
At the next regularly scheduled meeting.
The complainant will be notified of the outcome of the complaint.
Within 30 business days of the Board of Commissioners meeting.
