Association for the Accreditation
of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. ®

Resources: For Accreditation - Procedures

AAHRPP ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES

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Latest Update: February 27, 2024

Appeals and Hearings

When the Council makes a decision to withhold or revoke accreditation, AAHRPP notifies the organization in writing of the decision and the factual findings and reasons supporting the decision. Such notice is sent to the organization’s application contact and organizational official electronically via email and/or by using a delivery mechanism that permits package tracking and confirmation of delivery. Within 30 calendar days after receipt of such notice, the organization may offer written evidence or argument tending to refute or overcome the factual findings and decision of AAHRPP, or may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the President and CEO for an oral hearing before the Council.

If the organization requests a hearing within the 30-calendar-day period, the Council holds a hearing at its next scheduled meeting following receipt of such request. The organization is given an opportunity at the hearing to present evidence or argument tending to refute or overcome the factual findings and decision of the Council. Counsel may represent the organization at the hearing, which shall be conducted by the Council in its reasonable discretion and shall not be required to follow any rules of evidence or civil procedure. Within 30 calendar days after its Council meeting, AAHRPP renders its decision after considering the information before it, and sends written notification of its decision to the organization electronically via email and/or by using a delivery mechanism that permits package tracking and confirmation of delivery.

If, following the hearing, the decision of the Council is to continue to withhold or revoke accreditation, the organization may appeal the decision within 30 calendar days after receipt of notice of the decision by submitting a written request to the President and CEO for an appeal to the Board of Directors (Board). If the organization does not request an appeal within the 30-calendar-day period, the Council forwards its decision to the Board for review. The decisions of the Council are final in all but those rare instances when a Council decision is appealed to the Board.

The standard of evidence that the Board will use to overturn the decision of the Council is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” meaning that it is beyond a reasonable doubt that the Council misapplied AAHRPP’s Standards in reviewing the matter at issue. The Board's decision is final.