POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE ACBN 

I DESCRIPTION OF THE AMERICAN CLINICAL BOARD OF NUTRITION

II MISSION STATEMENT

III STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE

IV DUTIES OF THE BOARD

V FINANCES

VI CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

VII CANDIDATE PROCESSING

VIII JOB REQUIREMENTS

IX CANDIDATE INFORMATION AND CREDENTIALING

X TEST DEVELOPMENT

XI TEST ADMINISTRATION

XII TEST SECURITY

XIII TEST SCORES AND SCORE REPORTING

XIV GRIEVANCES, DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS

XV DOCUMENT MAINTENANCE, SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY  

XVI CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

XVII DECERTIFICATION

XVIII RESTRAINT OF TRADE

XIX QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

XX CONTINUING CLINICAL COMPETENCY

XXI AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

I   Description of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition

The American Clinical Board of Nutrition (ACBN) is a certifying organization; a certifying agency for health care providers holding a professional doctorate degree seeking Board Certification in Nutrition. The ACBN is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). The ACBN maintains testing mechanism(s) that adequately measure the knowledge and skill required for entry and maintenance in clinical nutrition. Quality assurance is assessed through a biannual job analysis, delineation studies, and test construction. The ACBN conducts certification activities, which includes the establishment of minimum educational criteria and requirements for examinations and credentialing through examination, and re-credentialing to assure public safety, quality assurance and clinical competence. The ACBN is a non-profit 501 (c) 6 organization.

The American Clinical Board of Nutrition was originally charted as the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition in 1981. In 2000, the ACBN became autonomous from any other organization to pursue accreditation with NCCA. In 2002, the ACBN changed its name from the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition to the American Clinical Board of Nutrition as the word “clinical” better describes the role of health care providers in the field of nutritional therapeutics.

The ACBN was issued another charter in 2002 identifying it as an autonomous entity required by accreditation standards. During the past years, effort was made to work with a consultant organization, Castle World Wide, in developing field studies, delineation studies, Cut Score Studies and other protocols necessary for accreditation. The ACBN has had the pleasure of having membership with The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) and of their guidance in preparing standards that are in compliance with accepted NCCA guidelines.

In 2002, the House of Delegates of the American Chiropractic Association voted to recognize the ACBN as an organization for certifying chiropractors in clinical nutrition.

II Mission Statement

The mission of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition is to ensure for the health, safety and welfare of the public through an examination and certification process that assesses professional and clinical competence of health care providers in nutrition.

III Structure and Governance

A.  The population of certificants holding the certification of Diplomate with the

      American Clinical Board of Nutrition consists of health care providers holding a

      professional doctorate degree who have completed the specialized training in

      nutrition from any college, university, institution, foundation or agency that

      holds status with the U.S. Department of Education, or has a reciprocal

      agreement with the recognized agency. Training will be a minimum of 300 credit

      hours approved by the Board and who have demonstrated competency in all

      phases of the examination administered by the Board.

B.  The structure and governance of the certification program of the ACBN shall

      reflect the interest of the general public as well as the interests of the profession

      in the credential.

C.  As the number of individuals from other disciplines requesting certification

      increases, the composition of the Board will address the needs of those

      disciplines e.g. MD, DO.

D.  The ACBN  consist of an Executive Board and an Examination Committee.

      The Executive Board will be appointed from the pool of certificants who were       

       first elected to the Examining Committee.

1.      The Executive Board (also called the Governing Board or Board of

      Directors) consists of seven (7) members: 6 certificants - President,

                  Past-President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director and a                             public member who is appointed by the Board. This board functions to                             run and manage the ACBN.

2.      The Examining Committee is autonomous from the executive board and

will consist of a minimum of one (1) certificant from their respective                              discipline who is elected to this committee by all qualified certificants in good standing of the ACBN. The Examining Committee will also include                 one (1) public member. This committee is responsible for all essential          activities of the ACBN examination; including, but not limited to; test questions, scoring and reporting, test site evaluation. and grievances. The              chairperson shall be a member of the Executive Board. Examining                             Committee Members are not voting members of the Governing Board.

E.  Terms of Office – All terms of office are for a period of three (3) years and

      can serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms in that position. They may be

      appointed to another position on the Board. The Board may, at its discretion,

      exempt the secretary from term limits.

F.  Vacancy or Removal from Office – In the event of a vacancy or removal of an

      Examining Committee Member, the Board shall request new elections. In the

      event of a vacancy or removal of a Board Member, the Examining Committee

      shall appoint an interim replacement for the remainder of the term.

G.  Meetings – Board meetings or committee meetings will use Robert’s Rules of 

      Order for reference only for the orderly conduct of business. Minutes will be

      placed with the Secretary.

H.  51% of the Board will be chiropractors.

I.    Shall conduct certification activities which are national in scope.

J.    Shall be incorporated as a legal entity.

K.  The Examining Committee shall be autonomous in decision making for all

       matters pertaining to certification including, but not limited to:                  

          *   Policies and Procedures, eligibility requirements and application                                   processing.

          *   Standards for certification and recertification.

          *   Examination, content, development and administration.

          *   Examination cut scores.

          *   Grievances and disciplinary procedures.

          *   Publications about certification and recertification.

         *   Setting fees for application, certification, recertification, and all other 

               services provided as a part of certification and recertification activities.

         *   Funding, spending, and budget authority, financial matters related to the 

               operation of certification, recertification, staffing, office and building   

         *    Ability to enter into contract and grant agreements for certification and

                recertification activities.

         *   Examining Committee is responsible for all essential certification decisions.

         *   The Examination Committee appoints Executive Board positions.

         *   The chairperson shall be a member of the Executive Board. Examining  

                 Committee Members are not voting members of the Executive Board.

L.  Other Committees of the ACBN

            1.  Recertification Committee – This committee is responsible for the                                  development and processing of the ACBN Examination.

2.      Accreditation Committee – This committee is responsible for

                  extrapolating all information necessary to maintain compliance with the                      accreditation agency.

            3.  Elections Committee – This committee functions to review certificants                           who may wish to run for an examining committee position; qualifies the                             individual as eligible.

            4.  Grievance Committee – This committee serves as a disinterested                                    committee to adjudicate written grievances about a certificant or Board                           member.  Grievances regarding any aspect of the certification                                   examination is adjudicated by the Examining Committee.

            5.  Programs Review Committee – This committee may review all seminars                       wishing to be approved by the ACBN for continuing education credits                              required by its certificants.

M.  By-Laws – Bylaws shall be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board.

N.  Appointments – In compliance with NCCA standards, the Executive Board are

      appointed positions. Positions on the Executive Board; President, Vice-President,

      Secretary, Treasurer and Director, are appointed from and by the members of

      the Examining Committee. The Past President is a standing member of this

      Board.

O.  Elections to a position on the Examining Committee

Procedure:

Any qualified certificant in good standing may be elected to the Examining Committee. Elections shall occur as Examining Committee positions become vacant, or if the Board has need to increase the size of the committee.

1.  When a vacancy or vacancies occur, the Secretary of the ACBN shall publish in

     the ACBN Newsletter and on its website, an announcement calling for elections to

     the Examining Committee.

2.  All interested certificants wishing to be a candidate for election, shall write a

     letter of intent to the Secretary of the ACBN, advising of their intent. All

     candidates must submit, in addition to the letter of intent:

            A.  Three letters of recommendation from other certificants in good standing.

            B.  Signed Confidentiality form.

            C.  Conflict of Interest form.

            D.  Other forms that may be determined by the Board.

3.  All letters of intent shall be reviewed by the Election Committee whose function

     is to quality the candidate who must be in good standing as eligible to run. This

    decision shall be at the sole discretion of the Election Committee.

Definitions:

Good Standing – A certificant who:

A.  Has no financial obligations to the ACBN (all fees paid).

B.  Is current with certification requirements (has attended the appropriate

      seminars or other requirements).

C.  Is current with clinical competency requirements.

Qualified – A certificant running for a position on the Examining Committee who:

A.  Is not teaching or associated with any aspect of the educational training program

      leading to the certification examination.

B.  A teacher who has not taught any nutrition program associated with the

      certification coursework for over two (2) years is eligible.

C.  No certificant may run for a position on the Examining Committee if they hold

      any administrative or policy making position with any college, university,

      institution, foundation or agency where a postgraduate nutrition program is

      approved by the ACBN for any part of the certification program.

D.  Teachers, who are not involved with the educational training of the certification

      program are eligible to run.

E.  Shall not be an officer of any other nutrition organization without the expressed

      approval of the Board.

F.  Shall have been a certificant in good standing for two (2) consecutive years prior

      to running for a position on the Examining Committee.

G.  Examining Committee candidates may have been involved in research or have

      published articles or papers in recognized journals.

            1.  All qualified certificants, by way of letter from the Election Committee,                        shall have their names submitted to the Secretary of the ACBN who will                              place their names on a ballot to be mailed to all certificants who are in                              good standing for a vote.

            2.  After a time determined by the Board, all votes will be counted by the                           Election Committee.

3.      The certificant(s) with the highest recorded number of votes shall be            

                  placed on the Examining Committee.

4.      The Board shall reflect the core standards as presented or amended by

the accreditation agency.

IV    Duties of the Board

A.  The Board will be autonomous and have the authority to supervise the collection

      and disbursement of its funds and enter into contacts, to collect examination

      fees, annual certification fees, recertification fees (performed every three years)

      and other fees that may be required by the Board (see Finances:  fees and

      expense)

B.  To provide sufficient support personnel, consultants and other non-staff

      resources to sufficiently supplement the needs of the ACBN, and the knowledge

      and skills needed of its staff.

1.      The Board will hire (and fire) support personnel such as an

administrator, secretaries or others as needed for the necessary operation    of  the ACBN.

            2.  The Board shall use volunteers and consider stipends when indicated.

            3.  Resources shall also extend to the purchase of equipment such as                                   computers and other office needs.

C.  The Board shall provide two or more Examining Committee members  for the

      purpose of conducting an examination.

1.      The chairperson of the Examining Committee will be a member from the

                  Executive Committee.

2.      Examining Committee members must have undergone a minimum of one

(1)   year of training in all aspects of examination procedures by prior Examining Committee members and participate in the actual

      examination  process.

3.      Examining Committee members shall sign a confidentiality form attesting

to the security of the examination and of maintaining confidentiality to

all documents in the candidate’s files.

4.      Examining Committee members appoint the Executive Board.

5.      The Examining Committee shall hire or ask for volunteers to proctor the

       examination.  No proctor may be an instructor of, or be involved in, the

       educational certification training, or hold an administrative or policy

       making position with any college, university, institution, foundation or

       agency where a postgraduate nutrition program is approved by the

      ACBN for any part of the certification program. 

D.  To keep legible and dated records of all examinations in a secure location for

      seven (7) years.

1.      Records may not be reviewed or examined by anyone who has not signed

                  a statement of confidentiality.

2.      A request to review a candidate’s file by anyone other than the candidate

      must obtain written approval from the Examining Committee first.

3.      Records of a candidate may be reviewed by the candidate upon receiving

                   a written, signed request to the Board.

            4.  After seven (7) years, the examination and grade scores shall be destroyed.

            5.  If any material is to be stored electronically, it shall be retained                                      indefinitely.

E.  The Board shall issue certificates to candidates who successfully pass the ACBN

      Examination designating them as Board Certified and/or as a Diplomate of the

      American Clinical Board of Nutrition.

1.      Results of the examination shall be sent by certified mail to the candidate

       six (6) to eight (8) weeks after having taken the exam.  Instructions will

       be included with the results outlining the obligations of the certificants if   

       they are successful, and a process  to remedy deficiencies if they are not

      successful.  (See Test Administration, also Grievances and Appeals).

2.      All certificates shall be mailed to successful candidates within three            

      months after scoring is completed.

F.  To initiate a job survey (field study) and a delineation study every five (5) years

      in order to design and construct examinations to update education and training

      requirements and make recommendations to organizations sponsoring training

      for the candidates.

            1.  Board shall develop or hire consultants to develop a field study that will                       be sent to all certificants in good standing to determine current job                                   description trends every other year.

2.      Every five (5) years, in preparation for reaccreditation and to assure

      quality assurance of testing mechanisms, a delineation study shall be 

      performed.  The Board shall develop or hire a consultant group to

      execute this task.

G.  To design and construct all phases of the examination in clinical nutrition. (See

      Test Development)

H.  To assure validity and reliability of certification examination through rigorous

      and statistical analysis. (See Test Development)

I.  To consider for approval, nutrition programs for certification, recertification and

     continuing education for certificants. The Board will have the authority to

     approve or disapprove seminars towards recertification and/or

      recredentialization.

                  1.  Certification Programs

            a.  Approval means that all educational training for the 300 credit hour     

     certification program shall be through a college, university, institution,

     foundation, or agency that holds status with an accrediting agency 

     recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or holds a reciprocal

    agreement with that recognized agency.

                 b.  The certification program must demonstrate that the candidate has                              achieved a minimum of 300 credit hours of nutrition.

c.       All organizations providing the educational training for the          

      certification program shall be provided a list of recommended module

      topics, and a list of topics that shall be covered on the examination.

     Instructors shall be provided a list of suggested modules of instruction

     and topics covered on the examination.

d.      Instructors will be provided a list of policies regarding the ACBN. 

      (See Instructor Policies)

            2. Recertification – All certificants will comply with the annual certification

     renewal protocols.

            3.  Continuing Education

                 a.  A lecture or seminar must cover some aspect of nutrition.

b.      The lecture or seminar must be sponsored through a college,                      university, institution, foundation, or agency that holds status with an

accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education,       or an agency having a reciprocal agreement with the

recognized agency.

c.       All speakers must demonstrate to the Board sufficient expertise in the

subject matter they are lecturing on. This shall be accomplished by            submitting a curriculum vitae, and course outline to the Board.

d.      No more than 25% of the seminar shall be presented by speakers who

interject any sponsoring vendor products or materials within

the lecture.

                 e.  A certificate of completion must be sent to the Board within three

                      months, for each candidate that requests such documentation.

                 f.   Speakers shall be requested to submit a minimum of twenty (20)

                      questions / answers to the Board with references, to be considered for

                      future test construction by the Board.

J.  To publish for all stakeholders, a directory of certificants and their status.

            1.  A published directory shall be provided to all new certificants and any

                stakeholders requesting a directory of certificants.  The directory shall list

                all certificants and their status.

            2. All certificants will be listed on an unrestricted web site that shows their                       status.

K.  To accept graduates of approved nutrition programs having a minimum of 300

      Credit hours and holding a professional doctoral degree to sit for the ACBN

      examination providing the college, university, Institution, foundation, or agency

      holds status with the U.S. Department of Education, or an agency having a

      reciprocal agreement with the recognized Agency.  (See candidates  for

      certification requirements)

 L. The ACBN shall maintain direct protection of essential certification decisions

      from undo influence. Complaints of undo influence are directed to the Grievance

      and Appeals Committee.

M. The ACBN shall not be responsible for the accreditation of educational or

      training programs or courses of study leading to the certification of Diplomate of

      the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.

1.      The ACBN shall only provide suggestions as to what topics of instruction

shall be covered on the examination.

2.      The ACBN shall keep a list of instructors who have voluntarily submitted

An application to the Board expressing interest in teaching. The Board shall provide this list of instructors to any school considering teaching the certification program.

N.  To appoint and establish committees for the proper functioning of ACBN

      activities.   

O.  To establish procedures for grievances, adjudication and removal of certificants

      and/or Board Members.

V   FINANCES

A.  The ACBN is registered with the IRS as a not for profit 501(c)6 organization.

      This allows the ACBN the flexibility to enter into various educational areas such

      as research and scholarships, as well as soliciting funding and grant acquisitions.

B.  Fiscal Management

            1.  The Board shall select, appoint, or hire a Treasurer to manage the day to

                 day fiscal activities of the Board.  The Board shall appoint a treasurer

                 from the pool of certificants of the examining Committee, from the Board

                 of Directors, or hire an outside source.

            2.  The Board shall provide bonding of all officers having responsibility for

                 Board Funds.

            3.  The Board hall maintain a checking account in the same state of legal

                  registration, or in a bank in any other state that has representation in the

                  state of registration. The ACBN is legally registered in the

                 Commonwealth of Virginia. 

            4.  Two (2) executive board members may be required to approve all checks.

                 This may be through written approval via fax.

            5.  All executive board members shall be eligible to sign checks. However, the

                Treasurer shall be the responsible member for the physical maintenance of

                the checks themselves. At the direction of the Board, certain Board

                members shall have access to an ACBN credit card. Use of the ACBN

                credit card shall require approval by another Board member.  In addition,

                a copy of the original Invoice purchase(s) must be sent to the Treasurer for

                his records.

            6.  All tax forms for a 501(c)6 organization shall be filed annually by the

                 treasurer or CPA.

            7.  The fiscal year shall run from January 1 through December 31 of each

                 year.

            8.  The Board shall meet within the first two (2) quarters of the fiscal year to

                 approve a budget for that year.

            9.  All contracts for services requested by the Board shall be subject to Board

                 approval prior to enactment of the contract.

C.  Fees and Expenses

            1.  Fees

                        a.  Examination fee - $1,500.00 non-refundable and required at the                                    time of submitting application to sit for the ACBN examination.

                        b.  Re-examination fee–

                                    1.  Should a candidate wish to retake any part of the ACBN                                                examination for any reason, there is a $300 non-refundable                                                 application fee.

                                    2.  In addition to the application fee, a fee of $250 is assessed                                               for each of the two (2) parts of the examination to be                                                            retaken.

                                    3.  All fees must have been paid prior to being declared eligible                                           to sit for a retake examination.

c.       Re-scoring fee - $50.00 upon a candidate’s request of an appeal to  rescore their examination.  The Examination Committee then hand  scores their examination.

d.      Annual Certification Fee - $300.00.  This fee provides for the

           working capital of the ACBN.

                                    1.The annual fee must be received by January 1st of each year.

                                    2.  A fee statement will be sent out early October.

                                    3.  Two (2) reminder statements will be mailed; one

                                         early November and a final reminder in December.

                                    4.  If the appropriate fee(s) is not received by January 1st of                                                the new fiscal year, a letter advising the certificant that a                                                      late fee charge (reinstatement fee) of $500 will be assessed.                                                     in addition to the annual certification fees, if the fees

                                          are not received by the 31st day of January of the new year.

                                    5.  Failure to pay the annual fee and reinstatement fee after an                                           additional thirty (30) days (the end of February of the New                                                 Year) will automatically cause the certificant to be                                                         de-credentialized. A certified letter will advise the                                                                certificant that they have lost certification. The certificants                                                    may appeal to  the Grievances and Appeals Committee.     

                        e.  Disabled or Retired Fee – (INACTIVE) A certificant who is                                           disabled or retired and not in active practice, and providing

                             evidence of such, is considered decertified and will  be listed as                                     “inactive” on the website. Certificants who are decertified (inactive)                                   have no fee obligations.

                        f.  Reinstatement of disabled or retired certificant – The Board will

                             consider, upon the written request of the Diplomate, reinstating                                     their certification on a case by case basis. The Board may require                                    the Diplomate take a number of continuing education courses      

                             and/or retake one or both parts of the ACBN examination.

                        g.  Administrative Re-credentialing Fee – Should a certificant fail to                                   comply with the annual educational requirement s in any given                                 year, and by written request from the certificant, the Board will                                        consider, on a case by case basis, the certificant’s explanation as to                                     the reasoning for the failure to comply with the annual educational                              requirements. The Board may decertify the certificant as not           

                             having complied with the policies and procedures of the ACBN.                                   The certificant may appeal this decision. The Board may

                             consider levying an administrative cost of $500 and require the                                      certificant attend ACBN approved seminars for the next two

                             consecutive years.            

                       h.  All fees may be changed at the discretion of the Board.

3.      The Board shall be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable, 

                  necessary and customary expenses incurred in the conduct of

      business.

4.      The Board shall determine expense provisions for its

                   committee  members, designated associate examiners and support

                   staff during each examination period.                     

            5. The Board shall provide expense provisions for its members and                                   designated reviewers for the curriculum reviews of educational and                                         training courses.

            6. The Board shall provide for public information expenses including web

                site and web mastering fees, printing costs and dissemination of                                     information to the public costs.

           7. The Board, at its discretion, shall provide any stipends it deems necessary

     and or appropriate.

D.  Grants, Research and Funding

            1.  A committee shall review written request and advise the Board as                                  appropriateness, need and availability of funds.

5.      All contracts shall be subject to Board approval prior to enactment of any

      grant, research or other program.

            3.  The Board may enter into any research program that is grant funded so                      long as it does not present conflict of interest in the certification or                                      accreditation responsibilities of the Board.    

            4.  All revenue and expenses for grants, or research shall be maintained                           separately from the general operating expenses of the Board.

            5.  The bookkeeping system shall be in good accord with Uniform Grants

                 Management Standards and IRS non-profit regulations.

E.  Other

1.      All contracts for services requested by the Board shall be subject to Board

      approval prior to enactment of the contract.  This shall include contracts    

      by the Board for services from others or contracts with the Board for the 

     provision of services.  The Board shall make every effort to obtain services               

      from the companies that do not discriminate on any basis.        

2.      The Board may enter into a research program that is grant funded so long

      as it does not present a conflict of interest in the certification or                                      accreditation responsibilities off the Board.  All revenue and expenses for

     such a project shall be maintained separately from the general operating    

      expenses of the Board.

3.      The Board may enter into grants for funds to maintain or expand the           

      capacity of the Board to fulfill its obligations to the public and the                                 profession. These funds shall be maintained separately from  the general

     operating expenses of the Board

            4.  The bookkeeping system shall be in accord with Uniform Grants                                   Management Standards and Internal Revenue Service non-profit                                      regulations.

3.      The Board shall maintain liability insurance; D’s and O’s, E’s and O’s and an indemnity clause for the purpose of safeguarding the assets of the  Board against any legal action.

VI  CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A.  The applicant shall be a health care professional, holding a professional

      doctoral degree, who has successfully completed  300 clock hours of specialized

      postgraduate training in nutrition from a college, university, institution,

      foundation, or agency holding status with an  accrediting agency recognized by

      the U.S. Department of Education, or an agency having a reciprocal agreement

      with the recognized agency, B.  An applicant shall be a health care professional

      who has completed a 300clock hour residency in nutrition program from a

      college, university, foundation, or agency holding status with an accrediting

      agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or an agency having a

      reciprocal agreement with the recognized agency.

            1.  All residency programs must be approved by the Board.

            2.  Residency programs must file with the Board the number of hours of                      3.  A syllabus of the residency program must be submitted to the Board.

C.  Candidates eligible to sit for the ACBN examination, other than those in

      residency programs, must have a minimum of two (2) years practice experience

      and shall have taken all the courses prescribed by the Board.  In lieu of the two

      years practice requirement, the candidate must show evidence of having been

      actively engaged in instructional or research programs In nutrition for a period

      of two years in a college, university, foundation, institution, or agency holding

      status with an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of

      Education, or an agency having a reciprocal agreement with the recognized

      agency.

D.  The Board will accept candidates for examination only upon the specific

      recommendation of the sponsoring organization where the specialized nutrition

      training has taken place.

E.  Candidates must have a nutrition oriented article acceptable by the Board for

      publication in one of the following Board approved journals such as, but not

      limited to:

            1.  Nutritional Perspectives

            2.  Journal of Nutrition

            3.  JMPT

            4.  Am. J. Clinical Nutrition

            5.  J. Chiropractic Medicine

            6.  Nutrition Reviews or any other peer reviewed, referenced journal

                 acceptable by the Board.

F.  A candidate’s and or applicant’s eligibility to sit for the ACBN examination shall

     be determined by a full review of all information supplied to the Board. If a

     candidate / applicant is found not eligible to sit for the examination or any part

     thereof, they shall be notified by certified letter within three (3) weeks of

     receiving the application and all information.

G.  Applicants Right of Appeal. An applicant deemed ineligible to sit

     for the ACBN examination has the right to appeal the Board’s determination.

    (See XIV Grievances, Discipline and Appeals.)

H.  Eligible applicants wishing to sit for the certification examination shall be

     required to submit a non-refundable fee to the Board through the  treasurer. 

I.  The passing grade for the writing of 3 case histories is 30 out of a maximum of 40

     points. The passing grade for the written multiple choice  exam is 99 out of a

     maximum of 150 questions. An applicant may elect to be re -examined In any of

     the two (2) parts of the examination by submitting, in writing, a request to do so,

     accompanied with a non-refundable fee in the amount of $300.  In addition, there

     is a $150 fee for each part to be taken.

J.  If an applicant fails upon three (3) attempts to successfully complete the entire

     Diplomate certification examination with a passing grade within three (3) years

    upon submission of the formal application, or three (3) years upon completion of

     the coursework, at the discretion of the Board, he may, upon application and

     submission of the appropriate fees, be granted the opportunity to retake the

     failed subject area(s) a fourth and final time after a period preceptorship by

     Diplomate acceptable to the Board for a period of not less than one year, and

     upon being recommended to the Board as ready by his preceptor.

K.  If an applicant should fail a fourth attempt to successfully pass the entire

     Diplomate examination, it would be necessary for him to submit to taking the

     entire examination, as well as providing satisfactory evidence of completing an

     additional one hundred (100) hours of further education in the area of nutrition

     as prescribed by the Board.

L.  The Diplomate examination will be consistent with approved syllabi topics and

      will consist of:

            1.  Submission of three (3) case histories in the approved format.

            2.  A two part written examination.

M.  Examinations shall not exceed more than four (4) days in duration.  At least

      sixty (60) days prior to the examination, the Board shall request candidates to

      provide any special requirements they may need in performing the examination.

     This shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

N.  The secretary of the ACBN shall have in the permanent records, the registration

      numbers assigned to all successful candidates.  These numbers shall be assigned

      using the candidate’s social security number. Examination papers shall be

       retained in a safe secure location for three (3) years. This is to include

      compilation of grade scores.  All documentation in the candidates file shall be

     appropriately filed and legible.

O.  Unsuccessful candidate’s files will be maintained by the secretary for three (3)

      years. Within that time the candidate may reapply to sit for all or any deficient

      portions of the examination.  After three (3) years, a candidate must  reapply

      with a new application.

P.  Confidentiality of the examination, candidates’ files and grades is to be

     maintained. All members of the examining committee, proctors, and aides shall

     sign an a confidentiality form attesting to maintaining security and

     confidentiality.

Q.  Test reporting procedures.  Within six (6) to eight (8) weeks after completion of

     all required components of the ACBN examination, the candidate shall be sent a

     certified letter providing the results of his/her testing.  The letter shall:

            1.  Advise the candidate whether they have passed or failed.

            2.  Provide the candidate a breakdown as to the grades of each part of the

                 entire examination.

            3.  Provide the candidate with a course of action to follow to remedy any

                 deficiencies.

            4.  Advise the candidate when the next examination will take place.

            5.  Advise successful candidates of their duties and obligations as being

                 Board Certified in Nutrition by the ACBN.

R.  Results of pass/fail statistics without identifying any candidate shall be published

       in trade and public journals.

S.  Subjects and Topics of Examination

            1.  Subjects:

                        a.  The Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition

                        b.  The Nutrients and their characteristics, functions and metabolism

                        c.  The diagnostic evaluation in clinical nutrition

                        d.  Nutritional considerations in clinical Geriatrics

                        e.  Nutrition in infancy adolescence, pregnancy and lactation

                        f.  Dietary and nutritional aspects and the general management of                                      general disease:

                                    1.  Oral Cavity

                                    2.  G.I. Tract

                                    3.  Cardiovascular – Pulmonary Disease

                                    4.  Urogenital System

                                    5.  Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia

                                    6.  Musculo-Skeletal disorders

                                    7.  Fever and Infections

                                    8.  Blood Disorders

                                    9.  Disorders of the endocrine System and Metabolism

                                  10.  Trauma

                        g.  Nutrition and the Physiology of Stress

                        h.  Dietary and Nutritional Aspects and Management of                                                                               Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

                        i.  Nutrient-Nutrient and Drug-Nutrient Interactions and Reactions

                        j.  Radiographic and Advanced Imaging Diagnosis of Common                             Metabolic Disorders

                        k. Herbs, Botanicals and Homeopathy

                        l.  Longevity and Nutrition

                       m.  How to Perform and Write Research Papers

            2. Topics Covered on the ACBN Examination:

                        a.  Nutritional consultation, case history and physical examination

                             including anthropomorphic measurements.

                        b.  Nutritionally related biochemistry, physiology and pathology to

                             also  include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, energy metabolism,

                             vitamins, minerals, trace elements and water.

                        c.  Diagnostic evaluation in clinical nutrition, including functional

                             laboratory analysis by blood, stool, saliva, hair, urine, special

                             studies and radiography.

                        d.  Geriatrics – anti-aging, longevity and degenerative diseases.

                        e.  Pediatric nutrition, pregnancy and lactation.

                        f.  Female nutrition including menarche through menopause. This is

                            also to include male nutrition including prostrate and urological

                            problems.

                        g.  G.I. nutrition including parenteral nutrition.

                        h.  Renal nutrition and male specific problems.

                        i.  Endocrine and metabolic disorders, including stress.

                        j.  Sports nutrition including trauma.

                        k.  Musculo-skeletal disorders and syndromes.

                        l.  Neurological and psychiatric disorders including

                            neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.

                       m.  Herbs, botanicals, and homeopathy, nutrient-nutrient,

                             drug-nutrient and herb-drug interactions.

                        n.  How to write a scientific paper/case history for publication and

                             perform literature searches.

                        o.  Allergies and immunological disorders including HIV/AIDS and

                             infections. 

                        p.  Cardiovascular and pulmonary nutrition.

                        q.  Bariatrics including obesity, weight loss and eating disorders.

                        r.  Psychology of nutrition, food preparation and public issues.

                        s.  Cultural, religious and ethnic dietary concerns.

T.  Grandfathering – The ACBN does not Grandfather.

VII  CANDIDATE PROCESSING

A.  Once the applicant has submitted all application information to the Board,  the

      Board shall review and advise the applicant if they are Board eligible

      documents to include are:

            1.  Formal application

            2.  Non-refundable certified check in the amount of $995

            3.  A signed attestation form

            4.  An article that is nutritionally oriented having a minimum of ten (10)

                 references and approved by the Board

            5.  Two (2) passport size pictures

            6.  Statement of need (any disabilities the Board may need to address)

B.  Upon review, the Board shall advise the candidate if they are complete in the

      application.

            1.  Within three (3) weeks of receiving the application, the  candidate shall be

                 advised by certified letter if there are any deficiencies that need to be

                 addressed.

            2.  The candidate shall be advised as to the location and time the next

      Examination shall take place.  The Board shall determine the time and

      location of examinations.

3.  Examination shall take place when there is a minimum of six (6) qualified

                 candidates.

4.      The candidate shall be advised as to elements of the examination and of

      the topics it will cover.

5.      The candidate shall e advised that submission of three (3) case histories

       must be submitted to the Board three (3) months prior to sitting for the  

       examination.

C.  Candidate Handbook – Once a candidate is declared “Board Eligible” which

      means they are qualified to sit for the ACBN examination, they shall be sent a

      Candidates Handbook which will contain:

            1.  An explanation of the ACBN examination, detailing the two (2) parts of

                 the exam, how the exam is made, what to expect, etc.

            2.  A check list of points to consider when writing case histories.

            3.  A review of obligations a candidate must adhere to if they re successful in

                 becoming certified by the ACBN.

            4.  A copy of the ACBN Policies and Procedures.

            5.  A copy of the Bylaws

VIII  JOB REQUIREMENTS

A.  A Certificant must be a health care provider holding a professional degree such

     as an MD, DO, DC, Ph.D. who has been trained and examined in their respective

     discipline and is legally licensed in the state, province or country in which they

     practice the duties they were trained in.

B.  A Certificant must have completed specialized training in clinical nutrition from

     any college, university, institution, foundation, or agency that holds status with

     an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or

     having a reciprocal agreement with the recognized agency.

C.  Certificant must be able to demonstrate clinical competency by examination.

D.  Certificant must be able to communicate appropriately with all stakeholders.

IX   CANDIDATE INFORMATION AND CREDENTIALING

A.  Directory of Certificants

            1.  A written directory that will show the certificants name, business address,

                state, business phone number, fax number and email address, if available.

            2.  Website directory. The website directory shall provide the same

                 information as the written copy. In addition, it will show any disciplinary

                 measures and current status.

B.  Candidate Handbook – All candidates will be provided a handbook that explains

     the examination process. This will include the application forms writing of case

     histories, topic areas that will be examined. It will also include obligations,

     bylaws, policies and procedures. Candidates will be required to read and sign

     several forms.

            1.  Attestation form

            2.  Non-disclosure form

            3.  Non-compete agreement/conflict of interest

            4.  Participating agreement: This form advises the candidate that as a

                 certificant with the ACBN, they will agree and abide by the ACBN

                 Bylaws, shall maintain appropriate malpractice insurance, will Agree not

                to indulge in any unfair restraint of trade issues.

            5.  Understanding of Certification Termination clause. Policies and

                 Procedures and other forms will be updated and expanded as needed with

                 notations placed at the bottom of each page showing the date of the

                 upgrade.

C.  Recertification – Recertification is annually meeting the requirements set forth

      in (I)Obligations of Certificants (below).

D.  Publication of Outcomes

            1.  The Board shall provide all agencies that sponsor the 300 clock hour

                 training program, a list of their candidates that were successful and

                 unsuccessful once the examination has been executed.

            2.  Outcomes will be published in the President’s Annual Report.

            3.  Outcomes will be published in both the ACBN Newsletter and on the

                 ACBN website.

            4.  Confidentiality shall be maintained as to the identity of all candidates.

E.  Annual Report – The President of the ACBN shall provide an Annual Report to

     the certificants, the previous year’s activities, including income and expenses,

     accreditation and any other activities of the ACBN. This shall be placed on the

     ACBN website. A published copy will be mailed to all active certificants.

F.  Website

            1.  The ACBN website is www.acbn.org

            2.  The ACBN shall maintain a website by using or hiring a webmaster.

            3.  Information on the ACBN website pertaining to the list and addresses of

                 certificants, status (active or inactive) shall be available to the public.

            4.  The website will be kept current and accurate.

            5.  Aggregate data reports will be available on the website, using only a

                 certificate’s pin number for identification, and for confidentiality.

G.  Newsletter

            1.  The ACBN shall publish a Newsletter once every three (3) months, or as

                 often as necessary to keep all stakeholders abreast of ACBN activities.

            2.  The Newsletter shall be mailed or emailed to all active certificants as part

                 of their annual certification fee.

H.  Email Address – The ACBN shall maintain an email address. This is currently

      conacbn@shentel.net

I.  Duties and Obligations of Certificants

            1.  Must have paid the yearly (annual) certification fee.

            2.  Must satisfy yearly educational requirements:

                        a.  Must attend, at least every other year, an ACBN approved

                             educational seminar consisting of a minimum of 12 CCE credits.

                        b.  On the “off” year that the certificant is not attending an ACBN

                             approved educational seminar consisting of a minimum of 12 CCE

                             credits, he/she must submit to the Board evidence of any of the

                             following:

                                    1.  Actively engaged in teaching nutrition or research in

                                         nutrition at an accredited college, university institution,

                                         foundation, or agency that holds status with the U.S.

                                         Department of Education. Actively engaged means that a

                                         minimum of 12 credit hours are being taught.

                                    2.  Submit a paper on nutrition for publication with a

                                         minimum of ten (10) references.

                                    3.  Submit at least two (2) case histories suitable for publication

                                         the appropriate format.

                                    4.  Submit evidence of attending a twelve (12) CCE credit hour

                                         seminar on nutrition sponsored by any college, university,

                                         institution, foundation, or agency that holds status with the

                                         U.S. Department of Education. The twelve (12) hours of

                                         CCE credit required by the ACBN may be acquired by

                                         attending multiple approved seminars adding up to twelve

                                        (12) hours.

J.  All certificants will keep the ACBN informed of any and all changes in address,

     telephone, etc.

X TEST DEVELOPMENT

A.  All examination material is copyrighted material of the ACBN. No reproduction

     or duplication of the material is permitted unless authorized by the ACBN. All

     draft materials utilized by the examination committee are kept secured and

     inventoried regularly.

B.  All examination committee members must sign confidentiality agreements when

     generating or reviewing examination materials. Any material considered

     unusable is shredded prior to disposal.

C.  All duplication of examination material is to be done in a closed environment

     under secure arrangements. All test documents utilized by exam candidates have

     unique control numbers. Any examination materials delivered to an examination  

     site by courier service have an inventory list that is signed off prior to delivery

     and upon opening. Once used and repackaged for courier shipment, the

     inventory list is completed and initialed again.

D.  All candidates are examined utilizing the same form of the comprehensive

      written exam and case histories. No equivalent forms of the competency

      evaluation are needed.

E.  All test material shall be in English. Written translation of the competency

     evaluation (examination) is not available. No adaptations of the evaluation

     material is utilized at this time.

F.  Accommodations for candidates with disabilities are dealt with on an individual

      basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

G.  Every five (5) years, the population of certificants will be randomly selected to

      participate in a field study to determine the appropriateness of test questions.

H.  Results of the field study (survey) will then be statistically analyzed by the   

      examination committee or from an outside agency, o be placed into a delineation

      study.

I.  The delineation study, performed every five (5) years will determine the

     percentage of questions of topics as a portion of the whole. This shall be

     performed by the examination committee or from an outside agency.

J.  Test items utilized in the examination have been keyed to an examination

     blueprint and validated by the collective judgment of the subject matter experts

     utilized as item writers, as well as source documents from the nutrition field. In

     addition, instructors of the training programs shall be requested to submit a

     minimum of twenty (20) questions per unit they teach, along with the reference

     under the direction of a consultant psychometrician and a grammarian, subject

     standards acceptable to accrediting agency.

K.  A panel may be utilized outside the examination committee to review the work

      of the examining committee.

L.  Item Writing–

            1.  To become a qualified item writer, the interested professional must attend

                  instructional seminars provided by accreditation service organizations

                  such as NOCA on how to write, verify and document test questions.

            2.  All item writers will maintain item writing skills by attending accrediting

                 agency sponsored seminars on these subjects minimally every three years.

            3.  Item writers shall obtain their material item development from, but not

                 limited to:

                        a.  Course work instructors

                        b.  Research journals

                        c.  Scientifically evidenced textbooks

                        d.  Peer reviewed articles

            4.  Once item writers have developed appropriate questions and answers, the

                 items are then to be reviewed by unbiased, qualified, subject matter

                 experts for any content error or bias.

            5.  Subject matter experts shall consist of any person(s) with appropriate

                 degrees and experience in the field of nutrition in an academic institution

                 not actively sponsoring the 300 hour nutrition Diplomate Program.

XI TEST ADMINISTRATION

A.  All candidates are examined utilizing the same form of the examination. There

      are no equivalent forms.

B.  A minimum of two examining committee members and as many proctors as

      needed will execute the examination.

C.  All proctors will sign confidentiality statements to secure the privacy of the

      examination.

D.  All candidates will test at the same location, date and time as determined by the

      Board.

E.  All examining committee members will be familiar with the Examiner’s Training

      Manual.

F.  All candidates will be assigned a four (4) digit pin number that will be the means

      of identification on all examination forms as well as reporting and for

      publication on the ACBN website. This is to ensure confidentiality.

G.  Candidates will be seated in such a way as to reduce any question of impropriety

H.  Tests will be placed down on the candidate’s desk and when all tests have been

      handed out, the examiners will start the test.

            1.  Written Exam

                        a.  There are two parts to the written exam, each containing

                             seventy-five (75) multiple choice questions for a total of one

                             hundred fifty (150) questions. There is only one correct answer.

                        b.  Answers are placed on a separate score sheet, detached from the

                             examination questions.

                        c.  Identification of each answer sheet shall be by using the

                             candidate’s  Social Security number only.

                        d.  A forty-five (45) minute break is provided between Part I and Part

                             II of the written exam.

                        e.  Each part (Part I and Part II) is allotted two (2) hours.

                        f.  Once a candidate is finished with the written exam, they shall leave

                            the examining area.

            2.  Case Histories

                        a.  Case histories are taught by the schools teaching the 300 hour

                             certification program.

                        b.  Points to be considered when performing a case history are

                             provided in the candidate’s Handbook that is given to a candidate

                             upon completion of their application.

                        c.  All candidates must perform three (3) case histories.

                        d.  Three (3) months prior to the written examination, the candidates

                             must have submitted one (1) hard copy and 3 CDs of their case

                             histories to the examining board for grading.

                        e.  A point system has been developed to assess the management of a

                             case history. This point system is developed from the delineation

                             study showing the 6 domains and required tasks involved with

                             each.

I.  Role Delineation and Field Studies (These studies are available upon request)

J.  Cut Score, Statistics and Quartile

            1.  The examining committee shall establish the passing point of the

                 examination. This is performed by meetings with a professional testing

                 service specializing in the development of licensure and certification

                 examinations. The ACBN currently employs Castle Worldwide.

            2.  All examining committee members must undergo a training program on

                 cut score methodology when offered by accreditation services

                  organizations such as NOCA minimally every five years.

            3.  The use of a Scantron or other grading and scoring devise will be used to

                 provide accurate mean, median, mode and averages data reports.

            4.  Specifics of Cut Scoring

                        a.  Written Examination

                                    1.  The 150 (one hundred fifty) questions are distributed into

                                          two sections of 75 questions each according to the

                                         delineation study as follows: Domain % of Test # of

                                         Questions History 22.97% 34 Examination 16.59% 25

                                         Assessment 16.25% 24 Diagnosis 11.24% 17 Treatment

                                         19.65% 30 Follow-up 13.39% 20 100.00% 150

                                    2.  The combined minimum passing score on both sections of

                                         the written multiple choice exam is 99.

                        b.  Written Case Histories – These are actual, written, presentations of

                             patients with a health problem, seeking help from a health care

                             provider. The history follows the health care providers complete

                             management of the presenting case from initial visit to follow-up

                             and release.

                                    1.  Three (3) case histories are submitted by the candidate to be

                                         examined two months prior to the written examination date.

                                    2.  The case histories are graded by a minimum of three (3)

                                         examiners who have been trained on the methodology of

                                         case history writing. (The writing of case histories is one of

                                         the required courses in the 300 hour Diplomate course

                                          work.) Examiners will be required to attend training

                                          sessions on how to grade case histories, establishing cut

                                         scores and the rationale for such. This will be performed by

                                         the Board every two years.

                        c.  Management includes, but is not limited to:

                                    *  Personal and family history.

                                    *  Medicine and pills

                                    *  Food allergies

                                    *  Surgeries

                                    *  Food likes and dislikes and why

                                    *  Diet diaries such as a seven (7) day diet or twenty-four hour                                           recall

                                    *Exercise habits

                                    *Liquid consumption

                                    * Presenting symptoms including those of possible nutritional                                           contribution

                                    * Anthropometric assessment

                                    *  Examination findings – nutritional physical, laboratory,                                                  x-ray, etc.

                                    *  Diagnosis – initial, working and final

                                    *  Treatment program and rationale

                                    *  Progress

                                     *  Follow-up or outcomes

                        d.  Grading Case Histories

                                    *  Each examiner is randomly assigned case histories identified

                                         only by the candidate’s four (4) digit pin number.

                                    *  Each case history is reviewed and grade by three (3)

                                         examiners.

                                    *  Grading results are tabulated using a standard form (See

                                         Examiner’s Training Manual).

                                    *  The minimum passing score for the combined case histories

                                          is 30 out of a maximum of 40 points.

XII TEST SECURITY

A.  All examination materials, including draft materials, electronic forms, reports,

      answer sheets, and data analysis files are to be retained in a secure location and

      inventoried in great detail for legal defensibility purposes.

B.  All validation materials, including the production of job analysis data, content

      specifications, examination blueprints, and source documents are retained,

      inventoried and controlled with limited access in a secure location.

C.  Personnel of the Board, identified Board Members, and the consultant(s) will

      have access to the assessment instruments and associated data.

D.  Documentation logs will be kept outlining who is assessing which materials on

      specific dates and times.

E.  All assessment materials, test materials, answer sheets, blueprints and source

      documents will have control numbers for quality control and security purposes.

F.  Electronic forms shall be backed up routinely and all efforts to safeguard 

      electronic data, such as firewalls will be used.

G.  Printed material will be maintained for seven (7) years, after which they will be

      shredded prior to disposal.

H.  Personnel of the Board, identified Board members and consultant(s) must sign a

      confidentiality form prior to securing any test or candidate information.

I.  All candidates are assigned a four (4) digit pin number to ensure confidentiality.

J.  Examinations will be sealed by the examiners responsible for the examination, to

      be broken only by those same examiners that sealed the tests, and by affixing

      their signature, attest to the security of the exam.

XIII TEST SCORES AND SCORE REPORTING

A.  Grading

            1.  The written examination is a two (2) part multiple choice question test.

                 Grading of the two parts of the ACBN written examination is through a        

                 Scantron or other grading devise. This shall be performed either by

                 examining committee members who are qualified and trained in using a     

                 Scanton, or similar devise, or shipped to a psychometrician for grading.

                 candidate scores for each examination or sections of the examination is

                 generated. After the rosters have been generated, a determination of

                 passing and failing scores is made based on the predetermined cut score.

            2.  Case Histories are actual presentations of patients with a health problem,

                 seeking help from a health care provider. The case history follows the

                 health care professional’s complete management of the presenting case

                 from initial visit to the follow-up and release.

a.  A point system for grading case histories has been established.

                        b.  Each case history is graded by a minimum of three (3) examiners

                             of the examining committee. No examiner shall discuss any case

                             history with another examiner. Examiners are required to attend                                  classes on grading procedures and rationale for such, minimally,                                        every five (5) years.

                        c.  An inter-rater reliability study will be performed every 5 years and

                             all examiners will be versed on its application.

                        d.  In addition to the point system, the examiner may look for

                             presentation, format, and thoroughness of history taking extent of

                             depth and breath of the diagnosis. Treatment may be compared to

                             acceptable mainstream protocols and treatment programs.

B.  Scoring

            1.  Case histories: The average score of all three case histories is the score for

                  that portion of the ACBN examination. The cut score of the case histories

                  is 30 out of a possible 40 points.

            2.  Written multiple choice exam. The cut score for the written multiple

                 choice exam is 99 out of a maximum of 150 points.

            3.  The two parts of the ACBN, the case histories and the multiple choice           

                 examination must be passed independent of each other. Example for the

                 Written Exam delineation breakdown Domain % of Test # of Questions

                 History 22.97% 34 Examination 16.59% 25 Assessment 16.25% 24

                 Diagnosis 11.24% 17 Treatment 19.65% 30 Follow-up 13.39% 20 TOTAL

                 QUESTIONS 150

            4.   Score Reports – all reports and aggregate data reports are confidential

                 and can only be published using the candidate’s four (4) digit pin number.

            5.  Summaries of Data Reports – will be made available to stakeholders on

                 the ACBN website and in the DACBN Report. All summaries will use the

                 Candidate’s four (4) digit pin number for confidentiality.

XIV GRIEVANCES, DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS

A.  Grievances and Appeals – If a grievance or dispute arises from an Examining 

      Committee  Action, the following actions are to take place.

1.      Applicant’s Right of Appeal. An applicant deemed ineligible to sit for

      the ACBN examination has the right to appeal the Board’s

      determination.   Once the secretary has received a written request

      for an appeal of the  Examining Committee’s eligibility determination,

                  the Committee will appoint 3 Committee Members not associated with 

                  the initial determination. This ad hoc committee will meet within 4

                  weeks of the request, to consider the appeal. The applicant should

                  supply new information for the committee to consider. The

                  committee’s decision will be sent to the applicant by certified mail

                  within 2 weeks of the meeting.

            2.   Appeal of Examinees Score – Any candidate receiving a validated failing

      grade has the right to appeal: Rescoring by Hand:

a.      Rescoring requests must be submitted to the Board, in writing,

                              and received by the Board no later than sixty (60) days following

                              the release of the candidate’s original score.

b.      A non-refundable rescoring by hand fee of $50.00, made payable

                              to the ACBN must accompany the request to rescore each part

                              of the  examination.

                        c.  Requests received after sixty (60) days of release of the original                                      score will not be honored.

                        d.  Hand scoring of any previous examinations will not be honored.

                              e.  Candidate will receive the hand scored results within four (4)

                                   weeks.

            3.  Administrative Adjudication - Grievances or disputes regarding a                                 certificant or member of the Board.

                        a.   Complainant shall specifically state the complaint in writing and                                    submit this document to the Grievance Committee of the Board of                                       Directors.

                        b.  The Grievance Committee shall respond within thirty (30) days to                                  the complainant.

c.       The complainant shall then have thirty (30) days to respond to the    Grievance Committee’s report and submit additional information

      supportive of his/her complaint.

            The committee will have thirty (30) days to respond to the complaint and additional information being submitted. The

             Committee will provide its written final decision at that time.

            Grievances against the Board where accreditation issues are

             concerned must be addressed to the accrediting agency for review.

            4.  Appeal to a Full Review Board

a.      Certificant shall request an appeal in writing within thirty (30)        

      days of the Board’s final decision.

                        b.  An appeals Board will be formed in accordance with American                                     Arbitration Association guidelines.

c.       The chair of the Appeals Board shall be a person designated by

       the Board. The Appeals Board shall remain neutral and act as a

                               judicial tribunal to hear the appeal. The Appeals Board shall

                               make its presentation concerning the cause(s) of said discipline,

       and the certificant or representative shall make a presentation 

       concerning the certificant’s disciplinary action. No additional

       information may be presented to the Appeals Board. The

       Appeals Board shall make a finding within sixty (60) days of

       the Appeals hearing.

                        d.  In order to initiate the proceedings, the certificant shall post

                             with the Board a bond in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars                                    U.S. funds ($15,000) unless, showing of good cause, the Board                                         determines a lesser amount appropriate.

                        e.  Any legal action, hearing, or arbitration pursued by a certificant                                   holder must be paid for by the certificant holder.

B.  Examinee request for a review of examination

1.      Any examinee wishing a review of any part of the ACBN examination,

      must request such a review, in writing, to the Examining Committee          

      within sixty (60) days after the release of the original scoring results, or      

      within thirty (30) days following the release of the hand scored results,

      which ever comes last.

            2.  Reviews will be held at a Committee recommended location.

            3.  Requesting examinee will be required to pay any and all travel, lodging                        and any other expenses incurred by the Board for the review process.

            4.  If the examinee requests their personal appearance at the review, they                          may do so at their own expense.

a.      Examinee may not be accompanied by any attorney or other             person in the reviewing room. No reproduction devices such as

                  tape recorders and cameras are allowed in the review room.

The  examinee is allowed to have found books in the room.

                        b.  Examinee will be asked to provide identification prior to entering                                  the review room.

                        c.  Examinee will receive a copy of the test in question and a copy of                                   their answer sheet.

                        d.  Examinee is given up to one hour to review their test and answers.

            Examining Committee members can not defend the examination, attempt to answer any question, or refute any questions during the

              review process.

                        f.  Examinee will be provided a Review Form for comments,                                              questions, or claim of error(s) contained in the examination.

                        g.  The Review Form will be presented to the full Examining                                               Committee for their review.

                        h.  Results of the examination review will be sent to the examinee                                        within four (4) weeks following the date of the review.

C.   Discipline

1.      Certificants are subject to disciplinary measures including, but not

      limited to complaints of conduct.

                        a.  Drug and alcohol abuse

                        b.  Unethical conduct

                        c.  Fraud and abuse

                        d.  Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act

                        e.  Medicare, Medicaid, Worker’s Compensation sanctions

                        f.   Sexual misconduct

                        g.  Felonies

                        h.  HIPPA violations

                        i.  Undo influence

                        j.Conflicts of interests issues

                        k.  Failure to maintain malpractice/liability insurance

            2.  Procedure

                        a.  Any stakeholder may file a complaint with the Board by writing a                                 formal letter of complaint, explaining the exact cause for possible                                       disciplinary action from the Board.

                        b.  The grievance committee, upon completing an investigation of the                                 certificant shall pursue several options.

                        c.  Complaint is dismissed; no reporting of complaint.

                        d.  Certificant is issued a reprimand with instructions as how to avoid                                future reprimands, or further action.

                        e.  Certificant is de-credentialed. Upon the recommendation of the                                     Grievance Committee, a recommendation of decertification of a                                         certificant must be presented to the full Board for a vote within                                       thirty (30) days of the Grievance Committees’ recommendation. If                                 the Board votes to de-credential the certificant, a certified letter                                will be sent to that certificant. The certificant has thirty (30) days                                   in which to respond to the Board decision and may appeal the

                             Board’s decision as outlined above, under “appeals”. A certificant                                 who is de-credentialed will be reported by letter in the certificant’s                                     file, announced in the ACBN Newsletter under “Board Actions”,                                         and noted on the ACBN website.

e.       Reinstatement. A certificant may be reinstated either upon a  successful appeal, or by introduction of new evidence filed within thirty (30) days of the Board’s decision to de-credential.

XV Document Maintenance, Security and Confidentiality

A.  Structure of the Candidate’s File

            1.  All candidate files shall be in a standard format.

            2.  No document within the file will be loose. All must be affixed securely in                       the file using clip fasteners.

            3.  File contents will be uniform.

                        a.  The top sheet is the identifying sheet with the original application                                  and picture. Subsequent pages will be

                        b.  Recommendation to sit for the ACBN exam from the agency

                             that provided the specialized nutritional training.

                        c.  Grades from the agency that provided the specialized training

                             in nutrition.

                        d.  Attestation form

                        e.  Check list of manuals and information sent to a candidate.

                        f.  Money received or reimbursed.

            4.  All files will be placed in alphabetical order.

B.  Self imposed Audits

            1.  A routine audit of all new candidates will be performed twice:

a.      An audit will be performed once prior to the examination to

     confirm that all eligibility requirements have been met.

                        b.  An audit will be performed after completion of an examination,                                    whether the candidate is successful or unsuccessful.

            2.  A yearly audit of all candidates for that year will be performed.

C.  Structure of Certificant’s File

            1.  All certificant files shall be a continuation of their candidate’s files, with                       additional sections:

                        a.  Record of fees paid.

b.      Record of compliance in attending ACBN sponsored seminars one

      out of every two years, and what activity as required by the bylaws 

      was performed on the “off year” along with the documentation to  

      support that activity.

                        c.  Record of competency testing.

                        d.  Record of appointments.

                        e.  Record of any disciplinary action.

                        f.  Certificants identifying four (4) digit pin number.

D.  Confidentiality and Security

            1.  All files will be kept in a secure location.

            2.  Access to files other than the Board must be in writing and with the

      certificant’s permission if not a Board member. Any file to be reviewed

      by a Board member must be signed out and signed back in, in a timely        

      manner.

            3.  No original documents shall leave a certificant’s file. A qualified request                       to review a file will require signing a confidentiality form. Once                                confidentiality form is returned and on file, copies of the requested                                       documents will be sent certified, signed receipt.

4.  The candidate’s identifying four (4) digit pin number will identify the

                 candidate or certificate exam grades or other sensitive information.

5.  All document files shall not be reviewed, reproduced, duplicated, or

                 examined without first signing a statement of confidentiality.

            6.  Reproduction, copying or duplication of any files must be performed in a

                 closed, secure environment.

7.  All proctors assisting in the examination process shall sign a statement of

      confidentiality to assure the security and confidentiality of the

                  examination and candidates.

8.      Information may be disclosed or made public through legal means such

      as a subpoena.

E.  Retention of Files

            1.  Physical records shall be retained for a minimum of 7 years. Thereafter,                      they shall be destroyed.

            2.  Electronic records shall be retained indefinitely.

XVI CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A.  No member(s) of the Examining Committee shall hold an administrative or  

     policy making position with any college, university, institution, foundation, or

     agency where a postgraduate nutrition program is approved by the ACBN for

B.  No member(s) of the Examining Committee shall have taught any part of the

     certification curriculum program for a minimum of two years after the course

     has ended.

C.  Any member of the Board that may have a vested interest in a particular Board

     action, shall excuse themselves from involvement in the decision making process

     attributed that conflict of interest.

D.  No member of the Board shall hold an administrative or policy making position

     with any other nutritional organization except upon the approval of the full

     Board.

XVII DECERTIFICATION

A.  Decertification is the revocation of the Board certification in nutrition of a

     certificant from the ACBN.

B.  Decertification may occur if:

            1.  A certificant fails to pay the annual certification fee as prescribed in the

                 Bylaws or fails to complete the annual educational requirements.

            2.  A certificant fails a competency examination.

            3.  A complaint from any stakeholder was made, had followed through the

                 grievance and complaint protocols, and the final Board decision to

                 decertify the certificant was made.

            4.  If a certificant knowingly and purposely exerts undue influence upon the

                ACBN or undermines the standards of accreditation by the accreditation

                agency.

C.  Upon the recommendation of the Grievance Committee, decertification of a

     certificant must be presented to the full Board for a vote within thirty (30) days

     of the Grievance Committee’s recommendation. If the Board votes to

     decredenetial a certificant, a certified letter will be sent to the certificant. The

     certificant has thirty (30) days in which to respond to the Board decision and

     may request an appeal.

D.  A certificant who has been decredentialized will be announced under “Board

      Actions” in the next ACBN Newsletter.

E.  Right of Appeal. A certificant may appeal the Board’s decision to be

      De-credentialed.

            1.  Certificant shall request an appeal in writing within thirty (30) days of the

                 Board’s final decision to decertify the certificant.

            2.  A review Board shall be formed in accordance with American Arbitration

                 Association guidelines.

            3.  The chair of the Review Board shall be a person designated by the Board.

                The Review Board shall remain neutral and act as a judicial tribunal to

                hear the appeal. The Review Board shall set a date for a hearing and

                conduct a hearing at which time the Board will make its presentation

                concerning the cause(s) of the decertification, and the certificant or

                representative shall make a presentation concerning the cause(s) of the

                decertification, and the certificant or representative shall make a

                presentation concerning the certificant’s decertification. Witnesses,

                testimony and other evidence shall be presented to the Review Board for

                its consideration. The Review Board shall make a Finding of Facts and

                Conclusions binding all parties within sixty (60) days.

            4.  In order to initiate the proceedings, the certificant shall post with the

                 Board a bond in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars U.S. funds                                           ($15,000), unless showing of good cause, the Board determines a lesser

                 amount appropriate.

            5.  Any legal action, hearing or arbitration pursued by a certificant holder

                 must be paid for by the certificant holder.

XVIII RESTRAINT OF TRADE

All certificants will sign a restraint of trade form (refer to IX B, #4)

XIX QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

A variety of methodologies may be used to ensure quality assurance and quality control. These include, but are not limited to:

A.  For test questions answered incorrectly, appropriate information will be

      published for informational purposes to guide a certificant towards a correct 

      answer.

B.  A list of reading material with references will be made available to all

      certificants wanting further understanding or explanations of certain ACBN

      policies, test questions, nutritional protocols, etc.

C.  An on-line website will be maintained to provide all stakeholders accessibility to

      ACBN activities and informational services.

D.  The ACBN will certify numerous nutritional seminars that qualify for ACBN

      approval. These seminars will be reviewed on an individual basis, and on the

      request of the seminar promoters. Seminars that are approved will ensure that

      more than 25% of the required 12 CCE credit hours required by the ACBN are

      taught by instructors who interject a product or company into their lecture.

E.  The ACBN Board may, from time to time, develop surveys and focus groups to

      provide all stakeholders and the ACBN Board certain assessments, opinions,

      concerns and emerging technologies in the field of nutrition.

XX CONTINUING CLINICAL COMPETENCY

In order to protect and serve the public and profession, and to measure and/or enhance continued clinical competence, all certificants of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition must satisfy yearly educational requirements. The rationale for yearly requirements is due to rapidly changing information on nutritional therapeutics.

A.  Attend one (1) out of every two (2) years, an ACBN approved nutritional

     educational seminar(s) of minimally twelve (12) credit hours of education.

            1.  The seminar must have been approved by the Board and was sponsored

                 through a college, university, institution, foundation, or agency having

                 status with an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of

                 Education, or an agency having a reciprocal agreement with the

                 recognized agency.

            2.  All speakers must demonstrate to the Board sufficient expertise in the

                 subject matter they are lecturing on. This may be accomplished by

                 submitting a curriculum vitae, and course outline to the Board.

            3.  No more than 25% of the seminar may be presented by speakers who

                 work for any vendor.

            4.  Speakers may be requested to submit twenty (20) questions, with answers,

                 the source of the question, and page and paragraph of the information to

                 the Board for possible inclusion to the clinical competency or

                 recertification examination.

B.  On the alternate or “off” year that the certificant is not attending an ACBN

      sponsored educational seminar(s), they must demonstrate to the Board, evidence

      of any of the following:

            1.  Be actively engaged in nutrition education at a college, university,

                 foundation, institution, or an agency having status with an accrediting

                 agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or an agency

                 having a reciprocal agreement with the recognized agency.

            2.  Submit a paper on nutrition for publication with a minimum of ten (10)

                 references.

            3.  Submit at least two (2) case histories suitable for publication.

            4.  Submit evidence of having attended a minimum of twelve (12) credit

                 hours seminar on nutrition.

C.  Appeals – Certificants who have not complied with attendance to an ACBN

      sponsored seminar or failed to have demonstrated evidence of items listed above

      under number four (4), due to illness or extenuating circumstances, may appeal

      to the Board for consideration of their status.

D.  Any organization seeking ACBN approval for their seminar shall request an

      application that must be completed and returned no later than one hundred

      twenty (120) days prior to that event. (See Application for ACBN Approved

      Seminar at the end of this section.)

XXI AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

A.  Notification of Need – Any candidate who is board eligible to sit for the ACBN

      examination, or any certificant required to take a recertification examination

      having special needs, must inform the secretary of the ACBN minimally three (3)

      months prior to taking the examination of those needs.

            1.  The ACBN does not discriminate among applicants for certification on the

basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or material status.   To facilitate the Board in providing for special needs and accommodations, there is a section on the application where the applicant shall indicate when and what special accommodations are necessary.

            2.  The Board complies with all requirements of applicable federal and state

                  laws (e.g. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) with respect to all

                  certification and recertification activities and requires compliance.

B.  Language - All test material shall be in English.  Written or Oral translation of

     the competency evaluation (examination) is not available.  No adaptations of the

      evaluation material is utilized at this time.

C.  Review of Examination Location and Environment - The ACBN shall, with

     advanced notification, make every effort to provide a location and environment

      that may accommodate any special needs.

For Questions or Comments contact

Bonnie Sealock

6855 Browntown Road

Front Royal, VA 22630

Phone: (540) 635-8844

Fax: (540) 635-3669

conacbn@shentel.net