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American Clinical Board of Nutrition

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Policies and Procedures of the ACBN

I Description of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition

The American Clinical Board of Nutrition (ACBN) is a federally recognized, national accreditation 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 National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).. 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 recredentialing 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 NOCA (National Organization for Certifying Agencies) 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 the premier 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 [DAF2] 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 Board shall consist of an Executive Board and an Examinating 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 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. This committee is responsible for all phases of the ACBN examination; including, but not limited to; test questions, scoring and reporting, test site evaluation. The chairperson shall be a member of the Executive Board. Examining Committee Members are not voting members of the Governing Board.

3. The Executive Board will be appointed from the pool of certificants who were first elected to the Examining Committee.

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. Shall be independent 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.

· Executive Committee and other committee meting rules including agenda, frequency, and related procedures.

· Committee appointments and work assignments.

· 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 needs.

· Ability to enter into contract and grant agreements for certification and recertification activities.

L. Standing Committees of the ACBN

1. Examining Committee is responsible for all phases of the ACBN examination; including, but not limited to; test questions, scoring and reporting, test site evaluation. 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.

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

3. Accreditation Committee – This committee is responsible for extrapolating all information necessary to maintain compliance with the accreditation agency.

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

5. Grievance Committee – This committee serves as a disinterested committee to adjudicate written grievances about a certificant or Board member.

6. 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. BYLAWS – 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.

4. 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.

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

6. The certificant(s) with the highest recorded number of votes shall be placed on the Examining Committee.

P. 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.

E. 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 reaccredidation 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 re-

credentialization.

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.

d. Instructors shall be provided a list of suggested modules

of instruction and topics covered on the examination.

e. 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 [DAF3] 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

submited 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 exam-

ining 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 - $995.00 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 $150 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 - $125.00. This fee provides for

the working capital of the ACBN.

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

each year.

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

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

early November and a final reminder in December.

4.) If the appropriate fee(s) is not received by January 1 st 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 31 st 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 decredentialized. A certified letter will advise the certificant that they have lost their 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 Recredentialing 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

also 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 Bard.

2. The Board shall be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable, necessary and customary expenses incurred in the conduct of

business.

3. The Board shall determine expense provisions for its committee

members, designated associate examiners and support staff during

each examination period.

4. The Board shall provide expense provisions for its members and

designated reviewers for the curriculum reviews of educational and training courses.

5. 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.

6. 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.

2. 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.

5. 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, [DAF4] 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, or

B. An applicant shall be a health care professional who has completed a 300

clock 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 teaching experience, research and training that is performed by the

candidate.

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. J. 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 paraenteral 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 cand