Department of Education – Final Regulations, effective July 1, 2024

ABHES | Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

To: ABHES-Accredited Institutions and Programs

From: India Y. Tips, Executive Director

Date: March 8, 2024

Subject: Department of Education – Final Regulations, effective July 1, 2024

In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (referred to as the Department) published the Federal Register on Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, Certification Procedures, Ability To Benefit (ATB), which includes revised provisions to regulatory sections, §668.14(b)(26)(ii) and (iii), Limiting excessive hours of GE programs, and §668.14(b)(32)(i) and (ii), Licensure or certification requirements.

ABHES encourages institutions to review the Federal Register in its entirety as these new policies may impact some ABHES-accredited institutions and programs, particularly those offering non-degree credentials. For example, in specific instances, the Department is stipulating a new maximum number of clock or credit hours in fields where the state authorizing agency has established minimum requirements for training in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student. Given these Title IV eligibility changes, programs that exceed the minimum number of clock or credit hours required by the state in which a school is located may no longer be eligible to receive Title IV funding. While ABHES is not requiring institutions and programs to revise any approved program offerings because of these changes, we realize that some may choose to do so.

Therefore, in accordance with III.B.5.b. of the Accreditation Manual, any institution or program that chooses to revise program content that results in a change in the total clock or credit hours, or change in total number of program courses, must complete and submit the Application for Program Revision, available in the Member Portal. Please note that this Application requires documented evidence of any regulatory oversight body approval required under the laws and regulations of the states(s) in which the institution operates, including any regulatory oversight body approval (or exemption documentation) required to operate specific programs, as applicable, at the time of application. An application is considered materially complete if it provides all required information, exhibits, and payment.

ABHES stands ready to process materially complete applications on an expedited basis if received by June 1, 2024. Applications received after this date may not be processed before the Department’s effective date of July 1, 2024.

For questions regarding the Application for Program Review, email info@abhes.org. For questions regarding the Department’s new policies, requirements, or procedures, please contact your respective Area Case Director at the U.S. Department of Education School Participation Division.

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