Commission on Accreditation of

Allied Health Education Programs

Supporting CAAHEP-Accredited Programs in a Changing Regulatory Landscape

As part of our commitment to supporting excellence in allied health education, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is providing information to help programs navigate the evolving regulatory environment. Recent developments, including the February 14, 2025, Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) issued by the United States Department of Education (USDE), Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act published February 28, 2025, and new executive orders regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), may raise questions for some institutions about how these changes align with accreditation standards.

While CAAHEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and not by the USDE, we remain dedicated to assisting our programs in adapting to these changes. The DCL, titled “Dear Colleague Letter: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act in Light of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard,” outlines the USDE's interpretation of Title VI requirements under federal civil rights laws and the Equal Protection Clause.

What This Means for CAAHEP-Accredited Programs

The February 14, 2025, DCL and related executive orders introduce new guidance that may pose challenges for some institutions. While CAAHEP does not oversee institutional compliance with federal funding regulations, we are committed to ensuring that our accredited programs are supported as they adapt to these regulatory developments. Program leaders are encouraged to converse with their institutional administration and legal counsel about how the DCL and EO may impact their educational programs.

Steps CAAHEP Is Taking

As your accreditor, CAAHEP is committed to assisting accredited programs in this evolving landscape. CAAHEP is taking the following proactive steps:

Monitoring Federal Communications CAAHEP is actively monitoring updates and guidance from the USDE and other federal agencies to stay informed and provide timely information to our accredited programs.
Conducting an Audit of Standards and Policies CAAHEP is reviewing its Standards and accreditation policies to ensure they remain aligned with regulatory expectations while preserving the integrity of allied health education.
Providing Resources and Guidance CAAHEP is committed to equipping programs with the tools and resources needed to navigate regulatory changes.

Assurance to CAAHEP-Accredited Programs

CAAHEP supports our accredited programs in adapting to the evolving regulatory environment. To address potential concerns, we want to provide the following assurances:

Flexibility in Standards: Our Standards and Guidelines are outcomes-focused and designed to provide flexibility, allowing programs to meet their unique missions while adhering to applicable laws.
No Conflict with Legal Mandates: CAAHEP does not require or expect programs to violate legal or governmental mandates as part of the accreditation process.
A Trusted Partner: CAAHEP remains a dependable partner, continuing to promote high-quality education and innovation in allied health programs.

Additional Resources

For more information about the recent federal guidance and executive orders, we encourage you to review the following:

Commitment to Quality in Health Professions Education

CAAHEP remains committed to its mission to advance the quality of allied health education by setting standards for quality assurance in health professions education. Together, we will continue to create opportunities for students, strengthen allied health education, and meet the needs of the ever-evolving healthcare workforce.

Please feel free to contact CAAHEP with any questions or concerns regarding these regulations.

Sincerely,

Barry Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

CAAHEP President

9355 - 113th St N, #7709

Seminole, FL 33775

See what's happening on our social sites