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A candidate for membership in the College who disagrees with a determination by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding the acceptance or rejection of credentials and/or the results of the certifying examination may appeal such determination by submission of a written petition for reconsideration. This written petition may be submitted only on the grounds that the determination: (a) disregarded the established criteria, (b) failed to follow the stated procedures, or (c) failed to consider relevant information and documentation presented. A written petition must include a statement of the grounds for reconsideration with supporting documentation and be sent to the Chair of the Board of Regents in care of the ACVS office. The ACVS office must receive the petition within 90 days of the date on which the ACVS decision was announced. The Chair of the Board of Regents, with the advice and assistance of the ACVS office, is responsible for initially handling all notices of appeals, ensuring that they are forwarded to the correct committees or persons, or responding that the appeal will not be considered because it fails to meet the criteria set forth in the Protocol for Processing Appeals and Grievances. A copy of this Protocol is available through the ACVS office.
If the appeal meets the criteria for processing, the Chair, subject to review and approval by the Executive Committee, will initially present relevant information concerning all appeals to the Internal Review Committee (IRC). The Internal Review Committee shall consist of the past chairs of the Resident Credentialing and Examination Committees (the immediate past chairs who were not involved in the determination at issue), the Ombuds, two Diplomates appointed by the Board of Regents, and the Executive Secretary as a non-voting member. The IRC reviews the factual information and the background with respect to all appeals from credentials determination by the Resident Credentialing Committee and exam results authorized by the Examination Committee. A Board of Regents conference will be arranged for review and determination after the Chair of the Board of Regents receives the results of a recommendation of the IRC. A quorum of voting Regents must participate in all such meetings or conferences and determinations are made by majority vote. The affected party(ies) may be invited to meet with the Board of Regents. The ACVS Board of Regents will meet in executive session to reach a final decision. The Board of Regents' decision will be sent to the affected person(s) within 60 days of receipt of the appeal.
If the ACVS declines to reconsider or amend its determination to the satisfaction of the affected candidate, the candidate may request mediation facilitation from the American Board on Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) of the AVMA. The ABVS will review the request for facilitation to determine if the dispute is worthy of further discussion in mediation. Should the ABVS deem mediation appropriate, ABVS will assist the parties in selecting a professional mediator. Each party shall pay their own expenses. All other mediation costs shall be split equally between the parties and be paid in advance. The meeting be will held at the AVMA headquarters. The parties in dispute would be guided to seek equitable solutions.
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