The ACGME has developed a process to allow accredited programs to request Program Emergency Categorization when planned resident/fellow experiences are disrupted due to a local epidemic/pandemic surge. Program Emergency Categorization can only be requested if the program, in collaboration with its institutional leadership, has first exhausted all other actual and potential sources of clinical support, and disrupting the GME experience to meet patient care needs is a last resort.
This new program-level designation resembles the existing Sponsoring Institution Emergency Categorization request process.
Applying for Program Emergency Categorization
Requests for Program Emergency Categorization for an individual program must be made through the Accreditation Data System (ADS) by the program director, with approval by the designated institutional official (DIO), following the steps below:
1. The program director must log into ADS.
2. From the left-hand navigation menu, under Requests, click Emergency Categorization.
3. Click the “Create Request” button.
4. Select an “Emergency Type” and provide the start date and requested length of the Program Emergency Categorization (Note: COVID-19-related Program Emergency Categorization requests have a default initial request length of 30 days).
5. Click the Submit button.
An email will be sent alerting the DIO and the program director that the request has been submitted.
6. The DIO must log into ADS.
7. From the left-hand navigation menu, under Sponsored Programs, click Review Applications/Requests.
8. Find the applicable request under the Program Emergency Categorization section.
9. Submit the request to the ACGME by clicking the Approve/Submit button.
Important Information
1. Program Emergency Categorization can be requested in 30-day increments for up to 90 days in a given academic year (July 01-June 30).
a. Requests for the first 60 days require an effective date of the request only and an attestation by the program director and DIO.
b. Requests for 61-90 days require additional information be submitted by the program director and DIO, an attestation by the program director and DIO, and review and approval by the specialty Review Committee.
2. Program Emergency Categorization can be requested retroactively up to 30 days.
3. COVID-19 is the default type for requests, although other types may be added later. Of special note, the ACGME will allow programs experiencing significant RSV/flu/COVID-19 surges to use this process for Program Emergency Categorization.
4. The program director and the DIO must review and acknowledge several attestation statements.
5. ACGME staff members will notify the program, via ADS, of the ACGME decision once a request is reviewed.
More information is available in the COVID-19 or Program Emergency Categorization sections of the ACGME website.