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The Accredited Registers Scheme for Healthcare Professions ("AR Scheme")

Appeal on Accreditation Results

Applying professional organisations that are dissatisfied with the accreditation result have the right to appeal to the Department of Health ("DH").  Applicant will only be able to appeal if they disagree with a decision made on the submitted application for accreditation and can demonstrate that there are grounds for appeal, which include -

  • The Accreditation Agent ("AA") did not properly consider or incorrectly interpreted the evidence;
  • The AA did not apply the standards properly in an individual case; or
  • The AA did not follow proper procedure (procedural impropriety).

The Notice of Appeal should clearly set out the argument for disagreement with the accreditation result and the ground for appeal. Notice of appeal will only be handled if it is received in writing or in person by the DH within 28 calendar days of the notification of the accreditation result.

An Appeal Board is established to review appeals and make appeal decisions. The main duties of members (including the Chairperson) include consideration of acceptance or rejection on the submitted Notice of Appeal based on its grounds for appeal, examination of the written representations from the applicant and the Accreditation Panel of the AA, and deciding results of the appeal.  The Appeal Board consists of the following members appointed by the Secretary for Health -

  • A legally qualified person;
  • Two registered healthcare professionals; and
  • Two lay persons.

The members will be appointed on a 2-year term and is renewable.

In determining the appeal, the Appeal Board will either (i) dismiss the appeal or (ii) remit to the Accreditation Agent the matter under appeal for re-examination. The applying organisation will receive a response from the Appeal Board. The decision of the Appeal Board is final.

The Notice of Appeal should be addressed to the following:
Secretariat
Appeal Board, Accredited Registers Scheme for Healthcare Professions
21/F., Wu Chung House
213 Queen's Road East
Wan Chai, Hong Kong