This multi-stage appeal process aims to provide a fair, transparent, and rigorous mechanism for addressing applicants’ grievances while maintaining the integrity and high standards of AIFRA’s credentialing system. By offering multiple opportunities for review, enabling the submission of fresh evidence, and ensuring a clear separation between initial assessment and appeal decision-makers, the process upholds key principles of natural justice. The reporting and transparency measures also promote public confidence in AIFRA’s governance.
While comprehensive, this appeal process remains efficient by setting clear timelines and evidentiary thresholds for each stage. The fee structure aims to strike a balance between accessibility and deterring frivolous appeals. Ultimately, this process affirms AIFRA’s commitment to objective, evidence-based credentialing that supports regulatory professionals’ growth and contributions to advancing healthcare oversight across Africa.
Notice of Appeal
- Applicants who object to their credential level placement must submit a formal Notice of Appeal to AIFRA within 30 days of receiving their initial assessment results.
- The Notice should include the specific grounds for appeal, along with any new evidence or materials the applicant wishes to submit for reconsideration.
- Applicants must pay a non-refundable appeal processing fee of $100 USD.
First Stage Review Panel
- Upon receiving a Notice of Appeal, AIFRA will convene a First Stage Review Panel within 14 days.
- The panel will consist of 3 members drawn from the AIFRA Board and pool of credential evaluators, excluding any individuals involved in the initial assessment.
- The panel will review the original application materials, the initial assessment results, and any new evidence submitted with the Notice of Appeal.
- Applicants will have the opportunity to present their case in writing or via teleconference to the panel.
- The panel will deliberate and issue a written decision within 21 days of convening, either upholding or modifying the original credential placement.
Final Stage Review Panel
- If the applicant remains unsatisfied with the First Stage Review Panel’s decision, they may escalate their appeal to the Final Stage Review Panel within 14 days.
- The Final Stage Review Panel will be composed of 5 members, including at least 2 AIFRA Board members and 3 credential evaluators uninvolved in previous stages.
- Applicants must submit a detailed written statement outlining their grounds for further appeal and pay an additional processing fee of $200 USD.
- The panel will conduct a thorough review of all prior materials, decisions, and any new submissions from the applicant.
- Applicants will have the right to present their case in person before the panel at a designated time and location.
- The panel may call witnesses, including representatives from the initial assessment and First Stage Review teams, to provide testimony.
- Applicants may bring legal counsel to advise them during the proceedings but cannot have them speak on their behalf.
- Following the hearing, the panel will deliberate in private and reach a decision by majority vote.
- The panel will issue a written decision within 30 days of the hearing, setting out detailed reasons for their findings. This decision is considered final and binding.
Recredentialing and Fresh Evidence
- If the Final Stage Review Panel decides not to modify the original credential placement, applicants must wait at least 1 year before reapplying for recredentialing.
- To reapply, applicants must submit a full new application package, along with a recredentialing fee of $300 USD.
- The new application must include substantial fresh evidence of professional growth and achievement beyond the original submission.
- AIFRA will convene a new assessment panel, consisting of entirely different evaluators, to review the reapplication on a de novo basis without influence from prior findings.
Reporting and Transparency
- AIFRA will maintain detailed records of all appeal proceedings, including submissions, testimony, panel deliberations, and decisions.
- A summary of each appeal decision will be published on AIFRA’s website, with sensitive personal information redacted, to ensure transparency and accountability.
- An annual report on the credentialing appeals process will be presented to the full AIFRA Board, identifying any trends, concerns, or opportunities for systemic improvements.
