FAQs: CNE PROVIDERSHIP PROGRAM

Q. Why is AACN discontinuing this program?: A. AACN is accredited as a CNE provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC requires that every program submitted for CNE approval be evaluated to ensure that it meets strict standards of quality and excellence. The current CNE Providership Program does not meet that criteria, and as a result we also cannot ensure that each program is aligned with AACN’s mission, vision, and values. This speaks directly to the due diligence AACN must exercise when lending its name and reputation to any endeavor. It is for these reasons that the CNE Providership Program is being discontinued.
Q. What are the major differences between the old and the new systems?: A. The main difference is that, beginning January 1, 2009, each program for which you intend to provide AACN-approved CNE credits must be submitted to us separately. Nothing will change in 2008, except that your current CNE Providership Status will be extended through the remainder of the year if it is scheduled to expire prior to December 31, 2008.
Q. Do speakers have to apply for CNE program approval, or can we apply on their behalf?: A. If the speaker is part of a chapter-sponsored program, the chapter should apply for CNE approval.
Q. Why weren't chapters given longer notice of this change?: A. A. Chapters were notified as soon as possible after the decision was made and specifics were identified. Although no new Provider Status applications will be considered, current approvals will not expire until December 31, 2008 – a full year from the time of the notice. This does not apply to lapsed Providerships. A lapsed Providership is one that has already expired prior to 1/1/08 and has not been renewed.
Q. My chapter's CNE Providership Status expires before December 31, 2008. Can we extend the approval until the discontinuation date?: A. Actually, all Providerships for Chapters are being extended through December 31, 2008 at no additional cost to Chapters.
Q. Won’t this change place an additional burden on chapters?: A. Nothing will look different through 2008. However, during this transition year, AACN will work with chapters to assess how best to meet their needs. In fact, AACN is already planning to develop CNE-approved, standardized programs that will be free for chapters to use in developing their educational programs. This will minimize the time and costs chapters would otherwise incur in developing their own programs and obtaining CNE credit approval. Our plans are to launch some of these activities by January 2009.
Q. How will you notify us of program approval?: A. Program approval is always communicated by email unless we do not have an email address to respond to.
Q. Will chapters be able to print their own CNE forms, or will we be required to purchase them from AACN?: A. A. Chapters are allowed to print their own CNE forms as long as they include the required CNE certificate information and the correct CNE statement. Be sure to ask the CNE Program Approval Department to supply you with that verbiage the next time you apply for CNEs.
Q. How do other professional organizations handle their continuing nursing education provisions?: A. AACN’s decision to discontinue the CNE Providership Program and return to individual program approval is consistent with processes and policies followed by other nursing organizations.

** Please submit your questions about the CNE Providership Program to chapters@aacn.org. Thank you!