Basis for Waiver Requests*

The CHFN-CB has sole authority and responsibility for defining and overseeing the eligibility requirements for initial certification and recertification, ensuring that all candidates meet the established standards of knowledge, experience, and professionalism required for CHFN certification/recertification. Additionally, the CHFN-CB retains exclusive responsibility for all aspects of the appeals process, including the review, decision-making, and resolution of appeals related to eligibility, certification, and recertification

Any certification candidate may request a waiver of one or more of the certification or recertification eligibility requirements except the requirement that the certification examination be successfully completed which, if applicable, may not be waived. The waiver request must be submitted in writing to the Waiver and Appeals Committee through the CHFN-CB headquarters office – email to information@aahfn.org.

Grounds for a waiver request must be sufficient for the Waiver and Appeals Committee to conclude that the candidate, despite not technically meeting all eligibility criteria, nevertheless possesses sufficient, relevant Heart Failure nursing experience to otherwise qualify for certification or recertification.

*a waiver request is used when applicants of the certification exam wish to have a requirement revised to meet their specific situation. The applicant initiates a waiver request prior to communication from the Certification Manager at National Headquarters or CHFN-CB Chair regarding status (of application or examination results).

Basis for Appeals**

Appeals regarding decisions and/or actions of the CHFN-CB are limited to those specified by the CHFN-CB. Complaints or questions not appealable will be referred to the CHFN-CB for response. Those that meet the basis for appeals will be notified of their right to utilize the waiver and appeal process.

1. The denial of a candidate’s eligibility to sit for the certification examination may be appealed. It will be the responsibility of the candidate to provide adequate documentation to support the appeal. Examination eligibility criteria will not be altered through an appeal.

2. Non receipt of application for certification examination by CHFN-CB may be appealed. The candidate must provide evidence that the completed application and fee were received by the applicable deadlines.

3. Denial of eligibility for renewal of certification by continuing education may be appealed in the following cases:

1. Denial of credit for continuing education hours.
2. Non receipt of renewal materials by CHFN-CB. The individual must supply evidence that the completed application materials and fee were received by the applicable deadlines.
3. Insufficient hours due to catastrophic personal events.

4. Revocation of certification may be appealed. Any appeal of revocation determination by CHFN-CB shall be submitted to the Waiver and Appeals Committee with supporting evidence provided by the appellant.

**an appeals process request refers to an applicant of the certification exam who wishes to request a sanction regarding the application process or examination after applying or taking the examination and receiving communication from the Certification Manager at National Headquarters or CHFN-CB Chair.

Waiver Process*

1. A letter outlining the grounds for the requested certification eligibility requirement waiver, together with appropriate documentation, must be submitted to CHFN Certification Board headquarters together with the candidate’s application for certification or recertification.

2. The Chairman of the Waiver and Appeals Committee or the National Headquarters Certification Manager will acknowledge receipt of the waiver request in writing to the candidate (e-mail).

3. Blinded copies of all materials related to the waiver request shall be distributed to the Waiver and Appeals Committee.

Appeals Process**

1. A letter outlining the reason for appeal and appropriate documentation must be submitted to CHFN Certification Board headquarters within 30 days of the test date (if the appeal is related to the testing process or results) for notification of the availability of appeals process.

2. Blinded copies of all correspondence related to the appeal shall be distributed to the Waiver and Appeals Committee.

3. Certification Manager shall have a minimum of 2 weeks to provide the Waiver and Appeals Committee with the appeal.

4. The Chairman of the Waiver and Appeals Committee will acknowledge receipt of the appeal in writing (electronically) to the Certification Manager.

Both Waiver and Appeals Processes:

1. All submitted materials will be reviewed by all members of the Waiver and Appeals Committee.

2. Any additional clarification or documentation required by the Waivers and Appeals Committee to render a decision shall be obtained from the candidate within 15 days of written (electronic) request. Failure to meet the electronic request will nullify the waiver or appeal request. If additional clarification or documentation is requested by the Waivers and Appeals Committee to the Certification Manager, it shall be provided within 15 days of the formal request.

3. Documentation provided to the Waiver and Appeals Committee that provides clarification of the waiver/appeal request will be distributed to the candidate in writing (electronically) within 45 days of receipt of the request.

4. Appeals decisions shall be by a majority vote of the Waiver and Appeals Committee and be communicated in writing (electronically) to the candidate within 45 days of receipt of the request.

5. Decisions shall be by a majority vote of the Waiver and Appeals Committee and will be communicated in writing to the candidate within 45 days.

In situations where the vote is a “tie”, committee members can:

1. discuss further to break the tie and achieve a majority vote.
2. share the waiver/appeal with the CHFN-CB Chair for counsel. The Chair will provide advice, but not a decision; the Waivers and Appeals Committee can use advice to further discuss and achieve a majority vote.

6. All decisions of the Waiver and Appeals Committee shall be final.

7. A written summary supporting the waiver or appeals decision and recommendations for action shall be prepared by the Chair of the Waiver and Appeals Committee and sent to the applicant and CHFN Certification Board national office, respectively; via electronic mail.