Appeals Process

A sleep disorders center or laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders may file an appeal with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) when its accreditation is denied or revoked.

Accreditation may be denied or revoked at any time for causes that include but are not limited to the following:

• Incomplete or inadequate application
• Site visit failure
• Violation of essential standards for accreditation
• Ownership changes
• Relocation
• Action by the AASM board of directors

To file an appeal with the AASM, a sleep disorders center or laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders must follow this process:

1. The AASM will notify the medical director by mail, return receipt requested, whenever accreditation is denied or revoked.
2. The medical director must submit an appeal in writing within 30 days of the date on the letter of denial or revocation.
3. A non-refundable appeal fee of $300 must be submitted along with the letter of appeal. An appeal that is submitted without payment of the mandatory fee will be rejected automatically.
4. The letter of appeal will be reviewed initially by the AASM executive director or designated staff, followed by the chair of the Accreditation Committee and then by the AASM board of directors.
5. The decision of the board of directors will be sent by mail to the medical director within eight weeks after the date when the AASM received the appeal letter.
6. The decision of the board of directors is final.
7. Any costs that may be related to the appeal are the responsibility of the sleep disorders center or the laboratory for sleep related breathing disorders. These costs may include but are not limited to a revised application review fee or an additional site visit.

Contact the AASM national office for more information about the accreditation appeals process.