Link: Documents regarding the LCME accreditation of the Keck School of Medicine
Accreditation is a determination as to whether an institution meets
established standards for function, structure, and performance.
The accreditation process can be used to foster institutional and program
improvement.
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
Purpose and responsibility.
Accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) confers eligibility for participation in federal student loan programs. Most state boards of licensure require that U.S. medical schools be accredited by the LCME, as a condition for licensure of their graduates. Eligibility of U.S. students to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) requires LCME accreditation of their school. Graduates of LCME-accredited schools eligible for residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Department of Education recognizes the LCME for the accreditation of programs of medical education leading to the M.D. degree in institutions that are themselves accredited by regional accrediting associations. Institutional accreditation assures that medical education takes place in a sufficiently rich environment to foster broad academic purposes.
Recognition as the accreditation authority for M.D. programs.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for accreditation of programs of medical education leading to the M.D. in the United States...The LCME is recognized as the reliable accreditation authority for M.D. programs by the nation's medical schools and their parent universities. It also is recognized for this purpose by the Congress in various health-related laws, and by state, provincial (Canada), and territorial medical licensing boards.
Confidentiality of reports.
The LCME will disclose to the public only the accreditation status of the school. Following action by the LCME, letters transmitting the accreditation decision and copies of the survey report are sent by the LCME Secretariat to the president of the university (or the equivalent chief executive of the academic institution), dean of the medical school, and the chair of the governing board (or the president/chief executive of the university system). The final survey report and the letter transmitting the accreditation decision will be held confidential by the LCME. The final report may be disclosed by the medical school at its discretion.