Dear CNME Stakeholders,
I am writing to share an important update regarding CNME’s federal recognition status with the U.S. Department of Education.
Today, the Senior Department Official issued a decision to continue CNME’s recognition while the agency addresses specific compliance items identified through the federal review process. CNME has been provided a 12-month period to demonstrate full compliance.
What follows is our formal press release, which provides a full summary of the decision and our path forward.
We are committed to transparency throughout this process and will provide updates as implementation efforts progress. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ben Connolly, ND
Board President
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education Receives Continued Recognition from U.S. Department of Education
June 23, 2026
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has continued CNME’s recognition as the specialized accrediting agency for naturopathic medical education programs.
In a decision issued on June 23, 2026, the Senior Department Official (SDO) determined that CNME’s recognition will continue while the organization addresses specific compliance items identified through the federal recognition review process. CNME has been provided a 12-month period to demonstrate compliance with these requirements and submit the necessary follow-up documentation to the Department. This decision provides CNME the opportunity to demonstrate compliance through corrective action and ongoing oversight while continuing to fulfill its mission of assuring quality in naturopathic medical education.
As part of this decision, CNME has been directed to pause the acceptance of new programs into the accreditation process during this compliance period. Current accredited programs are not affected by this limitation.
“We are pleased that the Department has continued CNME’s recognition and provided a clear pathway forward,” said Dr. Ben Connolly, President of the CNME Board of Directors. “The Board, Executive Committee, and staff are committed to addressing the identified compliance requirements promptly and thoroughly. Accreditation remains a critical component of protecting students, supporting institutions, and advancing the naturopathic medical profession.”
Over the coming months, CNME will work closely with its Board of Directors, accredited programs, and stakeholders to implement the necessary improvements and ensure continued compliance with federal recognition standards.
CNME remains committed to:
- Maintaining rigorous accreditation standards for naturopathic medical education programs
- Supporting continuous quality improvement across accredited institutions
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the accreditation process
- Advancing educational excellence in naturopathic medicine The organization will provide additional updates to stakeholders as implementation efforts progress.