Frequently Asked Questions

Updated January 29, 2021

Q: How does it work?

A: Beginning January 1, 2021, applicants pursuing their initial or renewal application for Pathway to Excellence® designation will receive one invoice when their scheduled document is submitted.

This invoice includes:

• Appraisal (including interim monitoring) review
• Appraiser fees

Once the appraisal review is complete, the Commission on Pathway to Excellence will conduct its normal process of monthly decisions.

If your organization is successfully designated, the balance of fees will be invoiced in three installments over the four-year designation term:

• The Pathway Program Office will send an invoice at the first-, second- and third-year anniversary of designation (see fee schedule example below).

As always, invoice payment must be received before decision notification.

NOTE: The new fee structure does not include or apply to the single entity application fee, extension fee (if requested), and re-administration of survey fee. Those fees, as applicable, will continue to be invoiced in real time and will be in addition to the appraisal and support fees outlined herein.

Q: What is the new fee model, effective January 1, 2021?

A: Payment Model Fee** Schedule (2021 fees are unchanged)

Ambulatory applicants: Fees are charged by the number of visits and for additional branches. Please contact PathwayInfo@ana.org for further fee information.

Q: My organization’s written documentation is due in 2022. Will we follow the same fee structure?

A: Yes. The effective date of the new fee structure is January 1, 2021. All applicants submitting documents on or after this date will follow the invoicing model. Your organization will receive one ANCC invoice, at time of scheduled submission of your written documentation. If successfully designated, you will receive one invoice annually on the anniversary month, in three installments.

Q: Will there be an across-the-board fee increase for all bed sizes in 2021?

A: Despite major program enhancements in recent years, no across-the-board fee increases have been assessed since 2018, and none will be assessed in 2021.

Q: What happens if we receive approval for an extension of our written documentation submission date?

A: You will receive an invoice for the extension fee. Your appraisal fee invoice will be rescheduled for the month of your new submission date.

Q: What happens if we are unsuccessful during the appraisal review? Do we owe additional fees?

A: No. The appraisal fee invoice is your only financial obligation for that review.

Q: What happens if we do not pursue the next designation?

A: Pathway-designated organizations must maintain all aspects of program requirements to retain the designation. This includes payment of all fees during the term of designation. If for any reason the designated organization does not fulfill program requirements, actions will be taken, up to and including revocation.