ARLINGTON, Va., July 12, 2003 -- The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is taking lead responsibility for accrediting biomedical engineering programs at colleges and universities, according to the accrediting organization ABET Inc.

ABET announced that BMES will succeed the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as the lead society for biomedical engineering accreditation. The BMES has been actively involved in the process for many years with IEEE, but has lacked primary authority.

"This is one of the most significant accomplishments in the history of BMES," said Pat Horner, executive director of the society.

ABET Accreditation Director Dan Hodge said he expects a smooth transition.

"It recognizes BMES for what they have, in fact, been doing for a number of years, but under the umbrella of IEEE," he said.

The decision is effective immediately, but will take some time to fully implement. BMES will choose program evaluators for the next review cycle, 2004-5, and nominate biomedical engineering representatives to serve on ABET committees. BMES will also have a voting representative on the ABET board of directors. As an ABET member, BMES's recommendations for accreditation criteria and policy will carry more weight than they have in the past.

"(BMES) will have a voice and a vote on what ABET is and how it operates," Hodge said.

ABET, the accreditor for programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology, is a federation of 32 professional and technical societies representing these fields.

BMES is a professional society representing 3,700 members, including more than 2,000 students.