Specialized accreditation is a process whereby an organization or agency, following professional peer evaluation, recognizes a program of study as having met certain predetermined standards. It complements institutional accreditation and provides assurance to the public, the institution, the program, and the student that the accredited program has fulfilled acceptable national standards. One accreditation agency is the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA), which includes in its responsibilities decisions on accreditation made on the basis of recommendations from 17 review committees; work with review committees to develop policies and procedures; and the establishment and maintenance of liaison with accrediting institutions, health and educational organizations, and professional groups. Today, more than 1,700 hospitals, schools, and universities sponsor over 3,000 CAHEA accredited programs and, in 1980, some 35,000 students graduated from these programs. CAHEA accredits educational programs for 26 professions and occupations within the areas of medical-clinical support/assistance, clinical laboratory service, medical record management, and technological services. Current CAHEA concerns include the potential of infringement of institutional rights and responsibilities, the monitoring and containment of accreditation costs, and the development of coordinated program surveys. (Author/HB)