Match Participation Agreement for Medical Schools
For the 2008 Main Residency Match
Terms and Conditions of the Match Participation
Agreement Between Medical Schools and the NRMP
These are the terms and conditions of the Match Participation Agreement that
each U.S. and Canadian allopathic medical school or school of osteopathy ("medical
school" or "school") desiring to facilitate its students' and graduates' participation
in the Matching Program of the National Resident Matching Program ("NRMP") enters
into by indicating acceptance of these terms and conditions through clicking
on the I Accept button on the Registration screen of this Web site (the "Match
Site"). This Agreement is not binding on any medical school indicating such
acceptance, however, until the NRMP has accepted such school's registration.
Upon the NRMP's acceptance of the registration, these terms and conditions will
be a binding agreement between such school and the NRMP.
If the NRMP accepts the registration of the medical school in question, the
NRMP will register the school and allow such school's authorized personnel to
enter data and access certain information related to the Matching Program. The
Matching Program is described briefly in Section 1.0 below.
In consideration of this registration, each medical school agrees to comply
with all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction to the Matching Program
2.0 School Official
2.1 Designation
2.2 Responsibilities
3.0 School Administrator
3.1 Designation
3.2 Responsibilities
4.0 Use of Match Site
4.1 Access to Match Information
4.2 Use of Passwords
5.0 Applicants
6.0 Communications
6.1 Between the School and the
NRMP
6.2 Changes After Registration
6.3 Schedules and Deadlines
6.4 Completeness and Accuracy
of Information
6.5 Confidentiality
7.0 Match Violations
7.1 NRMP Violations Policies
and Procedures
7.2 Consequences of Confirmed
Violations
7.2.1
Medical Schools
7.2.2
Applicants
7.2.3
Programs
7.3 Other Remedies
8.0 Use of Information
9.0 Representations and Warranties
10.0 Disclaimers
11.0 Limitation of Liability
12.0 Notices
13.0 Dispute Resolution
14.0 Limitation of Action
15.0 General
1.0 Introduction to the Matching Program
The Matching Program is a system for the confidential ranking and selection
of applicants to graduate medical education program residency positions. Positions
may be offered to senior students and physician graduates of allopathic and
osteopathic medical schools in the United States and elsewhere who meet the
eligibility requirements set forth by the NRMP. Only
applicants and programs that have registered with the NRMP and agreed to abide
by the terms and conditions of the Match Participation Agreement Among Applicants,
the NRMP, and Participating Programs may participate in the Matching Program.
The parties acknowledge that (a) the NRMP does not provide application services
to applicants or programs; (b) applicants must apply directly to the programs
with which they desire to match in addition to registering with the NRMP Matching
Program and listing such programs on their certified rank order lists; and (c)
the NRMP is not involved in establishing the terms of any residency or fellowship
agreement and has no responsibility for providing applicants with any information
concerning such agreements.
The purpose of the Matching Program is to provide a uniform time for both applicants
and programs to make their selections without pressure. A match between an applicant
and a program constitutes a binding commitment between the two parties in accordance
with the terms of the Match Participation Agreement Among Applicants, the NRMP,
and Participating Programs that each enters into at the time of registration.
Any breach of that commitment may result in penalties to the breaching applicant
or program, as described in Section 7.0.
The NRMP maintains the highest professional standards in the conduct of the
Matching Program and in its interactions with all participants: applicants,
program directors, institutional officials, and student affairs deans. The NRMP
expects all participants in the Matching Program to conduct their affairs in
an ethical and professionally responsible manner and to respect the right of
applicants to freely investigate program options prior to submission of a final
rank order list.
2.0 School Official
2.1 Designation
Each medical school must designate an NRMP school official to be responsible
for overseeing the match process and to be the school's official spokesperson
to the NRMP on all matters regarding applicants from such school. It is recommended
that the school official be the dean for student affairs or the dean for academic
affairs.
2.2 Responsibilities
In addition to the general responsibilities in Section 2.1, the school official
will:
2.2.1. Provide information required for the registration of the medical
school and ensure the accuracy of such information.
2.2.2. Ensure that all of the school's senior students who desire to
participate in, and are eligible for, the Matching Program register and
complete the Register for NRMP Matches screen of the Match Site and execute
the Match Participation Agreement prior to the applicant
registration deadline.
2.2.3. Notify the NRMP of the school's senior students who will not be
registering for the Matching Program through the Verify Participation
Status screen of the Match Site.
2.2.4. Promptly notify the NRMP of any change in the status of, or any
information concerning, any student or graduate that could affect his
or her eligibility to participate in the Matching Program.
2.2.5. Prior to the rank order list certification
deadline, determine the eligibility to enter graduate medical education
of all senior students registered for the Matching Program and sponsored
by the school through the Verify Graduation Credentials screen in the
Match Site and verify the graduation of all applicants claiming to be
previous graduates of the school who have registered for the Matching
Program.
2.2.6. Immediately revoke the school's sponsorship of any applicant who
is determined by the school official to be ineligible to enter graduate
medical education on July 1 in the year of the Match and notify the NRMP
of that action prior to the rank order list certification deadline through
the Match Site Withdraw Student screen for schools. If a senior
student is withdrawn from the Matching Program because he/she will be
ineligible to enter graduate medical education on July 1 in the year of
the Match, (a) the student may seek a position outside the Matching Program
no earlier than 12:00 noon eastern time on Tuesday of Match Week, and
(b) the student may accept a position outside the Matching Program only
if that training will begin between July 1 and February 1 in the year
immediately following the Match; however, if the student elects to participate
in the Match the following year, he/she will be a sponsored applicant.
2.2.7. When any other circumstances with respect to a particular applicant
make it appropriate or necessary for such applicant to withdraw from the
Matching Program, communicate such withdrawal to the NRMP prior to the
rank order list certification deadline through
the Match Site Withdraw Student screen for schools. Withdrawal from the
Matching Program is appropriate only for valid academic reasons, including
withdrawal from medical school, a leave of absence from medical school,
delayed graduation, or death. Withdrawing a senior student to accept a
position, including a preliminary position for a program that participates
in another national matching plan, outside of the Matching Program is
a violation of this Agreement unless the position is with a program that
is a part of the AOA, CaRMS, military matches, or any other national matching
program. Any such violation of this Agreement may result in penalties
to the school, as described in Section 7.0.
2.2.8. Respond promptly and accurately to all inquiries by the NRMP concerning
students and graduates of the school who have registered or requested
registration in the Matching Program.
2.2.9. Appoint a school administrator, if so desired, to assist in oversight
of the participation of the school's students in the Matching Program
and in communicating with the NRMP.
2.2.10. Develop and implement procedures to protect the confidentiality
of all school passwords and promptly notify NRMP (a) if there is reason
to believe that any school password has been discovered by a third party
and (b) of any unauthorized use of a school password or any other breach
of security.
3.0 School Administrator
3.1 Designation
The NRMP school official has the option of designating a school administrator
to assist with the oversight of the match process at the school. The school
administrator usually is a staff person in the graduate medical student affairs
or academic affairs office.
3.2 Responsibilities
The NRMP school administrator may enter or change selected school and applicant
reference data. In addition, the school administrator may access all of the
school and applicant data available to the school through the Match Site.
4.0 Use of the Match Site
4.1 Access to Match Information
The school will be given read-only access through the Match Site to certain
information with respect to applicants who are students or graduates of such
school. Such information may include the identities of the students and graduates
of the school who have registered for the Matching Program and the identities
of the programs where they have matched, but will not include the rank order
lists of any applicant or program.
4.2 Use of Passwords
The school is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all school
passwords and is fully responsible for any actions taken on the Match Site
by anyone using any school user ID and password. If the school has reason
to believe that any school password has been discovered by a third party,
the school must notify the NRMP immediately. Further, the school must notify
the NRMP immediately of any unauthorized use of any school password or any
other breach of security.
5.0 Applicants
In order for an applicant to participate in the Matching Program, prior to
the scheduled start date for the position(s) for which the applicant is applying,
the applicant must meet all of the requirements for entry into graduate medical
education as prescribed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
("ACGME") in Section II of the ACGME Institutional Requirements, Residents,
which are incorporated into this Agreement by reference. It is the responsibility
of each medical school to communicate the eligibility of its senior students
to participate in the Matching Program directly to the NRMP. Failure to withdraw
a student who will be ineligible to enter graduate medical education on July
1 in the year of the Match is a breach of this Agreement and may result in penalties
to the school, as described in Section 7.0.
If a senior student is withdrawn from the Matching Program because he/she will
be ineligible to enter graduate medical education on July 1 in the year of the
Match, (a) the student may seek a position outside the Matching Program no earlier
than 12:00 noon eastern time on Tuesday of Match Week, and (b) the student may
accept a position outside the Matching Program only if that training will begin
between July 1 and February 1 in the year immediately following the Match; however,
if the student elects to participate in the Match the following year, he/she
will be a sponsored applicant.
It is the policy of the NRMP to withdraw from the Matching Program all applicants
whose eligibility is not confirmed prior to the applicable rank
order list certification deadline.
6.0 Communications
6.1 Between the School and the NRMP
Complete, timely, and accurate exchanges of information are essential to
the residency application and matching process. To facilitate such communication,
the NRMP school official is responsible for all communication with the NRMP
on behalf of the school. All changes made by a school concerning the eligibility
or participation of applicants who are students or graduates of such school
must be communicated directly to the NRMP by the school official or the NRMP
school administrator through the appropriate screen of the Match Site (as
identified below).
After registration of the school, the NRMP school official and the school
administrator are responsible for updating the school information and the
information concerning students and graduates.
6.2 Changes after Registration
All changes must be submitted to the NRMP through the appropriate screen
of the Match Site, including:
My School Information
My School Administrator Information
My Students and Graduates
Verify Graduation Credentials
Verify Participation Status
Withdraw Student
6.3 Schedules and Deadlines
An annual Schedule of Dates is published by
the NRMP for each match and is incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
Time is of the essence in this Agreement and adherence to those dates is essential.
All required information must be received by the NRMP by the published deadlines.
The teaching hospitals and their programs set their own application deadlines.
Applicants must comply with individual program schedules.
Unmatched applicants and programs may not contact each other about unfilled
positions prior to 12:00 noon eastern time on Tuesday of Match Week. Matched
applicants and programs may not contact each other prior to the general announcement
of Matching Program results at 1:00 p.m. eastern time on Thursday of Match
Week. In addition, it is a violation of this Agreement if any medical school
official shares the List of Unfilled Programs with any individual who is not
registered for the Main Residency Match, or allows an individual who is not
registered for the Match to use the registrant's unique code number and password
to access the secure web site to obtain information about unfilled positions.
6.4 Completeness and Accuracy of Information
The school is required to provide complete, timely, and accurate information
about the school and its students and graduates. If the NRMP believes it has
received credible evidence that a school has violated the terms of this Agreement,
the NRMP is authorized to take appropriate action, as described in Section
7.0 including, but not limited to, reporting the violation to the dean
of such school and suspending or terminating such school's access to the Match
Site.
6.5 Confidentiality
The information accessed by the school through the Match Site with respect
to the outcome of any match is confidential and the school shall use at least
the same degree of care in safeguarding the confidentiality of such information
as it uses in safeguarding its own confidential information, subject to a
minimum standard of reasonable diligence and protection.
7.0 Match Violations
7.1 NRMP Violations Policies and Procedures
The NRMP requires all Matching Program participants to behave in an ethical
and responsible manner during the matching process and to comply with the
terms and conditions of the applicable Match Participation Agreement. It is
the policy of the NRMP to investigate alleged breaches of the Agreements,
including but not limited to: failure to provide complete, timely, and accurate
information during the interview and matching process; discrepancies in graduation
credentials; attempts to subvert eligibility requirements or the matching
process itself; failures to offer or accept an appointment as required by
the results of a match; and any other irregular behavior or activities that
occur in connection with registration, the submission or modification of a
rank order list, and/or the participant's commitment to honor the match outcome.
The NRMP
Policies and Procedures for Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations
of NRMP Agreements ("Violations Policy") shall govern the NRMP's handling
of match violations and are incorporated by reference in and are an integral
part of the Match Participation Agreements. At any time the NRMP may withdraw
any applicant or program from the Matching Program if the NRMP believes it
has received credible evidence that the applicant or program has violated
the terms of the applicable Agreement. Applicants or programs withdrawn under
sections 2.4.2(h), 3.3, or 7.0 of the Match Participation Agreement Among
Applicants, the NRMP, and Participating Programs shall be afforded an opportunity
to be heard in accordance with the Violations
Policy.
Upon withdrawing an applicant or program from the Matching Program, or upon
confirmation by a Review Panel that the applicant or program has violated
the terms of the Agreement, the NRMP shall note in the Registration, Ranking,
and Results (R3) System that the applicant or program is the subject of "pending
action". The designation shall remain in place until the applicant or program
has waived or exhausted the opportunity to contest the adverse action pursuant
to the Violations Policy.
7.2 Consequences of Confirmed Violations
The consequences of a confirmed violation of this Agreement or of the Match
Participation Agreement Among Applicants, the NRMP, and Participating Programs
are set forth in the Violations Policy. They include the following:
7.2.1 Medical Schools
If the NRMP's investigation of an alleged breach of this Agreement confirms
the breach, the Final Report will be delivered to:
(1) the dean of the school
(2) the dean of student affairs of the school
(3) the NRMP school official
(4) the party who originally reported the violation
(5) the NRMP Executive Committee
(6) any parties whom the NRMP has determined are relevant to its investigation
The NRMP also may send the final report to the Liaison Committee on Medical
Education (LCME). In addition, the school's access to the Match Site may
be suspended or terminated.
7.2.2 Applicants
If the NRMP's investigation of an alleged violation indicates that an applicant
has committed a violation of the Match Participation Agreement, the processing
of the applicant's rank order list may be interrupted. The NRMP at its discretion
may withdraw the applicant from the Matching Program.
The NRMP's Final Report on the confirmed violation will be delivered to
the applicant with copies to:
(1) the applicant's medical school official, with a request that the Final
Report be placed in the applicant's permanent file
(2) the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates if the applicant
is a student/graduate of an international medical school
(3) the director of the program and the NRMP institutional official to
which the applicant matched
(4) the director of the program and the NRMP institutional official of
the program to which the applicant has applied to or switched (if known)
5) the party who originally reported the violation
(6) the NRMP Executive Committee
(7) the American Board of Medical Specialties
(8) the applicant's residency program director if the violation occurred
in a fellowship match
(9) the Federation of State Medical Boards if the applicant is to be permanently
identified as a match violator or permanently barred from future NRMP matches
(10) any parties whom the NRMP has determined are relevant to its investigation
In addition, the applicant may be barred from subsequent NRMP matches and/or
identified as a match violator to participating programs for up to three
years or permanently, as determined by the NRMP. The applicant also may
be barred from accepting a position in an NRMP match-participating program
that would commence training within one year from the date of issuance of
the Final Report. Further, any matched applicant who does not accept his/her
matched position and has been denied a waiver of his/her match commitment
may be barred from accepting a position in an NRMP match-participating program
that would commence training within one year from the date of the NRMP's
decision on the waiver.
The decision conveyed in the Final Report will be reflected permanently
in the Match Site Applicant Match History. Term limits of any sanction(s)
imposed for the violation will be included to identify the length of time
the action is in effect.
7.2.3 Programs
If the NRMP's investigation of an alleged violation by a program indicates
that the program has committed a violation of the Match Participation Agreement
Among Applicants, the NRMP, and Participating Programs, the processing of
the program's rank order list may be interrupted. The NRMP at its discretion
may withdraw the program from the Matching Program.
The NRMP's Final Report on the confirmed violation will be delivered to
the program director with copies to:
(1) the NRMP institutional official for transmittal to the institution's
graduate medical education committee
(2) the ACGME for distribution to the respective Residency Review Committee
(RRC) and the Institutional Review Committee
(3) to the respective specialty program director association
(4) the party who originally reported the violation
(5) the NRMP Executive Committee
(6) any parties whom the NRMP has determined are relevant to its investigation.
In addition, the program may be barred from future NRMP matches and/or
identified as a match violator for up to three years or permanently, as
determined by the NRMP. The decision conveyed in the Final Report will be
reflected permanently in the Program Violations Report in the Match Site.
Term limits of any sanction(s) imposed for the violation will be included
to identify the length of time the action is in effect.
If an applicant requests a waiver from the NRMP and/or the matched program,
the program shall not negotiate with or offer the position to any other
candidate until either (a) the matched applicant has informed the NRMP in
writing that he/she will not accept the matched position if his/her waiver
request is denied by the NRMP and the program has been notified by the NRMP
that it has been granted a waiver, or (b) the waiver is granted by the NRMP.
If the NRMP receives information that the program has negotiated with or
offered the position to another candidate before it has been notified by
the NRMP that either of the foregoing conditions has occurred, the NRMP
will initiate an investigation to determine whether the program has violated
the terms of this Agreement.
An NRMP match-participating program is prohibited from offering a position
to an applicant who is ineligible to accept a position in an NRMP-match
participating program because his/her waiver request has been denied by
the NRMP. Such prohibition applies to all positions which have a start date
within one year from the date of the NRMP's decision. If an NRMP match-participating
program offers a position to a matched applicant whose waiver was denied
and training would commence during the one-year period, or if the applicant
accepts such a position, the NRMP will initiate an investigation to determine
whether the applicant or the program has violated the terms of this Agreement.
8.0 Use of Information
Each school authorizes the NRMP to use any information provided to the NRMP
by such school in any study approved by the NRMP, provided that no information
clearly and uniquely identifiable with such school is disclosed in reports resulting
from such study. The match results of U.S. and Canadian medical school students
and graduates are released to their respective schools of allopathic medicine
or osteopathy. In addition, individual applicant match results are released
to each program that ranked the applicant on its rank order list and, in the
case of any program participating in a specialties match, to its specialty program
director association's liaison to the NRMP, and to those program directors who
request such information to verify whether the applicant was matched.
Each school agrees to abide by the Match Week schedule and not pursue positions
for the school's unmatched senior students and graduates prior to 12:00 noon
eastern time on Tuesday of Match Week. In addition, each school agrees not to
assist any matched senior student or graduate to find an alternative position.
It will be deemed a violation of this Agreement for the NRMP school official,
the NRMP school administrator, or the designee of either to make any communication
(a) concerning unmatched senior students or graduates prior to 12:00 noon eastern
time on Tuesday of Match Week, or (b) with respect to an alternative position
for any matched senior student or graduate who has not received a waiver of
his or her match commitment from the NRMP. Violations of this Agreement may
result in adverse consequences to the school, as described in Section
7.0.
9.0 Representations and Warranties
Each school represents and warrants to the NRMP that all of the information
provided, or that will be provided, by such school to the NRMP is complete,
timely, and accurate to the best of such school's knowledge at the time such
information was or will be provided.
10.0 Disclaimers
The parties acknowledge that the NRMP does not charge any fees for the services
provided to medical schools with respect to the Matching Program and receives
no consideration for any assumption by the NRMP of the risk of any damages that
may arise in connection with the participation of any school in the Matching
Program or utilization of the Match Site.
Each party agrees that neither:
(a) the NRMP,
(b) the current managing agent for the NRMP, the Association of American
Medical Colleges, or any successor managing agent (the "Managing Agent"),
(c) any vendor providing equipment, software, or services to the NRMP or
the Managing Agent ("Vendor"), nor
(d) any director, officer, employee, affiliate, or agent of the NRMP, the
Managing Agent, or any Vendor,
will be liable for any loss, damage, cost, or expense whatsoever, direct or indirect,
regardless of the cause, that may arise out of, or be in any way related to, the
use of the Matching Program, the Match Site, or the automated systems and services
utilized by the NRMP or the Managing Agent to implement the Matching Program or
to send notices, including, but not limited to: (a) the suspension or termination
of, or the inability to use, all or any part of the Match Site; (b) the erroneous
transmission of any data or the transmission of any erroneous data; (c) any failure
or delay suffered or allegedly suffered by any party in receiving or sending any
information, however caused; (d) the delivery or transmission of any virus, worm,
or other disruptive device; or (e) any other cause in connection with the furnishing
of services or notices by the NRMP or the Managing Agent or the performance, maintenance,
or use of, or inability to use, all or any part of the Match Site. The foregoing
will apply regardless of whether a claim arises in contract, tort, negligence,
strict liability, or otherwise.
The automated systems and services utilized by the NRMP or the Managing Agent
to implement the Matching Program and the Match Site are provided "AS IS" and
"AS AVAILABLE." NONE OF THE NRMP, THE MANAGING AGENT, ANY VENDOR, OR ANY
OF THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OR AFFILIATES MAKES ANY WARRANTY
OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SERVICES,
THE MATCH SITE, OR THE MATCHING PROGRAM, OR TO THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, SECURITY,
TIMELINESS, OR RELIABILITY OF THE INFORMATION TO WHICH ANY PARTY HAS ACCESS
OR TRANSMITS OR RECEIVES THROUGH THEM OR THROUGH ANY OTHER AUTOMATED SYSTEM.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. No oral or written information
or advice given by the NRMP, the Managing Agent, any Vendor or any of their
directors, officers, agents, affiliates, or employees will create a warranty,
and no party may rely on any such information or advice. There is no assurance
that the information to which the parties have access through the Match Site
will be accurate, complete, secure, timely, or reliable, or that the Match Site
or the automated services utilized by the NRMP or the Managing Agent will be
error-free or operate without interruption. In particular, and without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the NRMP makes no warranty that certified rank
order lists processed through use of such automated services will be properly
executed. Each school is solely responsible for verifying the accuracy of any
information provided to or available through the Match Site concerning such
school or its students or graduates.
11.0 Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT WILL THE NRMP, THE MANAGING AGENT, OR ANY VENDOR OR AFFILIATE
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF THE
NRMP, THE MANAGING AGENT, OR ANY VENDOR OR AFFILIATE, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER
THE INJURED PARTY IS A SCHOOL OR A THIRD PARTY.
12.0 Notices
All notices to the NRMP, other than those given in accordance with Section
7.0, must be given either by email at nrmp@aamc.org
or through the Match Site and are effective upon receipt. The NRMP is not responsible
for delays in email or internet service. Any notices or documents received
by the NRMP after the relevant deadline date will not be considered.
All notices to the NRMP, other than those given in accordance with Section
7.0, must be given either by email at nrmp@aamc.org or through the Match
Site and are effective upon receipt. The NRMP is not responsible for delays
in email or internet service. Any notices or documents received by the NRMP
after the relevant deadline date will not be considered.
13.0 Dispute Resolution
Except for the granting or denial of a waiver as noted in Sections 2.5 and
3.4 of the Match Participation Agreement Among Applicants, the NRMP and Participating
Programs, all disputes arising out of, or related to, the Matching Program,
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, between or among the NRMP and any applicant
or program participating, or seeking participation, in the Matching Program
must be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American
Health Lawyers Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Service then in effect,
unless the parties to the dispute mutually agree otherwise. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no arbitrator shall have power to adjudicate any dispute as a
class arbitration or as a consolidated arbitration without the express consent
of all the parties to any such dispute. Notice of the demand for arbitration
must be filed in writing with all other parties to the arbitration and with
the American Health Lawyers Association. A demand for arbitration in a matter
that is covered by the Violations
Policy must be made in accordance with the Violations Policy. The arbitrators
must conduct all arbitration proceedings in the Office of the NRMP in Washington,
DC or at such other location as mutually agreed upon by the parties. Each party
will share equally in the cost of arbitration, except that the party requesting
arbitration must pay the filing fee in its entirety. The award by the arbitrator
or arbitrators will be final and must be in writing. Judgment upon the award
rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof, so long as
the arbitrators acted in good faith. The arbitrator shall not have the power
to make an award that is inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement
or with District of Columbia substantive law.
14.0 Limitation of Action
No claim or cause of action, regardless of form, arising out of or related
to the Matching Program, this Agreement, or the breach thereof, or any other
dispute between the NRMP and any applicant or program participating, or seeking
participation, in the Matching Program, may be brought in an arbitral, judicial,
or other proceeding by any party more than 30 calendar days after the cause
of action has accrued, regardless of any statute, law, regulation, or rule to
the contrary ("Limitation Period"). The Limitation Period shall commence the
day after the day on which the cause of action accrued. Failure to institute
an arbitration proceeding within the Limitation Period will constitute an absolute
bar and waiver of the institution of any proceedings, whether in arbitration,
court, or otherwise, with respect to such cause of action. A cause of action
that has become time-barred may not be exercised by way of counter claim or
relied upon by way of exception.
In addition, any party who desires to contest a decision of a Review Panel
of the NRMP must notify the NRMP of its intent to seek arbitration within 10
business days from that party's receipt of the Panel's report and must file
a demand for arbitration within 30 calendar days of receipt of such report,
in accordance with the terms of the Violations
Policy. If notice of a party's intent to seek arbitration is not received
by the NRMP within 10 business days from that party's receipt of the Review
Panel Report, or if the party does not file a demand for arbitration within
30 calendar days of receipt of the Review Panel Report, that party is deemed
to have waived and is barred from later filing a demand for arbitration or seeking
other relief.
15.0 General
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia, excluding
its choice of law provisions.
The headings of the Sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience
of reference only and shall in no way restrict or otherwise affect the construction
of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
Unless indicated otherwise, references in this Agreement to Sections are to
Sections of this Agreement.
If any provision of this Agreement is found in any arbitration proceeding or
by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable,
that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to achieve
the purpose originally intended, if possible, and the validity, legality, and
enforceability of the remaining provisions will not be affected or impaired
and are to be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If
any remedy set forth in this Agreement is determined to have failed of its essential
purpose, then all other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force
and effect.
Failure of any party to act or exercise its rights under this Agreement upon
the breach of any other terms hereof by any other party is not to be construed
as a waiver of such a breach or prevent such party from later enforcing compliance
with any or all of the terms hereof. This Agreement contains the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the Matching Program and its results. Any
representations, promises, or conditions not incorporated in this Agreement
will not be binding upon any of the parties. No modification of this Agreement
shall be effective unless in writing and executed by the party against whom
it is to be enforced.
Updated August 2007
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