### Question
What does separate and independent mean?


### Answer
**Separate and independent** has the following meaning in *20 U.S.C. § 1099b*:

> that—


(1) the members of the postsecondary education governing body of the accrediting agency or association are not elected or selected by the board or chief executive officer of any related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1099b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 27-NATIONAL VOCATIONAL STUDENT LOAN INSURANCE > SUBCHAPTER IV-STUDENT ASSISTANCE > Part G-Program Integrity Triad > subpart 2-accrediting agency approval**

