A friend of mine told me that the program would be put on probation by the 'powers that be' if they sign someone outside of the match or tell them how they are going to rank. Is this true? I thought that it was perfectly legal to sign a DO or other independent applicant outside of the match? Any input from aprogramdirector or drcox?
Programs are allowed to sign Independent applicants outside of the match. However, they are required to fill 75% of their positions within the NRMP:
"The NRMP requires the program directors' group of each specialty participating in the SMS Matching Program to execute annually an "NRMP Program Directors' Annual Participation Agreement" that commits active participation of at least 75 percent of the group's eligible programs and a minimum of 75 percent of all available positions in the specialty for that year. If a group fails to register 75 percent of its eligible programs and/or positions, the NRMP, at its discretion, may discontinue such group's participation in matches managed by the NRMP."
Because of the above, some programs prefer not to sign applicants outside of the match, but it is not a match violation nor does the NRMP have any power to put a program on probation. That is a function of the ACGME and its accreditation committees.
Programs are discouraged from giving applicants specifics (ie, "we will rank you number 1") but there is no rule preventing programs from telling applicants they will rank them "highly":
"8.0 Restrictions on Persuasion
One of the purposes of the Matching Program is to allow both applicants and programs to make selection decisions on a uniform schedule and without undue or unwarranted pressure.
Both applicants and programs may express a high degree of interest in each other and try to encourage future ranking decisions in their favor, but must not solicit statements implying a commitment. Although applicants and programs may volunteer how they plan to rank each other, it is a breach of this Agreement to request such information. In addition, only the final preferences of programs and applicants, as expressed on their final certified rank order lists, will determine the offering of positions and the placement of applicants through the Matching Program. It is a breach of the applicable Match Participation Agreement for a participant in the Matching Program to make any verbal or written contract for appointment to a concurrent year residency position prior to the Matching Program."
