Senate Resolution 1976-230 directed the Council for Postsecondary Education to undertake a study of the role of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges in the certification of postsecondary educational institutions operating in the State of Washington. The accreditation process was reviewed as it relates to: (1) the variety of postsecondary educational enterprises in the state; (2) the desirability of noneducation representatives in the accreditation process; (3) the effectiveness of accreditation as a means to control consumer abuses; and (4) the relationship of accreditation to new and innovative programs. Legal issues regarding state and federal governments, accrediting agencies, and the courts are reviewed in this report. Current issues and recommendations summarized include the following: due process, confidentiality, regionalism, representation, general education requirement, candidate status, transfer of credit, nontraditional institutions, and consumer protection. (LBH)