Expense Policy

This expense policy is for student travel grantees attending an AHLI event.

Background

The Association for Health Learning and Inference (AHLI) is committed to encouraging diverse participation and engagement across all its programs, including academic conferences and community events. Financial support for travel and expenses can fluctuate each year and are at the discretion of the organizing committee.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Provide clear, fair guidelines for reimbursing travel-related expenses to grantees attending the Machine Learning for Health (ML4H) symposium and activities, ensuring responsible spending aligned with AHLI’s mission.
  • Provide appropriate guidance and oversight to govern expense reimbursement that aligns with the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Publication 463, Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses.

Scope

This Policy covers all travel and hospitality expenses while participating in AHLI programs and activities. This policy applies to persons external to AHLI, including eligible conference and event attendees in need of financial assistance to participate in AHLI programs.

Principles

All official expenses must be consistent with the following principles:

  • Eligible expenses must serve a legitimate authorized purpose and be associated with participation in one or more AHLI programs. 
  • Arrangements must be cost-effective. Claimants are expected to book travel and accommodation
    at standard fares.
  • AHLI assumes no obligation to reimburse expenses not complying with this Policy.

Eligible Expenses 

Eligible expenses include: 

Travel: Attendees must choose the most practical and economical travel option to be eligible for reimbursement.

Bus/ rail travel:

Attendees are encouraged to book bus tickets in the most economical fare class. If a higher fare class is chosen because it is less expensive, the claimant must provide proof of cost comparison. Reimbursement for premium fare classes will otherwise be limited to the cost of the standard, least expensive fare.

Air travel:

Flight arrivals and departures for the event should be scheduled within a 100-mile radius of the event location and must occur within three days of ML4H and or co-located events’ start or end date, including any connecting flights.

Attendees are advised to book air travel in the most economical economy class available. When a higher fare class is chosen due to affordability or availability, evidence of cost comparison or the lack of other options must be provided. Reimbursement will be capped at the lowest available economy fare unless a valid justification for a higher fare class is provided.

It is important to note that tickets purchased using frequent flier points or other reward systems and open tickets will not be eligible for reimbursement. Additional costs such as seat selection and baggage fees are also not covered under this Policy. For guidelines on combining personal travel with program attendance, please refer to our Policy on Combining Personal and Program Travel.

When traveling for AHLI events, public transport is the recommended mode of transportation wherever it’s practical. Taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are acceptable alternatives, particularly in scenarios where they present a more cost-effective use of time or are required under exceptional circumstances. Attendees should opt for the most economical fare option when using taxis or rideshares. In cases where a higher fare class is chosen due to lower cost, proof of this cost comparison must be presented. Additionally, all transportation should be made within three days of the event to ensure relevance and alignment with the event.

Lodging and accommodations: Attendees must choose the most practical and economical accommodation option to be eligible for reimbursement.

Reimbursement for accommodation is limited to a standard room at a moderate-range hotel. Expenses incurred for rooms on executive floors or concierge levels will not be covered. Rooms purchased using loyalty points will not be covered. If an attendee needs to stay the night before or after the event, a valid reason for the extended stay must be provided to qualify for reimbursement.

Event registration fees

All AHLI event registration fees are subject to reimbursement with proof of purchase.

Combining personal and program travel

Attendees combining personal travel with AHLI program-related travel will only be reimbursed for expenses directly associated with the program within AHLI’s specified allowance limits. This includes the most economical fares for flights and accommodations for the duration of the event. All travel arrangements should be scheduled within a three-day window surrounding the event.

For scenarios involving personal destinations (e.g., multi-stop flights), attendees must obtain a quote at the time of booking for the program-only segments. This quote will determine the upper limit of reimbursement, which must still fall within AHLI’s specified allowances and should be lower than the total cost of the combined travel.

If an attendee extends their stay, reimbursement will be calculated based on a quote for return travel as if departing immediately post-event. Additional costs incurred due to an extended stay will be the attendee’s responsibility. Attendees are required to obtain and retain all necessary quotes and documentation for their reimbursement claims.

Other expenses

Expenses not explicitly covered in the existing categories may still be eligible for reimbursement. However, claimants must submit a detailed written request for such expenses. Each request will be reviewed and subject to approval by the Board on a case-by-case basis.

For any queries or need for clarification on this policy, attendees should reach out to support@ahli.cc

Non-Eligible Expenses

The following items are not eligible expenses:
  • Meal expenses 
  • Excess Baggage Fees: Extra costs for luggage beyond the standard allowance.
  • Upgrades in travel or accommodation that exceed the standard outlined in this policy. 
  • Recreational expenses (i.e. tourist activities, gifts, beverages, etc). 
  • Personal items.
  • Expenses for an accompanying spouse, friend, or family member. 
  • Expenses for failure to cancel transportation or reservations. 
  • Expenses for changing transportation or reservations. 
  •  Personal travel insurance (e.g., medical, baggage)
  • Bank/credit card charges related to foreign exchange fees, debit fees, and/or annual service fees
  • Lost or stolen items
  • Cost associated with obtaining a travel visa 
  • Personal Transportation: Use of taxis, rideshares, or public transport for personal exploration or activities unrelated to the conference. 
  • Tips and gratuities: Excessive tips beyond customary amounts. 
  • Personal Communication Charges: Additional costs for personal calls, data usage, beyond reasonable needs, mobile phone plans/sims, and roaming charges. 

Recommended Values 

Organizing committees that plan academic and community events on behalf of AHLI have the authority to establish allowable expenses for participants. The following values are suggestions set by the Board of Directors and are subject to change. Although recommended expense allowances are provided, awardees should adhere to the specific travel grant amount specified by the organizers.

Responsibilities

Claimant’s Responsibilities 
  • Accurately complete the Expense Reimbursement Form, ensuring all claimed expenses are complete, reasonable, and aligned with the Policy.
  • Exercise integrity, prudence, and sound judgment in incurring expenses intended for reimbursement.
  • Provide all necessary supporting documentation, including original itemized receipts or valid supporting evidence (credit card slips alone are insufficient).
  • Submit expense claims within 15 days of the event’s conclusion. Claims submitted after this period will not be considered.
  • Be aware that all reimbursements will be processed in USD.
  • Ensure the accuracy of claims, particularly concerning the amounts, dates, and nature of the expenses.
  • Understand that failure to adhere to these responsibilities and the overall Policy may result in the processing of your claim being delayed, reduced, or denied.
Submission of Expense Claims
  • Complete the Expense Reimbursement Form for all eligible expenses.
  • Consolidate all required supporting documents, including original receipts or clear photos of them, into a single PDF. Ensure the reimbursement form is first, followed by receipts and other documents in the order listed on the form. Number the receipts for easy reference.
  • Include itemized details of charges, taxes, and boarding passes on receipts, if applicable.
  • For expenses in a foreign currency, include a copy of the credit card statement showing the expense amount and the foreign exchange rate on the transaction date.
  • Name the file “Reimbursement Form (Firstname Lastname)”.
  • Submit the completed form and consolidated PDF to admin@ahli.cc.
Board Member’s/Board Chair’s/Executive Director’s Responsibilities 
  • Complying with this Policy 
  • Pre-approving travel in accordance with this Policy 
AHLI is committed to reimbursing legitimate, authorized, and reasonable expenses necessarily incurred from participation in AHLI programs.

The principles of accountability, transparency, value-for-money, and fairness in this Policy are guided by the State of Massachusetts and the Internal Revenue Service.

Questions regarding this Policy should be directed to info@ahli.cc.

Version: 3.0
Date: November 9, 2024