Complaints Procedure
Handling Alleged Violations
Any person, member or non-member, may file a complaint of misconduct against an AHPK member. Misconduct is deemed to be any violation of the Code of Professional Conduct, and a complaint may be formal or informal.
Complaints Process
From filing to final determination
The disciplinary process progresses through complaint filing, confidential inquiry, investigation, review, arbitration and final decision.
01
Filing a Complaint
Any person, whether a member or non-member, may file a complaint of misconduct against a member. Misconduct is deemed to be any violation of the Code of Professional Conduct. A complaint may be formal or informal.
02
Formal Complaint
A formal complaint is a written statement of the alleged facts supported by evidence. The Chair transmits copies to the Professional Conduct Committee and the accused member, identifying the person who filed the complaint. After investigation, the Committee decides whether to dismiss the complaint or refer it, with recommendations, to the Executive Committee for hearing and decision.
03
Informal Complaint
Upon receiving an informal complaint, the Chair initiates a confidential inquiry to confirm its substance. Where reasonable grounds exist, the Chair formulates a statement of complaint and the accused member may submit an explanation or rebuttal within 30 days.
04
Executive Committee Review
Where the Professional Conduct Committee Chair and the Association Chair jointly determine that the charges are sufficiently serious, the Executive Committee reviews the matter and determines the appropriate next step.
05
Arbitration and Decision
The Executive Committee serves as an impartial arbitration committee and hears testimony from the Professional Conduct Committee and the accused member. Any member with a conflict of interest must be replaced, and all individuals serving on the arbitration committee must sign a non-conflict declaration.
06
Confidentiality
All matters concerning the filing and investigation of complaints remain confidential and are not made public until the final step of the procedure has been completed. Any committee member who breaches confidentiality may be disciplined.
Executive Committee Options
Actions Following Review
01
Dismiss the complaint.
02
Request the Association Chair to obtain additional information required to reach a decision.
03
Request the Association Chair to issue a warning or an immediate cease and desist order. If the same violation occurs after such an order has been communicated, a formal complaint will be entered against the offending member.
Possible Outcomes
Committee Decisions
01
Dismissal of the complaint without prejudice.
02
A letter of censure from the Association Chair.
03
Suspension from the Association for a stated period.
04
Expulsion from the Association.
Membership Withdrawal or Removal
Requirements After Leaving AHPK
01
Return the Certificate of Membership and Association lapel pin to the Association office.
02
Cease using the AHPK designation in association with their name, reports or any other communication.
03
No longer represent themselves as a member of AHPK.
04
Understand that no refund of membership or subscription fees, or any interest arising from them, will be payable.
Governing Principles
Safeguards within the process
01
Confidentiality
Complaint details remain private until the final stage of the procedure has been completed.
02
Impartiality
Decision-makers must be free from conflicts and should sign appropriate non-conflict declarations.
03
Right to Respond
An accused member is given an opportunity to provide an explanation, rebuttal and testimony.
04
Proportionate Action
Outcomes may range from dismissal to censure, suspension or expulsion depending on the findings.
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