A. A Complaint is a grievance, presented in writing and signed, involving an alleged violation of the ethical criteria established by the ACPE Code of Ethics (Standard 100). A complaint must identify the specific standard or process alleged violated. Complaints may be filed by those who consider themselves harmed by an alleged violation or by any person(s) having substantive knowledge of a violation of the ACPE ethics code.
B. The complaint must name an individual(s) over whom ACPE has jurisdiction. In filing the complaint, the complainant consents to these processes and gives permission for the disclosure of all information to the process investigators, adjudicators and the respondent. In most instances, the complainant will be required to submit a Complaint Form (available on the ACPE website or the APC website.)
C. ACPE Standards in effect at the time of the alleged incident giving rise to the complaint will be used to assess conduct; the ACPE Ethics manual and procedures for processing complaints in effect at the time the complaint is addressed by ACPE will be followed.
D. ACPE Standard 103.4 states: “In relation to ACPE, members do not make intentionally false, misleading or incomplete statements about their work or ethical behavior.” This is binding on members. It is expected of nonmembers who engage the complaint process.