 | Clinical Certification Association of Licensed Professionals |
Overview of the CPCS Committee Ethics Complaint Process The CPCS Committee has the ability to investigate ethical complaints made against CPCS members. The complaint process is governed by the CPCS Committee Procedures for Handling Ethical Matters. Initiating a ComplaintComplaints of unethical conduct must be initiated by someone with personal knowledge of the alleged behavior or by someone in a position to supply relevant reliable testimony or other evidence on the subject. Most of the complaints filed with CPCS Committee are filed by supervisees. Use this link to start a Complaint, https://lpcag.memberclicks.net/cpcs-file-a-supervisor-complaint The CPCS Committee may also proceed on its own initiative when presented with sufficient allegations. Complaints initiated by the CPCS Committee are typically based on publicly available information from regulatory bodies and news sources. Whether initiated by an individual or the CPCS Committee, the complaint process is a peer-review process. Preliminary Review of ComplaintWhen a complaint is filed, with the CPCS Committee, staff reviews the complaint materials for jurisdiction and completeness. In order for the complaint to be forwarded to the Ethics Committee Chair, complainants must waive therapist-client confidentiality and permit CPCS Committee to use their name and forward a copy of the allegations to the CPCS, if charged with a violation of the CPCS Committee Code of Ethics. Determining Whether to Open a CaseOnce the Chair receives the complaint materials, the Chair, in consultation with CPCS Committee, determines whether the allegations, if proven factual, would constitute a violation of the CPCS Code of Ethics. If so, a charge letter is sent to the CPCS for a response. If not, the case is closed. With limited exceptions, when a case is opened based on a complaint that has been filed concurrently with a regulatory body, CPCS Committee’s case will be held in abeyance. Consideration by the Full CommitteeOnce all case materials are received, the case will be submitted to the full CPCS Committee at its next meeting.
For lesser violations, the CPCS Committee may require the CPCS to take a certain number of continuing education courses or to practice under supervision for a period of time. For more egregious violations, the CPCS Committee may recommend the revocation or termination of Certification. In cases of termination with a permanent bar to readmission, that fact will be forwarded to the GA Composite Board of PC, SW, MFT once the Committee’ s decision becomes final. Appeal to CPCS CommitteeAfter the CPCS Committee has made its decision, the CPCS will be notified and given the opportunity to appeal the CPCS Committee’s findings and recommendations. The member must provide a written request for a hearing within 15 days after receiving notice of the Ethics Committee’s findings and recommendations. If the member/Clinical Supervisor does not appeal within the allotted time, the Ethics Committee’s decision becomes final. Manner of Judicial Committee HearingThe member may choose either an in-person hearing or a written review process. In-person hearings are typically held at the LPCA office. The CPCS Committee panel is required to render its decision within 30 days of the hearing. Appeal to LPCAGA Board of DirectorsA member may make a final appeal to the LPCAGA Board of Directors if the member/Clinical Supervision believes that a procedural violation substantially impaired the member’s ability to defend against the charges. The Board will review the appeal at its next scheduled meeting and will render a decision within 30 days of the meeting. The Board renders its decision based solely on the member’s written statement and the response from the CPCS Committee. Confidentiality of Ethics MattersAll information obtained by the Ethics Committee and all case proceedings are confidential with limited exceptions. In cases that involve a finding of no violation(s) and cases that involve lesser sanctions, typically the only notification is to the member and complainant. The Procedures permit CPCS Committee to provide a limited report on an ethics case to a regulatory body or another professional association upon request. How to Obtain a Complaint Packet
Ethics ConsultationsAre you a member of LPCA? Your membership in LPCAGA allows you access to various member benefits, including free consultations with CPCS Committee ethics staff. All members of LPCAGA are eligible to receive Ethical opinions.
Code of EthicsThe CPCS Committee strives to honor the public trust in Licensed Professional Counselors certified to be a Clinical Supervisor by setting standards for ethical practice as described in this Code. The ethical standards define professional expectations and are enforced by the CPCS Committee Ethics Committee. |
Complaint Process Policy Hearing
PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to protect the public from those who fraudulently profess to hold a valid certification from the Clinical Certification Association of Licensed Professionals, (CCALP). It will also assist CCALP to verify that each Certified Professional is in full compliance with standards
POLICY: This policy describes the roles as well as the expectations of both applicants/candidates and committee members. The policy carefully explains each step of the interview process and concerns that may arise as the interview process unfolds. Therefore, any actions or decision made by CCALP regarding complaint process should only be made in adherence to these written policies and procedures.
An applicant or candidate who is denied certification by CCALP may appeal the determination within 30 days of notification of denial.
a. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director’s attention and must contain the following components:
i. A description of CPCS’s action(s) the applicant or candidate wishes to appeal;
ii. The applicant or candidate’s rationale for why CCALP should amend its determination; and
iii. A proposed resolution (i.e., a description of the actions that CCALP and the applicant/candidate can take to remedy the applicant/candidate’s concerns, including proposed timeframes for requested actions).
b. The Executive Director will review the appeal within 14 days and will submit an analysis to the CCALP Board recommending a course of action.
c. The CCALP Board will review the Executive Director’s analysis and respond to the applicant/candidate within 30 days, electing one of three courses of action:
i. Provision of a rationale for denial of the appeal;
ii. A proposed resolution, which the applicant/candidate must respond to within 14 days; or
iii. A request for a virtual meeting with the applicant/candidate to discuss the appeal in greater detail.
CCALP will suspend CPCS credentials pending investigation. If found to have violated any law or failed to uphold any policy, then the CPCS credentials could be permanently or temporarily revoked.
The vote of the Board of Directors as to whether or not to temporarily or permanently revoke the CPCS credentials pending investigation after considering any evidence presented at the hearing, shall be final.