Ethics Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an anonymous ethics complaint?

No. The identity of the Complainant and a copy of the complaint form, along with any attachments, must be provided to the Respondent (the individual against whom the complaint is filed). Read why anonymous ethics complaints are not accepted.

What are the jurisdictional requirements for filing a complaint?

Any individual or entity may file a complaint. However, a complaint may only be filed against an individual (not an entity) who is (a) a current or former member of ASHA, whether certified or not; (b) a nonmember holding the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC); (c) an applicant for the CCC or for membership and the CCC; (d) a nonmember holding ASHA assistants certification in audiology (C-AA) or speech-language pathology (C-SLPA); or (e) an applicant for assistants certification.

Important: For the Board of Ethics (BOE) to have jurisdiction over a matter, the Respondent must have been certified by ASHA, must have been a member of ASHA, or must have been an applicant for certification at the time the events in question occurred.

Can I avoid an ethics action against me from the BOE if I resign my CCC-A/CCC-SLP or my C-AA/C-SLPA?

No. The BOE will review a complaint against a certificate holder who has resigned their CCC or against a certified assistant who has resigned their assistants certification, as long as the events that led to the complaint occurred while the individual was certified, was an applicant for certification, or was an ASHA member.

Can I receive ethics guidance without filing a complaint?

Yes, you may contact the ASHA Ethics Office at 800-498-2071 or submit your questions via email to ethics@asha.org.

Can I receive legal advice from the ASHA Ethics Office?

No. The ASHA Ethics Office is unable to offer any form of legal advice or services. Legal questions should be directed to a licensed attorney in your state.

Can I submit my complaint documentation by email?

Yes, you can email your complaint documentation to ethics@asha.org.

How long does it take for an ethics complaint to be processed?

The complaint adjudication process may take more than 12 months from beginning to end, depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to: the type of complaint filed, whether or not additional documentation is required, and whether a Further Consideration hearing or appeal is conducted.

How will I know my complaint has been received?

The ASHA Ethics Office will confirm receipt of your complaint via email.

Can I request updates on a complaint that I filed?

The ASHA Ethics Office may only provide confirmation that your complaint is still undergoing review; it will not provide any further information until the BOE renders a Final Decision.