Submit a Complaint

Complaints Against Applicant and Accredited Programs

The Commission will review in a timely manner any complaint that sets forth information or allegations that reasonably suggest that a program may not be in compliance with ACPHA standards or requirements.

Where issues of educational quality, compliance with ACPHA standards, or items that are not central to the complaint, the Commission will refer the complaint and/or the complainant to the appropriate federal or state agency or private entity with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the complaint or special expertise and authority in the matter. At the Commission’s discretion, it will provide a copy of the complaint referral to the Program.

The Commission will not intervene on behalf of individuals in cases of disciplinary action or dismissal or review decisions in such matters as admission, graduation, fees, and similar points unless the context suggests unethical or unprofessional actions that seriously impair or disrupt the educational services of an applicant or an accredited program.

Complaints against ACPHA Team Members

If the Commission receives a formal written complaint from a program regarding a site-visit team member, the team member will be notified and given a copy of the complaint. The team member will be given an opportunity to respond to the complaint; however, a response is optional. The complaint and any response will be reviewed by the Commission, in the absence of the individual against whom the complaint was lodged, to determine the ongoing eligibility of the site-visit team member to participate in future site-visits. The team member will be notified of any resulting decision relative to continued eligibility.

Complaints against ACPHA, ACPHA Commissioners, or Staff Members

If the Commission receives a formal written complaint from a program regarding the conduct of an ACPHA Commissioner or a staff member, the Commissioner or staff member will be notified and given a copy of the complaint. The Commissioner or staff member will be given an opportunity to respond to the complaint; however, a response is optional. The complaint and any response will be reviewed by the Commission, in the absence of the individual against whom the complaint was lodged, to determine what, if any, action is appropriate or required

If the Commission receives a formal written complaint alleging that the Commission acted improperly or in violation of its standards and practices, the Commission will review the complaint in a timely, fair, and equitable manner and will apply unbiased judgement and take follow-up action as appropriate based on the results of the review. This process, however, is not an appeal process and may not be used to request the Commission to reconsider a prior Commission action or to reinstate a program’s accreditation.

For further information please refer to the ACPHA Policy and Procedure Manual found on the ACPHA website www.acpha-cahm.org.

Instructions

All complaints considered by the Commission must be received electronically utilizing the ACPHA Complaint form. Download the Complaint Form.

In order for a complaint to be processed, the complaint should contain:

1. The basis for any allegation of noncompliance with ACPHA standards or requirements;
2. All relevant names and dates and a brief description of the actions forming the basis of the complaint;
3. Copies of any documents or materials that support the allegations, when release is available; and
4. A release from the complainant(s) authorizing the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint, including the identification of the complainant(s), to the Program, which is accomplished by fully completing the Complaint Form.