Disciplinary Action

Each member is obligated to cooperate with the Association and its officers in all matters that affect its good name and reputation including investigation, censure, discipline or dismissal of members who are charged with violation of the Association's Constitution and Bylaws or its Code of Ethics. A member having knowledge of the act of another member which in his/her opinion is in such violation has the obligation to report the matter to the President of the Association giving full details.

Note that the names of the complainant and of the member are confidential and shall not be disclosed to any parties other than the President of the Association and to the Secretary of Association who may be delegated to assist in processing disciplinary actions. The names of the complainant and of the member shall be redacted from correspondence sent to the Ad Hoc Ethics Committee for action.

If felt warranted or if an informal effort at resolution is insufficient, the President of the Association shall refer a complaint against any member to an Ad Hoc Ethics Committee and shall notify in writing the member against whom the complaint has been filed [advising him/her of the specific violation alleged and the identity of the member or person who initiated the complaint with a request that a written explanation concerning the circumstances of such complaint be submitted within 30 days.] The complaint as well as the member's explanation will be forwarded to the Ad Hoc Ethics Committee with the names of the complainant and the member redacted.

After considering the complaint and the member's explanation, the Ad Hoc Ethics Committee shall determine whether there is a reasonable basis for concluding that a possible violation occurred. If such a basis is not found, the Chairman of the Ethics Committee shall so inform the President and/or Secretary (as delegated) who will, in turn, so notify the member. If such a basis is found, the Chairman of the Ethics Committee shall inform the President and/or Secretary in writing that an investigation is being initiated. The President and/or Secretary shall so notify the member.

The Ad Hoc Ethics Committee will complete its investigation and make a complete report in writing with its recommendations to the President and or Secretary within 60 days. The President and or Secretary shall forward a copy of the Committee's findings and recommendations to the member involved and to the Board of Directors for such action as it may deem appropriate.

The Board of Directors shall review the findings and recommendations of the Ethics Committee and shall determine if the record of the complaint constitutes a finding of conduct contrary to or in violation of the Association's Constitution and Bylaws or its Code of Ethics. If two thirds of the membership of the Board of Directors shall so find, the Board may in its discretion impose one or more of the following on the member: