Appeals, Complaints & Discipline Policy
The National Healthcare Workers Certification Association (NHWCA®) maintains a fair, transparent, and timely process for handling appeals, complaints, and disciplinary matters. These procedures protect the public, uphold exam and credential integrity, and ensure due process for candidates, certificants, schools, and employers.
Appeal
A formal request to review an adverse decision affecting eligibility, exam results, renewal, or disciplinary action.
Complaint
A report alleging violation of NHWCA® policies, Code of Ethics, exam security rules, or misuse of certification marks.
Discipline
Actions imposed by NHWCA® following investigation and findings (e.g., warnings, suspension, or revocation).
Who May File
- Candidates and certificants
- Employers, supervisors, or HR/staffing representatives
- Approved Training Partners and instructors
- Members of the public with direct knowledge of alleged misconduct
Appeals: Scope & Grounds
- Eligibility determination (initial or renewal)
- Exam irregularities or procedural errors that likely affected outcome
- Accommodations decisions
- Sanctions or disciplinary decisions
- Administrative errors (identity, record, or registry issues)
Appeals: How to File & Timelines
- Deadline: Submit within 30 days of the decision notice.
- Format: Written statement describing the decision, grounds for appeal, and supporting evidence.
- Acknowledgment: NHWCA® confirms receipt within 5 business days.
- Review Window: Decision targeted within 30–45 days (complex matters may require additional time).
Complaints: Types & Examples
- Violations of the Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Exam security breaches (cheating, proxy testing, item harvesting)
- Credential misuse or misrepresentation
- Fraud, falsified documentation, or attestation issues
- Training partner non-compliance with approval requirements
Complaints: Intake & Investigation
- Intake: NHWCA® screens for jurisdiction and sufficiency of information.
- Notice: Respondent is notified of allegations and may provide a written response.
- Fact-Finding: Collection of documents, records, witness statements, and exam data as applicable.
- Determination: Findings are reviewed against policy and the Code of Ethics.
Interim Actions
- Temporary hold on score release or credential issuance
- Temporary suspension pending investigation for serious risk
- Exam invalidation in cases of confirmed security breaches
Possible Outcomes & Sanctions
- No action / advisory letter
- Education or corrective action plan
- Warning, probation, or suspension
- Revocation or eligibility bar
- Notation in the NHWCA® Registry (as applicable)
Appeal of Disciplinary Decisions
- Written appeal within 30 days of sanction notice
- Reviewed by an Appeals Panel not involved in the original decision
- Final decision communicated in writing with rationale
Reinstatement
- Eligibility to petition may be time-limited based on sanction
- May require remediation, re-examination, supervision attestations, or CEU
- Approval restores good standing and registry status
Confidentiality, Records & Non-Retaliation
- NHWCA® maintains records in accordance with policy and law.
- Information is shared only as needed to administer this process.
- Retaliation against good-faith reporters is prohibited.
How to File an Appeal or Complaint
- Prepare a written statement describing the issue, date(s), parties involved, and requested remedy (for appeals) or alleged policy violations (for complaints).
- Attach supporting evidence (e.g., emails, exam details, attestations, policy citations).
- Submit via the NHWCA® Contact page using the appropriate subject line.
NHWCA® acknowledges receipt within 5 business days and provides status updates as appropriate.