According to the by-laws Article X Violations and Complaints Section B. Complaint Procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Preparation/Submission of Complaint
The Complaint must:
(1) be clearly documented and submitted to the Chapter in a timely fashion.
(2) include all pertinent details (date, time, place, those involved, contact info, supporting documentation).
(3) disclose the relationship of the complainant to the member.
(4) be signed by the complainant.
(5) improper or incomplete submissions may be returned and/or delayed.
(6) The complaint should be forwarded to:
Executive Committee
Attention: Complaint
8015 Shawnee Mission Pkwy.
Suite #150
Merriam, KS 66202
Step 2: Executive Committee
At the next meeting of the Executive Committee, they will decide whether the complaint is of a confidential nature or should the By-laws committee investigate the complaint. Confidential matters are determined by our Association policy and the whistleblower protection act.
Step 3: Response to Complaint
Unless determined confidential, a copy of the Complaint will be forwarded to the member. The members will be encouraged to contact the complainant and to try and resolve the complaint. Regardless of the outcome, the member will be required to respond to the Complaint, in writing, within thirty days of the date the Complaint was received by the member. The response must clearly address the allegations in detail and should include appropriate supporting documentation. The response must be submitted to the Chapter office. If the matter is resolved by the parties, each party will receive a letter of acknowledgement from our Association and a record of the Complaint will be archived.
Step 4: By-Laws Committee Review
If the matter is not resolved within a reasonable time, the Complaint and the member’s response will be forwarded to the Ethics and By-laws Committee. In order to review a Complaint from a consumer, at least four (4) members of the Ethics & By-Laws Committee must be in attendance. The committee may recommend a course of action for the parties involved, may dismiss the Complaint, or may recommend that the complainant pursue a remedy through a third-party (e.g. licensing/registration body, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Better Business Bureau, civil court, etc.). The final decision of the Ethics and By-laws Committee shall be conveyed in writing to the complainant and to the member.
Step 5: Board Action and Other Remedies
If the By-laws Committee recommends that the complainant pursue other remedies through a third party, the complaint will remain open for further consideration by the committee. Depending on the outcome of the third-party review, the committee may recommend further action be taken by the Board of Directors. Such further action may include, but is not limited to, suspension or revocation of membership. The complainant and member will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing.
Step 6: Right of Appeal
The decision made by the By-laws Committee may be appealed by either party to a panel consisting of a minimum of three (3) officers of the Chapter. Notice of appeal must be received by the Chapter within ten (10) days of the date the Ethics and Bylaws Committee decision was received by the parties. The panel of officers shall schedule its own proceedings and timetable for appeal, and its decision shall be submitted to the Board for final approval.
Step 7: Final Action
At its next regularly scheduled meeting (following the right to appeal should that be exercised), the Board shall vote on the final decision, and its action will be communicated in writing to all parties.
