The basic structure for enforcing the Code and Standards: Rules of Procedure.

The Disciplinary Review Committee (DRC) enforces the Code and Standards.

Professional Conduct staff monitor compliance through Professional Conduct Statements, public complaints, public information, and media reports.

The rules related to information-gathering and conviction follow a criminal justice system approach. The procedures require a careful investigation of the charges followed by a hearing, findings and appeal.

An overview follows:

• Grounds for Discipline. Any act which violates the Code and Standards.

• Investigation by Designated Officer (DO). The officer may conclude the inquiry with no disciplinary sanction, issue a cautionary letter, or continue proceedings to discipline the member or candidate. If the investigation determines that a violation occurred, a disciplinary sanction is recommended. The member or candidate may accept the recommended sanction or proceed to a hearing panel.

• Hearing. If the member rejects the proposed sanction, a case against the member will be prepared and take place in front of a hearing panel of three or more members.

Authorized sanctions include suspension or revocation of membership/designation, private/public censure, and private reprimand.