How to file an ethics complaint against a PCB-certified professional or someone applying for certification, what to include, and what happens after PCB receives it.
How to file a complaint
Complete the ethics complaint form
Use the PCB ethics complaint form (download it from this page). Include your full name, address, email address and a phone number where PCB can reach you, and sign and date the form. Verbal or anonymous complaints are not investigated, except for publicly available information such as news articles, court records or public posts.
Gather your evidence
Include all supporting evidence for every allegation: for example internal or agency investigation reports, letters, texts and other electronic messages, social media posts, recordings, criminal dockets, or statements from people with first-hand knowledge.
Protect client confidentiality
Remove client names, cover them, or change them to initials or first names only. If a client wants their identity known, get their written consent and include a copy with the complaint.
Send it to PCB
Mail, email or fax the form and your documents to the Pennsylvania Certification Board, 298 S. Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17109; info@pacertboard.org; fax 717.540.4458.
Time limits
Complaints must be filed within four years of the date the offense occurred. A certified professional is required to file a complaint within 90 days.
What happens after you file
- Review: the Executive Director reviews every complaint and decides whether to investigate. If no violation is found, the Ethics Committee reviews that decision. The Executive Director may continue an investigation even if the complainant asks to withdraw the complaint.
- Response: the person the complaint is about (the respondent) receives a full copy of the complaint, including the complainant's name, and has 30 days to respond in writing. Not responding, not cooperating or misrepresenting facts is itself grounds for disciplinary action.
- Decision: the Ethics Committee reviews the investigation and decides by majority vote to dismiss the complaint, impose a sanction, or hold a hearing.
- Hearing: held when the Committee needs more detail. Both sides may bring counsel at their own expense, present evidence and witnesses (a witness list is due five days before), and the hearing is closed to the public. The Hearing Panel issues a written decision within 30 days.
- Appeal: a respondent may appeal a disciplinary decision once, in writing, postmarked within 30 days of receiving it, with new evidence not submitted before. A three-person Appeal Committee reviews it; its decision is final. A hearing requested after the appeal process carries a one-time, non-refundable fee of $750.
Possible sanctions
Sanctions include denial of an application, a written caution, a public reprimand, suspension, or revocation of a credential. PCB may also require education, supervision, training or treatment.
- Revocation lasts a lifetime: the credential can't be reinstated and the person can't apply for any other PCB credential.
- Two or more written cautions or reprimands within two years result in suspension or revocation.
- Depending on the complaint, action can apply to every PCB credential the person holds.
- Public reprimands, suspensions and revocations are listed on the PCB website with the rules violated, may be shared with IC&RC for reciprocal credentials, and may be shared with state agencies and other licensing or certifying bodies.
- A suspended or revoked credential certificate must be returned to PCB within 21 days.
Confidentiality
Information, reports and decisions from a disciplinary proceeding are kept confidential by PCB and the respondent, except where the procedures say otherwise (for example public sanctions). Sealed records are opened only by court order.
Common questions
How do I file an ethics complaint?
Complaints must be submitted in writing using PCB’s ethics complaint form or a letter with as much detail as possible. Complaints cannot be anonymous and must contain the name and contact information of the person filing the complaint. Verbal or anonymous complaints to PCB cannot be accepted. Evidence is necessary to accompany complaints. Otherwise, the complaint is hearsay, and the PCB Ethics Committee cannot act on complaints that are hearsay.
Is there a time limit on filing an ethics complaint?
Complaints must be filed within four years from date the offense occurs. Complaints that occurred longer than four years will be returned to the complainant.
Can anybody file an ethics complaint?
Yes, anyone can file an ethics complaint. Typically, complaints are submitted by clients/consumers, former clients/consumers, co-workers, and treatment facilities. It is always best if the person filing the complaint has first-hand knowledge of the incident or allegations. Anyone who believes a person under the jurisdiction of the PCB Codes of Ethics and has potentially violated a Code may file a written complaint with the Ethics Committee. PCB may also initiate complaints internally. Only individuals certified by PCB or applicants for certification are subject to the codes of ethics. If you are considering filing a complaint, you are encouraged to use a complaint form. A complaint form is available on the PCB website. Complaints will be accepted in any form if they are in writing. The committee does not accept verbal or anonymous complaints.
When I file a complaint, what happens when it is received by PCB? Who makes the final determination?
When an ethics complaint is filed with PCB, the Executive Director will determine if there appears to be a violation of one or more of the rules within the Code of Ethical Conduct. If yes, they will begin an investigation process. Once the investigation process is completed, the findings will be thoroughly reviewed by members of the PCB Ethics Committee. The members of this committee will either agree with the findings and determine any disciplinary action, request additional facts surrounding the complaint, move to hold an ethics hearing, or dismiss the complaint for lack of substantial findings. The final decision rests with the members of the PCB Ethics Committee. All parties involved in the complaint are then informed about said decision.
Where can I get a copy of the PCB Codes of Ethical Conduct?
You can obtain a copy of the PCB Codes of Ethical Conduct on the Ethics page. The PCB Office can also mail, email, or fax you a copy. There are specific Codes of Ethical Conduct for each credential used by PCB.