Ethics & Professional Conduct
The Ethics & Disciplinary Committee (Committee) is responsible for oversight of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which serve to protect the public. The Committee assesses formal complaints and oversees the disciplinary process for ABRET. The Committee has jurisdiction over all ABRET credentialed technologists and both current and prospective ABRET examination applicants.
ABRET seeks to encourage, establish and maintain the highest standards and principles of EEG, Evoked Potential Technology, Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring, and Long Term Monitoring.
ABRET Registered and Certified Technologists have a professional responsibility to their patients, society, other health care professionals, and to themselves.
The following is a summary of the violations that have been reported and decided by the Committee since 2004:
- cases involved falsification of credentials
- cases of unprofessional behavior
- candidates provided false information on their application
- technologist was found guilty of sexual misconduct
- episodes of misuse of ABRET trademarks
- cases were investigated for reports of cheating
The above resulted in a variety of actions including probation, loss of credentials, being banned from taking ABRET examinations, and indirectly, loss of employment.
Violations to ABRET Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Purpose of Standards
ABRET has developed this Code of Ethics and the Grounds for Disciplinary Action to articulate standards of conduct required for eligibility for certification and continued certification of EEG, EP, CNIM and CLTM technologists. Maintenance of board certification will require adherence to these and other ABRET rules. Individuals who fail to meet these requirements may have their certification suspended or revoked. ABRET does not guarantee the job performance of any individual.
Reporting Requirements
An individual convicted of a felony related to electroencephalographic, evoked potential, long term monitoring or neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring practice and/or public health and safety (including, but not limited to felonies involving rape, sexual abuse of a patient or child, actual or threatened use of a weapon, violence, and the prohibited sale, distribution or possession of a controlled substance) must notify ABRET of such conviction and shall be ineligible to apply for registration, certification, or renewed registration for a period of three (3) years from the exhaustion of appeals or final release from confinement, whichever is later.
- Grounds for Disciplinary Action. ABRET may deny, suspend, revoke, or take other action regarding an application or certification if an individual is not in compliance with this Disciplinary Policy. Grounds for disciplinary action include (but are not limited to):
- Ineligibility for certification, regardless of when the ineligibility is discovered;
- An irregular event in connection with an ABRET examination including (but not limited to) copying answers, copying examination materials, and causing a disruption in the testing area;
- Providing fraudulent or misleading information;
- Failure to pay fees when due;
- Unauthorized possession or misuse of ABRET credentials, examinations, and other intellectual property;
- Misrepresentation of certification status;
- Failure to provide requested information in a timely manner;
- Failure to inform ABRET of changes or adverse actions;
- Impairment of professional performance because of habitual use of alcohol, drugs, or other substance, or any physical or mental condition;
- Gross or repeated negligence or malpractice in professional work;
- Noncompliance with laws related to the profession and to general public health and safety;
- Accepting primary responsibility for interpretation of testing or monitoring for purposes of clinical diagnosis and treatment (Individuals who are licensed or otherwise authorized by practice standards to provide interpretation are excluded.);
- Failure to maintain a current professional credential as required by the jurisdiction in which the individual practices (this may include a license, certificate, or registration);
- The conviction of, plea of guilty to, or plea of nolo contendere to a felony or misdemeanor related to public health and safety or the profession;
- Disciplinary action by a licensing board or professional organization other than ABRET; and
- Other failure to maintain continuous compliance with ABRET standards, policies, and procedures.
- Sanctions. If an individual is not exonerated or acquitted of all allegations, ABRET may impose one or more of the following sanctions for a violation of this Disciplinary Policy:
- Denial or suspension of eligibility;
- Denial of certification;
- Revocation of certification;
- Non-renewal of certification;
- Suspension of certification for a specific period of time;
- Reprimand;
- Probation; or
- Other corrective action.
If someone feels that an individual has violated ABRET’s Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice, a complaint should be filed with the Executive Office. This may be done using our Online Complaint Form.