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IRAAA™ Member Code of Conduct
Overview
Preamble and Applicability
The Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility (Code of Conduct) has been adopted by IRA Association of America Board of Advisors (IRAAA™ Board) to provide principles and rules to all persons whom it has recognized and certified to use the IRAAA™, IRA Association of America™ MEMBER, IRA Association of America™ and certification marks (collectively "the marks"). IRAAA™ Board determines who is certified and thus authorized to use the marks. Implicit in the acceptance of this authorization is an obligation not only to comply with the mandates and requirements of all applicable laws and regulations but also to take responsibility to act in an ethical and professionally responsible manner in all professional services and activities.
For purposes of this Code of Conduct, a person recognized and certified by IRAAA™ Board to use the marks is called an IRAAA™ Board designee. This Code of Conduct applies to IRAAA™ Board designees actively involved in the practice of any professional activity in which the marks are used in the performance of professional responsibilities. This Code of Conduct also applies to candidates for the IRAAA™ certification who are registered as such with IRAAA™ Board. For purposes of this Code of Conduct, the term IRAAA™ Board designee shall be deemed to include current certificants, candidates and individuals who have been certified in the past and retain the right to reinstate their IRAAA™ certification without passing the current IRAAA™ Certification Examination.
Composition and Scope
The Code of Conduct consists of two parts: Part I – Principles and Part II – Rules. The Principles are statements expressing in general terms the ethical and professional ideals that IRAAA™ Board designees are expected to display in their professional activities. As such, the Principles are aspirational in character but are intended to provide a source of guidance for IRAAA™ Board designees. The comments following each Principle further explain the meaning of the Principle. The Rules in Part II provide practical guidelines derived from the tenets embodied in the Principles. As such, the Rules describe the standards of ethical and professionally responsible conduct expected of IRAAA™ Board designees in particular situations. This Code of Conduct does not undertake to define standards of professional conduct of IRAAA™ Board designees for purposes of civil liability.
Due to the nature of an IRAAA™ Board designee’s particular field of endeavor, certain Rules may not be applicable to that IRAAA™ Board designee’s activities. An IRAAA™ Board designee is obligated to determine what responsibilities he or she has in each professional relationship including, for example, duties that arise in particular circumstances from a position of trust or confidence that a IRAAA™ Board designee may have. The IRAAA™ Board designee is obligated to meet those responsibilities.
The Code of Conduct is structured so that the presentation of the Rules parallels the presentation of the Principles. For example, the Rules which relate to Principle 1 – Integrity are numbered in the 100 to 199 series, while those Rules relating to Principle 2 – Objectivity are numbered in the 200 to 299 series.
Compliance
IRAAA™ Board requires adherence to this Code of Conduct by all IRAAA™ Board designees. Compliance with the Code of Conduct, individually and by the profession as a whole, depends on each IRAAA™ Board designee’s knowledge of and voluntary compliance with the Principles and applicable Rules, on the influence of fellow professionals and public opinion, and on disciplinary proceedings, when necessary, involving IRAAA™ Board designees who fail to comply with the applicable provisions of the Code of Conduct.
Part I - Principles
These Code of Conduct’ Principles express the profession’s recognition of its responsibilities to the public, to clients, to colleagues and to employers. They apply to all IRAAA™ Board designees and provide guidance to them in the performance of their professional services.
Principle 1 – Integrity
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall offer and provide professional services with integrity. As discussed in "Composition and Scope," IRAAA™ Board designees may be placed by clients in positions of trust and confidence. The ultimate source of such public trust is the IRAAA™ Board designee’s personal integrity. In deciding what is right and just, an IRAAA™ Board designee should rely on his or her integrity as the appropriate touchstone. Integrity demands honesty and candor which must not be subordinated to personal gain and advantage. Within the characteristic of integrity, allowance can be made for innocent error and legitimate difference of opinion; but integrity cannot co-exist with deceit or subordination of one’s principles. Integrity requires an IRAAA™ Board designee to observe not only the letter but also the spirit of this Code of Conduct.
Principle 2 – Objectivity
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall be objective in providing professional services to clients. Objectivity requires intellectual honesty and impartiality. It is an essential quality for any professional. Regardless of the particular service rendered or the capacity in which a IRAAA™ Board designee functions, a IRAAA™ Board designee should protect the integrity of his or her work, maintain objectivity, and avoid subordination of his or her judgment that would be in violation of this Code of Conduct.
Principle 3 – Competence
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall provide services to clients competently and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which the IRAAA™ Board designee is engaged.
One is competent only when he or she has attained and maintained an adequate level of knowledge and skill, and applies that knowledge effectively in providing services to clients. Competence also includes the wisdom to recognize the limitations of that knowledge and when consultation or client referral is appropriate. An IRAAA™ Board designee, by virtue of having earned the IRAAA™ certification, is deemed to be qualified to practice activities related to alternative investment retirement account strategies. However, in addition to assimilating the common body of knowledge required and acquiring the necessary experience for certification, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall make a continuing commitment to learning and professional improvement.
Principle 4 – Fairness
IRAAA™ Board designee shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair and reasonable to clients, principals, partners and employers, and shall disclose conflict(s) of interest in providing such services.
Fairness requires impartiality, intellectual honesty and disclosure of conflict(s) of interest. It involves a subordination of one’s own feelings, prejudices and desires so as to achieve a proper balance of conflicting interests. Fairness is treating others in the same fashion that you would want to be treated and is an essential trait of any professional.
Principle 5 – Confidentiality
IRAAA™ Board designee shall not disclose any confidential client information without the specific consent of the client unless in response to proper legal process, to defend against charges of wrongdoing by the IRAAA™ Board designee or in connection with a civil dispute between the IRAAA™ Board designee and client.
Principle 6 – Professionalism
An IRAAA™ Board designee’s conduct in all matters shall reflect credit upon the profession. Because of the importance of the professional services rendered by IRAAA™ Board designees, there are attendant responsibilities to behave with dignity and courtesy to all those who use those services, fellow professionals, and those in related professions. A IRAAA™ Board designee also has an obligation to cooperate with fellow IRAAA™ Board designees to enhance and maintain the profession’s public image and to work jointly with other IRAAA™ Board designees to improve the quality of services. It is only through the combined efforts of all IRAAA™ Board designees, in cooperation with other professionals, that this vision can be realized.
Principle 7 – Diligence
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall act diligently in providing professional services. Diligence is the provision of services in a reasonably prompt and thorough manner. Diligence also includes proper planning for, and supervision of, the rendering of professional services.
Part II – Rules
As stated in Part I – Principles, the Principles apply to all IRAAA™ Board designees. However, due to the nature of an IRAAA™ Board designee’s particular field of endeavor, certain Rules may not be applicable to that IRAAA™ Board designee’s activities. The universe of activities engaged in by an IRAAA™ Board designee is indeed diverse and a particular IRAAA™ Board designee may be performing all, some or none of the typical services provided by Unlimited™ Retirement Account strategy professionals. As a result, in considering the following Rules, an IRAAA™ Board designee must first recognize what specific services he or she is rendering and then determine whether or not a specific Rule is applicable to those services. To assist the IRAAA™ Board designee in making these determinations, this Standards of Professional Conduct includes a series of definitions of terminology used throughout the Code of Conduct. Based upon these definitions, an IRAAA™ Board designee should be able to determine which services he or she provides and, therefore, which Rules are applicable to those services.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Integrity
Rule 101
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall not solicit clients through false or misleading communications or advertisements:
Misleading Advertising: An IRAAA™ Board designee shall not make a false or misleading communication about the size, scope or areas of competence of the IRAAA™ Board designee’s practice or of any organization with which the IRAAA™ Board designee is associated; and
Promotional Activities: In promotional activities, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall not make materially false or misleading communications to the public or create unjustified expectations regarding matters relating to their professional activities and competence of the IRAAA™ Board designee. The term "promotional activities" includes, but is not limited to, speeches, interviews, books and/or printed publications, seminars, radio and television shows, and video cassettes; and
Representation of Authority: An IRAAA™ Board designee shall not give the impression that an IRAAA™ Board designee is representing the views of IRAAA™ Board or any other group unless the IRAAA™ Board designee has been authorized to do so. Personal opinions shall be clearly identified as such.
Rule 102
the course of professional activities, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, or knowingly make a false or misleading statement to a client, employer, employee, professional colleague, governmental or other regulatory body or official, or any other person or entity.
Rule 103
An IRAAA™ Board designee has the following responsibilities regarding funds and/or other property of clients:
In exercising custody of, or discretionary authority over, client funds or other property, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall act only in accordance with the authority set forth in the governing legal instrument (e.g., special power of attorney, trust, letters testamentary, etc.); and
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall identify and keep complete records of all funds or other property of a client in the custody, or under the discretionary authority, of the IRAAA™ Board designee; and
Upon receiving funds or other property of a client, a IRAAA™ Board designee shall promptly or as otherwise permitted by law or provided by agreement with the client, deliver to the client or third party any funds or other property which the client or third party is entitled to receive and, upon request by the client, render a full accounting regarding such funds or other property; and
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall not commingle client funds or other property with an IRAAA™ Board designee’s personal funds and/or other property or the funds and/or other property of an IRAAA™ Board designee’s firm. Commingling one or more clients’ funds or other property together is permitted, subject to compliance with applicable legal requirements and provided accurate records are maintained for each client’s funds or other property; and
An IRAAA™ Board designee who takes custody of all or any part of a client’s assets for investment purposes, shall do so with the care required of a fiduciary.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Objectivity
Rule 201
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall exercise reasonable and prudent professional judgment in providing professional services.
Rule 202
An Unlimited Retirement Account strategy practitioner shall act in the interest of the client.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Competence
Rule 301
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall keep informed of developments in the field of Unlimited Retirement Account strategy and participate in continuing education throughout the IRAAA™ Board designee’s professional career in order to improve professional competence in all areas in which the IRAAA™ Board designee is engaged. As a distinct part of this requirement, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall satisfy all minimum continuing education requirements established for IRAAA™ Board designees by IRAAA™ Board.
Rule 302
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall offer advice only in those areas in which the IRAAA™ Board designee has competence. In areas where the IRAAA™ Board designee is not professionally competent, the IRAAA™ Board designee shall seek the counsel of qualified individuals and/or refer clients to such parties.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Fairness
Rule 401
rendering professional services, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall disclose to the client:
Material information relevant to the professional relationship, including, conflict(s) of interest, the IRAAA™ Board designee's business affiliation, address, telephone number, credentials, qualifications, licenses, compensation structure and any agency relationships, and the scope of the IRAAA™ Board designee's authority in that capacity; and
The information required by all laws applicable to the relationship in a manner complying with such laws.
Rule 402
An IRAAA™ Board designee in a Unlimited Retirement Account engagement shall make timely written disclosure of all material information relative to the professional relationship. In all circumstances and prior to the engagement, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall, in writing:
Disclose conflict(s) of interest and sources of compensation; and
Inform the client or prospective client of his/her right to ask at any time for information about the compensation of the IRAAA™ Board designee.
The basic philosophy of the IRAAA™ Board designee (or firm) in working with clients. This includes the philosophy, theory and/or principles of Unlimited Retirement Account consulting which will be utilized by the IRAAA™ Board designee; and
Résumés of principals and employees of a firm who are expected to provide Unlimited Retirement Account services to the client and a description of those services. Such disclosures shall include educational background, professional/employment history, professional designations and licenses held; and
statement that in reasonable detail discloses (as applicable) conflict(s) of interest and source(s) of, and any contingencies or other aspects material to, the IRAAA™ Board designee’s compensation; and
statement describing material agency or employment relationships a IRAAA™ Board designee (or firm) has with third parties and the nature of compensation resulting from such relationships; and
Rule 403
Upon request by a client or prospective client, the IRAAA™ Board designee in an Unlimited Retirement Account engagement shall communicate in reasonable detail the requested compensation information related to the Unlimited Retirement Account engagement, including compensation derived from implementation. The disclosure may express compensation as an approximate dollar amount or percentage or as a range of dollar amounts or percentages. The disclosure shall be made at a time and to the extent that the requested compensation information can be reasonably ascertained. Any estimates shall be clearly identified as such and based on reasonable assumptions. If an IRAAA™ Board designee becomes aware that a compensation disclosure provided pursuant to this rule has become significantly inaccurate, he/she shall provide the client with corrected information in a timely manner.
Rule 404
The disclosures required of an IRAAA™ Board designee in a Unlimited Retirement Account engagement described under Rule 402 shall be offered at least annually for current clients, and provided if requested.
Rule 405
An IRAAA™ Board designee's compensation shall be fair and reasonable.
Rule 406
An IRAAA™ Board designee who is an employee shall perform professional services with dedication to the lawful objectives of the employer and in accordance with this Code of Conduct.
Rule 407
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall:
Advise his/her employer of outside affiliations which reasonably may compromise service to an employer;
Provide timely notice to his/her employer and clients about change of IRAAA™ certification status; and
Provide timely notice to clients, unless precluded by contractual obligations, about change of employment.
Rule 408
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall inform his/her employer, partners or co-owners of compensation or other benefit arrangements in connection with his or her services to clients, which are in addition to compensation from the employer, partners or co-owners for such services.
Rule 409
If an IRAAA™ Board designee enters into a personal business transaction with a client, separate from regular professional services provided to that client, the transaction shall be on terms which are fair and reasonable to the client and the IRAAA™ Board designee shall disclose, in writing, the risks of the transaction, conflict(s) of interest of the IRAAA™ Board designee, and other relevant information, if any, necessary to make the transaction fair to the client.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Confidentiality
Rule 501
IRAAA™ Board designee shall not reveal — or use for his or her own benefit — without the client’s consent, any personally identifiable information relating to the client relationship or the affairs of the client, except and to the extent disclosure or use is reasonably necessary:
To effect a transaction for the client, or as otherwise impliedly authorized in order to carry out the client engagement; or
To comply with legal requirements or legal process; or
To defend the IRAAA™ Board designee against charges of wrongdoing; or
In connection with a civil dispute between the IRAAA™ Board designee and the client.
For purposes of this rule, the proscribed use of client information is improper whether or not it actually causes harm to the client.
Rule 502
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall maintain the same standards of confidentiality to employers as to clients.
Rule 503
An IRAAA™ Board designee doing business as a partner or principal of Unlimited Retirement Account services firm owes the IRAAA™ Board designee’s partners or co-owners a responsibility to act in good faith. This includes, but is not limited to, adherence to reasonable expectations of confidentiality both while in business together and thereafter.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Professionalism
Rule 601
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall use the marks in compliance with the rules and regulations of IRAAA™ Board, as established and amended from time to time.
Rule 602
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall show respect for other Unlimited Retirement Account professionals, and related occupational groups, by engaging in fair and honorable competitive practices. Collegiality among IRAAA™ Board designees shall not, however, impede enforcement of this Code of Conduct.
Rule 603
An IRAAA™ Board designee who has knowledge, which is not required to be kept confidential under this Code of Conduct, that another IRAAA™ Board designee has committed a violation of this Code of Conduct which raises substantial questions as to the designee’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a IRAAA™ Board designee in other respects, shall promptly inform IRAAA™ Board. This rule does not require disclosure of information or reporting based on knowledge gained as a consultant or expert witness in anticipation of, or related to, litigation or other dispute resolution mechanisms. For purposes of this rule, knowledge means no substantial doubt.
Rule 604
An IRAAA™ Board designee who has knowledge, which is not required under this Code of Conduct to be kept confidential, and which raises a substantial question of unprofessional, fraudulent or illegal conduct by a IRAAA™ Board designee or professional, shall promptly inform the appropriate regulatory and/or professional disciplinary body. This rule does not require disclosure or reporting of information gained as a consultant or expert witness in anticipation of, or related to, litigation or other dispute resolution mechanisms. For purposes of this Rule, knowledge means no substantial doubt.
Rule 605
An IRAAA™ Board designee who has reason to suspect illegal conduct within the IRAAA™ Board designee’s organization shall make timely disclosure of the available evidence to the IRAAA™ Board designee’s immediate supervisor and/or partners or co-owners. If the IRAAA™ Board designee is convinced that illegal conduct exists within the IRAAA™ Board designee’s organization, and that appropriate measures are not taken to remedy the situation, the IRAAA™ Board designee shall, where appropriate, alert the appropriate regulatory authorities, including IRAAA™ Board, in a timely manner.
Rule 606
In all professional activities an IRAAA™ Board designee shall perform services in accordance with:
Applicable laws, rules and regulations of governmental agencies and other applicable authorities; and
Applicable rules, regulations and other established policies of IRAAA™ Board.
Rule 607
A IRAAA™ Board designee shall not engage in any conduct which reflects adversely on his or her integrity or fitness as a IRAAA™ Board designee, upon the marks, or upon the profession.
Rule 608
This rule was intentionally left blank.
Rule 609
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall not practice any other profession or offer to provide such services unless the IRAAA™ Board designee is qualified to practice in those fields and is licensed as required by state law.
Rule 610
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall return the client’s original records in a timely manner after their return has been requested by a client.
Rule 611
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall not bring or threaten to bring a disciplinary proceeding under this Code of Conduct, or report or threaten to report information to IRAAA™ Board pursuant to Rules 603 and/or 604, or make or threaten to make use of this Code of Conduct for no substantial purpose other than to harass, maliciously injure, embarrass and/or unfairly burden another IRAAA™ Board designee.
Rule 612
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall comply with all applicable renewal requirements established by IRAAA™ Board including, but not limited to, payment of the regular IRAAA™ Board designee fee as well as signing and returning the Terms and Conditions of Certification in connection with the certification renewal process.
Rules that Relate to the Principle of Diligence
Rule 701
An IRAAA™ Board designee shall provide services diligently.
Rule 702
A Unlimited Retirement Account practitioner shall enter into an engagement only after securing sufficient information to satisfy the IRAAA™ Board designee that:
The relationship is warranted by the individual’s needs and objectives; and
The IRAAA™ Board designee has the ability to either provide requisite competent services or to involve other professionals who can provide such services.
Rule 703
A Unlimited Retirement Account practitioner shall make and/or implement only recommendations which are suitable for the client.
Rule 704
Consistent with the nature and scope of the engagement, an IRAAA™ Board designee shall make a reasonable investigation regarding the product and service solutions recommended to clients. Such an investigation may be made by the IRAAA™ Board designee or by others provided the IRAAA™ Board designee acts reasonably in relying upon such investigation.
Rule 705
A IRAAA™ Board designee shall properly supervise subordinates with regard to their delivery of Unlimited Retirement Account services, and shall not accept or condone conduct in violation of this Code of Conduct.
Complaint Procedures
The following information is being provided in an effort to assist the public in becoming acquainted with IRAAA™ Board’s investigation and complaint procedures while encouraging IRAAA™ MEMBERs to maintain high ethical standards. These procedures provide for a thorough review and a decision as to whether there has been a violation of IRAAA™ Board’s Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility or non-compliance with IRAAA Member Standards and if internal sanction is warranted.
A charge against the conduct, actions or recommendations of an IRAAA™ MEMBER is a matter that IRAAA™ Board takes seriously. Accordingly, if you feel that the Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility has been violated or that there has been a lack of compliance with IRAAA Member Standards, you should not hesitate to begin the grievance procedure against an IRAAA™ MEMBER.
The Board of Advisors of this organization determines whether allegations are justified and whether the unethical or unprofessional conduct warrants disciplinary action. There is no cost to you.
Because one of the functions of IRAAA™ Board is the evaluation of grievances, please be assured that your grievance will be investigated vigorously and impartially.
Ethics and Discipline
When authorized to use the IRAAA™, IRAAA™ MEMBER and IRAAA™ certification marks (the "IRAAA™ marks"), an IRAAA™ MEMBER agrees to abide by the Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility and IRAAA Member Standards and to comply with the philosophy and mission of IRAAA™ Board.
A grievance filed against a designee must be considered very carefully since it could negatively affect an IRAAA™ member's career, reputation and ability to earn a living. Thus, it takes more than a claim of misconduct to justify disciplinary action. Proof of misconduct must be established by a preponderance of the evidence.
A grievance should relate to unethical conduct -- a violation of IRAAA™ Board’s Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility -- that can be proven by evidence. An honest disagreement about how a matter should or should not have been handled would not normally constitute unethical conduct. An error in judgment is not necessarily unethical conduct. IRAAA™ MEMBERS, as any other professionals, may not always give the perfect response to a given set of circumstances.
For instance, disagreements about fees do not necessarily constitute unethical conduct. The length of time it may take to respond to a client does not necessarily constitute unethical conduct.
Disciplinary Procedures
Disciplinary Process and Procedures
The disciplinary procedures of IRAAA™ Board have been devised to ensure a fair and reasonable process for an IRAAA™ MEMBER against whom allegations of Code of Conduct violations are brought.
Request for Investigation - Upon receipt of a written complaint, staff counsel reviews the allegations to determine if further investigation is warranted.
Investigation - If IRAAA™ determines to proceed with an investigation, an IRAAA™ MEMBER is given written notice of the investigation, which contains the general nature of the allegations. Then the case is presented to and heard by the IRAAA™ Board of Advisors during their quarterly meeting. At such a meeting the Board of Advisors will recommend action. IRAAA™ will then take into consideration the Board of Advisors recommendation and take action.
Probable Cause Determination - IRAAA™ Board Staff determines if there is probable cause to believe grounds for discipline exist. If so, staff will issue a formal complaint against the IRAAA™ MEMBER and a notice of pending action. If seen fit and notified in writing to IRAAA™ MEMBER, the IRAAA™ MEMBER'S right to use the IRAAA™ certification marks is administratively revoked until further action is taken by IRAAA™ in response to the Board of Advisors recommendation.
Board of Advisors - When a formal complaint is filed, the matter is heard by the Board of Advisors at the end of the next quarter. This Board submits its memo of recommended action to IRAAA™ after considering all the facts and recommendations.
Forms of Discipline
If grounds for discipline have been established, the Board of Professional Review may impose any of the forms of discipline below. All disciplinary actions, except private written censure, may be publicly disseminated.
suspension of the right to use the IRAAA™ marks for a specified period of time, not to exceed five years
permanent revocation of the right to use the IRAAA™ marks.
Grounds for Discipline
Misconduct by a IRAAA™ MEMBER, including the following acts or omissions, constitutes grounds for discipline, whether or not the misconduct occurred in the course of a client relationship:
any act or omission which violates the provisions of IRAAA™ Board's Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility (Code of Conduct)
any act or omission which violates the criminal laws of any state or of the U.S.
any act which is the proper basis for suspension of a professional license
any act or omission which violates IRAAA™ Board's Disciplinary Rules & Procedures
failure to respond to a request by the IRAAA™ Board without good cause
obstruction of the Board's performance of its duties
any false or misleading statement made to IRAAA™ Board
This list is not exclusive, and there may be other acts or omissions amounting to unprofessional conduct, which may also constitute grounds for discipline.
Common Questions
How Long Does it Take?
The length of time it will take to deal with any particular grievance is difficult to determine in advance. A grievance regarding the handling of a complex matter would take more time to investigate than a simple grievance.
The Board generally processes grievances in the order in which they are filed and as quickly as the process will allow and will notify you when it has received your information. Additionally, you will be notified when the matter has been concluded. IRAAA™ Board will only inform you of any public discipline imposed.
Some Things You Should Not Expect
You should not expect that a grievance will be decided solely on the basis of what the complainant claims to have happened, just as the matter will not necessarily be decided solely on the basis of the answer submitted by the respondent. The final decision must depend on the weight of all available information.
The disciplinary process cannot necessarily be expected to solve your original problems. You should not expect, as a result of your grievance to us, to receive monetary compensation through IRAAA™ Board. Disciplinary proceedings are restricted to the question of ethical conduct of IRAAA™ MEMBERS.
IRAAA™ Board can act only to enforce its Code of Conduct and Professional Responsibility and IRAAA™ Member Standards. Enforcement measures include private censure, public letter of admonition, suspension or revocation of the right to use the IRAAA™ marks.
Grievances can be submitted to IRAAA™ Board via U.S. mail or online.
Mail to:
IRAAA™ Board
600 17th Street
Suite 2800 South
Denver, CO 80202
ATTN: Professional Review Department.
Your written grievance should include important information surrounding the circumstances of your complaint, including photocopies of relevant letters, contracts, agreements or other documents, which should be accompanied with the grievance form. IRAAA™ Board staff will request additional information if needed and may request a personal interview if it appears necessary.
The public should be aware of normal remedies under state and federal laws and regulations with applicable regulatory bodies and also avail themselves of other avenues. The burden should be on the complainant to pursue such remedies. The findings and actions of appropriate regulatory bodies will be given due consideration by the Board.
Public Disciplinary Actions
IRAAA™ Board's public disciplinary action can take one of three forms -- a public Letter of Admonition, a temporary suspension of the individual's IRAAA™ certification or a permanent revocation of the individual's IRAAA™ certification -- depending on the severity of the breach, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, and the individual's cooperation with the Board's investigation.