Ethics and Grievance Policy
Our Commitment to Professional Ethics
We take seriously any concerns, claims, or grievances brought to our attention related to anyone completing certification and to our credentialed BWI Professional members. We have both the Ethical Standards of Practice for our professionals and this Ethics Policy.Â
This policy provides the procedural framework to support accountability when concerns arise and aims to:
(1) Provide a clear, fair, and efficient process to address concerns or grievances
(2) Facilitate open, compassionate, and respectful communication to understand issues brought forth
(3) Protect the dignity and credibility of professionals, families, and others involved with accountability for any violation of our professional and ethical standards
(4) Build transparency to explain the process of understanding issues related to credibility and ethics
(5) Ensure an objective, fair, just, and complete investigation, as well as efficient action toward resolution for any potential misconduct
(6) As much as possible, facilitate communication so concerns and grievances can be resolved respectfully, in a mutually agreed-upon way, and meet the needs of all
This policy may address any situation where ethical standards, personal conduct, or professional responsibilities are in question.
The BirthWorks Approach
Everyone, in good standing, who maintains professional credentials, signs a Verification Agreement committing to uphold personal, professional, legal, and ethical standards while educating or supporting families. They agreed to uphold the BirthWorks Approach in their professional role(s), including:
- BWI Statement of Beliefs
- Profile of a BirthWorks Professional
- Ideals of a BirthWorks Professional
- Professional Standards of Practice
- Ethical Standards of Practice
- S.U.P.P.O.R.T.
- BWI Scope of Practice
- HIPAA & Client Confidentiality
Who Can Submit a Concern
Concerns or complaints may be submitted by peers or colleagues, mentors or trainers, families or clients, any health or medical professionals, supervisors, or members of the public. We take seriously anything shared that was negative in relation to communication, interactions, teaching, or support for families as a birth worker.
We commit to reviewing all concerns in a respectful, equitable manner.
Process for Submittal
Please communicate in writing to: info@birthworks.org and include:
- Your personal details – name, address, phone number, email
- Details about the individuals/professionals of concern – contact information (as above), credentials, website, social media links, and their role in the interaction with you
- Date of submission – submit right away (must be within 12 months of the incident to assure better review of the concern or complaint)
- Date/time/location of incident(s) – with timeline and factual information
- Description of incident – give a clear and detailed description
- Supporting evidence – emails, chats, photographs, documents, etc.
- Actions to remedy the situation – what was done and what the outcome was
- Seriousness of your concern – which of the following best describes it?
(1) issue – a suggestion, desire for change, or any related worry or anxiety; or
(2) complaint or claim – expression of dissatisfaction, of annoyance, or criticism related to something that is happening/already happened, behavior/professionalism, or a product or service; or
(3) grievance or violation – such as (but not limited to) misrepresentation of professional credentials/providing care beyond one’s scope of practice; client confidentiality and privacy; bias or discrimination; boundary violations or harassment; and any unethical or unprofessional behavior
If you believe your concern is a true grievance or violation of professional standards and ethics, provide a notarized statement, and also get any testimonies from witnesses notarized with the same information as outlined above as well.
Review Oversight and Outcomes
Documentation in writing will be kept of all parts of the process. There may be requests for additional information or documentation from any involved parties, phone calls/virtual meetings/interviews if needed, or facilitated discussion or mediation.Â
First fifteen (15)-day review period: Submitted documentation will be considered, and a first written acknowledgment of receipt will be sent typically within fifteen (15) days. Concerns may validate further discussion with the Founder, Executive Director, staff, and/or our Board of Directors.
If it is determined that there was NOT a violation of the BirthWorks Approach, meaning the concern was unsubstantiated, then it will not be treated as an ethical violation. This means dismissal of the concern or grievance. We still offer a meeting to ensure understanding and completion around the area of concern.
If it is determined that there may have been potential ethical concerns or violations, our Board of Directors and/or a designated Ethics Committee will oversee the process, ensuring consistent, transparent handling and impartial judgment of facts to final decision-making.
30-day response period: The professional will be contacted and given thirty (30) days to respond to the complaint being reviewed. They will be asked to reply with notarized documentation of their account of what happened, including the same details (as outlined above). From this time, until a resolution is reached, it is advised that the professional not engage with the person who filed the grievance.
Second fifteen (15)-day review period: This time will be used by the committee to review everything shared. Follow-up action for the professional may, at this point, include a warning, further education or mentoring, and/or a probationary period to give time to a final determination. Both the person submitting the complaint and the professional named may receive further communication asking for more clarification to determine if there was a violation. Notification of the decision, resulting actions, and final determination will be made in writing to all parties involved.
If it is determined that there was a violation of the BirthWorks Approach, possible outcomes—ensuring BirthWorks’ quality and professional representation—may include some of the following:
- advice to the professional to take steps to make amends with the personÂ
- additional professional education, mentoring, and/or training
- temporary withdrawal/suspension of certification/credentials with a probationary period and specific actions that must be taken for reinstatement (which will not be guaranteed)
- revocation of professional certification/credentials and membership (no refunds will be given)
- The professional may appeal once more for consideration.
Resolution Acceptance and Retaliation
By engaging in the procedure outlined here, all must agree to (1) accept, with no further question, any determination, conclusion, and decision—as final and binding; and (2) not take any further action against the BirthWorks professional under review, or against BirthWorks, related to the concern. Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns is strictly prohibited. This policy applies equally to all, in all interactions with families, birth workers, midwives, medical staff, other professionals, and the public.
Confidentiality Agreement
All reports made in good faith are handled with as much confidentiality as possible. All communication and deliberations, whether verbal or in writing, will always remain confidential among involved and disclosed parties, unless required by law. BirthWorks will retain documentation of complaints and any investigations that occur.
Reach us with questions
You can email info@birthworks.org or www.birthworks.org/contact-us.
