Audiology Australia (AudA) and the Australian College of Audiology (ACAud) Inc. HAASA are professional bodies representing audiologists and audiometrists in Australia. ACAud Inc. HAASA and AudA are committed to ensuring that their members and/or certified practitioners maintain a high standard of ethical and professional conduct and that the public maintain a high level of trust in the professions of audiology and audiometry.
In order to increase the consistency of the management and investigation of breaches of the Code of Conduct and the provision of ethical and professional guidance, ACAud Inc. HAASA and AudA agreed to jointly fund the establishment of, and support through ongoing membership of, the independent Hearing Professional Conduct and Complaints Body Ltd (HPCCB).
The HPCCB operates according to its Constitution and the Complaints Management and Resolution Procedure by-law and related policies and guidelines.
The Code of Conduct for audiologists and audiometrists sets the professional and ethical standards that members and/or clinically certified audiologists and audiometrists must meet.
The HPCCB promotes ethical and professional hearing services through ensuring the Complaints Management and Resolution Procedure and related policies and procedures are adhered to in the handling of complaints.
The Ethics Officer provides information and guidance to hearing professionals (audiologists and audiometrists) and members of the public. When needed, the Ethics Officer seeks input from the HPCCB Board when providing information and guidance.
Wherever possible, the Ethics Officer handles complaints informally through dialogue between the complainant, respondent and any other involved parties, with input from the HPCCB Board when needed. However, it may be necessary for an HPCCB to proceed with mediation or a formal investigation and hearing according to the Complaints Management and Resolution Procedure. The HPCCB Board may then make recommendations to the relevant AudA or ACAud Inc. HAASA Board regarding any appropriate sanctions.
