PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT  
GUIDANCE: APPEALING A DISCIPLINARY OUTCOME  
What is the purpose of filing an Appeal in response to APSCA Disciplinary Outcome?  
An appeal is filed when the recipient of a Disciplinary Board outcome wishes for a higher authority  
to review a decision made about a disciplinary action against them. An appeal is only considered  
by APSCA if there are specific reasons (called ‘grounds for appeal’).  
Identify the Grounds for Appeal:  
You cannot appeal just because you disagree with the outcome. You must have valid reasons.  
The grounds for appeal may include (but are not limited to):  
• Clarification of Rules: While the investigation was comprehensive, you may feel the rules were  
applied differently than expected. If this is the case, a review can be requested.  
• Ensuring Objectivity: If there are concerns about potential bias or conflicts of interest within  
the process itself, an appeal can be filed to review impartiality.  
• Additional Evidence: If new evidence has come to light that was not available during the  
original investigation, it can be included as part of the appeal.  
• Reconsidering the Outcome: If the outcome is unusually strict, an appeal allows for additional review.  
Prepare Your Application  
In your appeal, you must clearly explain the reasons why you are appealing. Be specific about  
which grounds apply to your case and provide evidence, when available, to support your claim.  
Submit Your Application  
Submit the application by completing the Appeals Application Form and email to  
ethics@theapsca.org, within 30 days of the Disciplinary Board’s decision.  
Wait for the Review:  
• After you submit your application, the Appeals Board will review it. They will decide if there are  
valid grounds for appeal and if the original decision needs to be changed.  
• Appeals Board meetings do not include the option for live engagement with the APSCA  
Member. Be sure to include all details and evidence in the application that you wish to present  
to the Appeals Board.  
• You will be notified of the outcome by the Professional Conduct Team once the decision has  
been made.  
What can the applicant expect from the Appeals’ Board Review?  
The review of the Appeals Board is a complete review of all documentation submitted to the  
Disciplinary Board, however it is not a complete re-hearing of the case. The review will focus on  
concerns raised in the application.  
• It’s important to understand that the outcome may not necessarily change, but the review will  
ensure fairness and proper procedure.  
• If the Appeals Board determines that the substantiation of the misconduct or the sanction  
provided by the Disciplinary Body should be altered, the sanction may decrease or increase,  
as the Appeals Board deems appropriate.  
• Decisions made by the APSCA Appeals Board are final, there is not an additional appeals  
mechanism.  
Guidance: Appealing a Disciplinary Board Outcome - T-070  
Document Name:  
Version & Date:  
Replaces:  
Author/Owner: Professional Conduct Team  
Authorized by: APSCA CEO  
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Version 1 – September 2024  
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