ABSA Policies

Disciplinary Complaints

To maintain and enhance the credibility of the ABSA certification program, the ABSA has adopted procedures to allow individuals to bring complaints concerning the conduct of individuals who are candidates or certificants of the ABSA certification program.

In the event an individual candidate or certificant violates the ABSA Code of Ethics, certification rules, or ABSA policies the Board of Directors may reprimand or suspend the individual or may revoke certification.

The grounds for sanctions under these procedures may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Violation of the ABSA Code of Ethics.
2. Violation of established ABSA policies, rules and requirements.
3. Conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude under federal or state/provincial law in a matter related to the practice of, or qualifications for surgical assisting.
4. Found guilty of independent performance of any medical or surgical procedure (i.e., practicing medicine without a license).
5. Failure to maintain professional licensure
6. Gross negligence, willful misconduct, or other unethical conduct in the performance of services for which the individual has achieved certification from ABSA.
7. Fraud or misrepresentation in an initial application or renewal application for certification.

Complaints may be submitted by any individual or entity. Complaints should be reported to ABSA in writing and should include the name of the person submitting the complaint, the name of the person the complaint is regarding along with other relevant identifying information, a detailed description of factual allegations supporting the charges, and any relevant supporting documentation. Information submitted during the complaint and investigation process is considered confidential and will be handled in accordance with ABSA’s Confidentiality policy. Inquiries or submissions other than complaints may be reviewed and handled by the ABSA or its staff members at its discretion.

A complete copy of this policy, including appeals provisions, is available in the ABSA Certification Handbook.

Fairness and Nondiscrimination

ABSA adheres to principles of fairness and due process and endorses the principles of equal opportunity. In administering the certification program, ABSA does not discriminate or deny opportunity to anyone on the basis of race, color, creed, age, gender, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income, or any other status protected by applicable law. All candidates for certification will be judged solely on the published eligibility and recertification criteria determined by the Board of Directors.

Use of the Certification Mark

After receiving official notification of SA-C certification, the credential may be used only as long as certification remains valid and in good standing. Individuals may not use the credential until they have received specific written notification that they have successfully completed all requirements, including passing the examination and documenting the specified experience. Certificants must comply with all recertification requirements to maintain use of the credential.

Certification is a non-transferable, revocable, limited, non-exclusive license to use the certification designation “SA-C” or “Surgical Assistant-Certified”, subject to compliance with the policies and procedures, as may be revised from time to time.

Except as permitted by this policy, any use or display of ABSA certification marks and/or logos without the prior written permission of the ABSA is prohibited. Any candidate or certificant who manufacturers, modifies, reproduces, distributes or uses a fraudulent or otherwise unauthorized ABSA certificate, ABSA designation or other credential may be subject to disciplinary action, including denial or revocation of eligibility or certification. Any individual who engages in such behavior also may be subject to legal action.

Education and training providers may not use the ABSA name, logos, or certification marks to state or imply any approval or endorsement by ABSA or any affiliation with ABSA.

Ownership of the Mark and Logo

The certification marks and logo are the property of the ABSA. Permission to use the certification mark or logo is granted to credentialed persons at the discretion of the ABSA Board of Directors, for permissible uses only.

The SA-C marks and logo may not be revised or altered in any way. They must be displayed in the same form as produced by ABSA and cannot be reproduced unless such reproduction is identical to the mark provided by ABSA.

The mark or logo may not be used in any manner which could bring ABSA into disrepute or in any way is considered misleading or unauthorized. This includes any use of the mark or logo that the public might construe as an endorsement, approval or sponsorship by ABSA of a certificant’s business or any product thereof.