Disciplinary Standards and Procedures

The Certifying Board of the AAMA works to ensure that the CMA (AAMA)^® credential is not abused.

Any individual who does not abide by the policies outlined in AAMA Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Standards and Procedures for CMAs (AAMA) and Exam Candidates is subject to the sanctions specified, such as temporary or permanent revocation of the CMA (AAMA) credential.

AAMA Disciplinary Standards and Procedures for CMAs (AAMA) and Exam Candidates

I. Grounds for discipline of the CMA (AAMA) or for denial of eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) credential

A. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certification, or recertification of the CMA (AAMA) credential, by fraud or deception.

B. Knowingly assisting another to obtain or attempt to obtain certification or recertification by fraud or deception.

C. Misstatement of material fact or failure to make a statement of material fact in application for certification or recertification.

D. Falsifying information required for admission to the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, impersonating another examinee, or falsifying education or credentials.

E. Copying answers, permitting another to copy answers, or providing or receiving unauthorized advice about exam content during the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.

F. Unauthorized possession or distribution of exam materials, including copying and reproducing exam questions and problems.

G. Found guilty of a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony. However, the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants may grant a waiver based upon mitigating circumstances, which may include, but need not be limited to the following:

The age at which the crime was committed
The circumstances surrounding the crime
The nature of the crime committed
The length of time since the conviction
The individual’s criminal history since the conviction
The individual’s current employment references
The individual’s character references
Other evidence demonstrating the ability of the individual to perform the professional responsibilities competently and evidence that the individual does not pose a threat to the health or safety of patients

H. Violation of any laws relating to medical assisting practice, including the common law duty of providing a standard of care that meets or exceeds that of the reasonably competent and knowledgeable CMA (AAMA).

I. The possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances or drugs in any way other than for legitimate or therapeutic purposes, or the addiction to or diversion of controlled substances or drugs (including alcohol), or the violation of any drug law, or prescribing controlled substances for oneself.

J. Violation of any policies, procedures, and regulations of the Certifying Board, including regulations governing the use of the CMA (AAMA) credential.

K. Violation of the AAMA Code of Ethics or the AAMA Code of Conduct for CMAs (AAMA) and Exam Candidates.

L. Failure to cooperate reasonably with the investigation of a disciplinary matter.

II. Expired credentials

A. It is unethical and a misrepresentation to publicly display the CMA (AAMA) certification title or to use the CMA (AAMA) initials after your name if your credential has expired.

III. Procedures for adjudicating alleged violations of the disciplinary standards

A. The CMA (AAMA) or applicant for the CMA (AAMA) credential shall be informed in writing of the basis for discipline of the CMA (AAMA) or for denial of eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) credential.

B. The CMA (AAMA) or applicant shall be given the opportunity to submit written evidence regarding the alleged violations.

C. The CMA (AAMA) or applicant shall be given the opportunity

to appeal the decision of the Certifying Board to an appeals panel established by the Certifying Board.

D. The CMA (AAMA) or applicant shall be given the opportunity to appeal the decision of the Certification Director to an appeals panel established by the Certifying Board.