Suspensions Pending Investigation
When it may be reasonably assumed that further harm may occur during an investigation, the PIT may temporarily suspend a program participant. Generally, such authority to suspend may be exercised by the PIT or the Ethics & Discipline Committee, as appropriate.
The PIT has the discretion to temporarily suspend a program participant, except for a certificant or candidate for certification, pending further investigation and/or any final disciplinary action, if NCCCO Staff determines that the incident under review involves:
- An injury resulting in serious bodily harm or fatality,
- A willful violation of any state or federal safety regulation,
- A willful violation of NCCCO policies or procedures, or
- A material risk of harm to the program or third parties if the program participant is not suspended temporarily.
Suspensions of certificants and candidates for certification may only be imposed by the Ethics & Discipline Committee; provided, however, that NCCCO Staff may place administrative holds on the processing of candidate applications in appropriate cases.
If a program participant is suspended, the PIT will send a letter notifying the participant of the suspension within five (5) days of the decision being made.
Once suspended, the participant’s record(s) will be flagged and/or updated accordingly. As necessary or appropriate, the participant will be removed from the Verify CCO Online (VCO) database.
Unless previously lifted, a suspended program participant’s temporary suspension will be lifted at the conclusion of an investigation or upon the final determination of any disciplinary action.
Additional Program Integrity procedures: