ACUHO-I Grievance Policy

The grievance policy provides a mechanism for individuals registered with ACUHO-I to bring forward incidents of legitimate concern. It also allows ACUHO-I to improve equity while holding volunteers, members, and staff accountable. 

Policy Summary

This policy represents the proper steps, expected procedure, and communication when dealing with alleged grievances through resolution and records requirements.

Policy and Procedure

During times when instances or actions of question involve registered members of ACUHO-I, members have the ability to bring such matters forward, in confidence, as outlined in this policy, with the expectation of receiving a response of intended resolution for these types of situations.

This policy provides for a response, defined as within 20 working days from the time the written grievance is received. Grievances may be brought forward by any registered individual with the association.

Draft analyses, discovery documents, charts, letters, memoranda, or other written materials (including those in electronic form) related to grievances must be handled with extreme care and in a confidential manner. These materials should be kept in a secure location and distributed only to intended recipients. These materials should never be disclosed to anyone outside the organization without the authorization of ACUHO-I’s counsel.

Destruction of written or electronic documents related to potential or actual litigation is strictly prohibited. Disclosure of outcomes, other than to the involved parties will be conducted in confidence (i.e., on a “need to know” basis).

It is prudent that all parties involved keep the matter confidential and allow the process to determine an appropriate resolution. The ACUHO-I Executive Committee has the authority necessary to carry out resolutions and determine whether legal counsel needs to be retained.

Any matters potentially involving a grievance should be handled as follows:

1. A written grievance should be directed to the ACUHO-I CEO at mdeniro@acuho-i.org.
2. Should the individual(s) filing the grievance feel uncomfortable filing their grievance with the ACUHO-I CEO, the grievance may be filed with the association’s President or President-Elect.
3. The grievance initiator will be notified of receipt by ACUHO-I.
4. All grievances will be responded to in an expedient fashion, defined as within 20 working days of receipt. In the event 20 days is determined to not be sufficient, all parties will be notified that an extension of time will be necessary.
5. Grievances will be reviewed and evaluated by the Executive Committee. Investigation may require additional information from parties involved before a resolution can be finalized. Should additional information be requested and not provided, the Executive Committee may choose to dismiss the grievance.
6. Once the Executive Committee has formalized and approved a resolution, necessary action will be initiated with all involved parties being notified of the investigation’s findings and approved action in writing.
7. All grievance(s) deliberations will remain confidential. Any documents gathered or produced during the investigation will remain confidential. Only the final outcome may be disclosed.