Submit a Complaint

You can only submit complaints against APCA Applicants, Candidates and Registrants who are seeking or have earned an APCA certification. Individuals who are not APCA certified and/or have not applied for certification are not under the jurisdiction of the APCA.

All complaints that we receive are investigated based on the information available. Upon investigating the complaint, we will determine if the incident is a violation of APCA Compliance Policies, specifically any of the situations described in Section 1.1 of the Compliance Policy.

I recently had an ultrasound, and something happened during the procedure that made me feel uncomfortable, but I do not know if this is a violation. What should I do?

Patients who have concerns or questions about procedures performed should follow up with their primary physician for clarification. Patients are also encouraged to review:

• The Scope of Practice for sonographers provides information about sonographic procedures, including what patients should expect and sonographer qualifications (courtesy of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography)

Patients who have complaints regarding ultrasound procedures should contact the imaging department or facility management where the procedure took place.

Patients who feel that their complaint meets the APCA Compliance Policy violation threshold are encouraged to report the matter using the APCA Complaint Form.

Anyone can submit a complaint who has knowledge of a compliance violation that has been committed.

APCA conducts administrative investigations. Documented proof of the compliance violation is required to substantiate the complaint.

Submitting the following information or documentation, as applicable, will assist APCA in substantiating the complaint and provide for faster processing:

Criminal Conviction(s):

• • Initial Charge
    • Disposition
    • Sentencing Requirements
    • Is the case closed? If no, what is still pending?

Battery, Assault, Violent Crime(s):

• • Were any injuries sustained by any of the involved parties during the altercation? If so, explain.
  • Has there been any similar circumstance/events prior to this matter?

Workplace Matter(s):

• • What was the circumstance surrounding the matter?
  • Was the person working in a capacity to provide patient care?
    • Was patient care provided?
    • Was there intent to provide patient care?
  • Were any patients harmed or impacted?
  • Were drugs or alcohol a contributing factor to the event?
  • Were there any disciplinary actions due to this matter (i.e. Performance Enhancement Plans, Termination, etc.)

Violations involving Alcohol/Drug Use:

• • Drug Related:
    • What was the drug?
    • Do you know if there is a history of drug abuse?
    • Do you know the circumstances around the use of the drug, if so, what were they?
  • Alcohol Related:
    • What is the setting when the alcohol was consumed?
    • Do you know if there is a history of alcohol abuse?
    • Do you know the circumstances around the use of alcohol, if so, what were they?

Disciplinary Matters

• • Has the individual been sanctioned/disciplined/reprimanded by another certifying and/or licensing organization?
  • Circumstances surrounding the matter:
    • What was the situation and was the individual doing? (In full detail)
    • When did this happen?
    • Who witnessed this event?
    • Why did this happen?
    • Where did this incident occur?
    • Were patients involved?
    • Were any patients harmed during this incident?
    • Is there any likelihood of recurrence and why or why not?
  • Is this individual’s certification/license active-unrestricted, active-restricted, or revoked?

No. All complaints must be submitted via the electronic complaint form, and we do request you include documentation substantiating the alleged violation. This process ensures that the complaint is fully understood, the complaint has verifiable merit and that enough evidence has been received to warrant a full compliance investigation.

No, there is no time limit. We will accept all substantiated complaints.

The complaint form provides you with the option to remain anonymous. APCA cannot guarantee that the subject of the complaint will not identify you based on the information you provide. However, if you opt to remain anonymous, your name and contact information will not be shared.

No. The documentation provided with your complaint is the only information required from you. We may contact you to request additional information; however, you will not be asked to participate in any way during in the hearing process.

Once the Compliance Review is complete, APCA will contact you with the final determination. The APCA is unable to render a determination without completing a full compliance review. Reviews generally take between thirty days and six months to process but may take longer depending on the volume of cases received, and the severity of the matter reported.

Medical License Verification (United States)
Note: This tool verifies state issued medical licenses, which are different than certifications offered by APCA. To verify an APCA certification, visit the APCA Status Verification page.

• The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)

Complaints regarding HIPAA Violations

• The U.S. Health and Human Services – Health Information Privacy

Complaints regarding the use of ultrasound for non-diagnostic purposes

• The U.S. Health and Human Services – Food and Drug Administration

Complaints regarding events occurring at accredited medical facilities

• The American College of Radiology
• The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
• The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission
• The Joint Commission