Certification Standards for Speech-Language Pathology Frequently Asked Questions: Certification Disclosure

• If I make a disclosure on my application, what do I need to submit to ASHA?
• After I submit my application that contains an affirmative disclosure (in the "Disclosure Information" section), what can I expect to happen?
• If my affirmative disclosure is related to an expunged and/or sealed criminal plea, guilty verdict, or conviction, what should I do?
• What is a certified document?
• What is a certified copy?
• Who is an "authorized person"?
• How do I obtain a certified copy of a document?
• What if I am unable to obtain a certified copy?
• Can a notary public certify my documents?
• If I become "Not Current," will I have to answer disclosure questions upon renewing my certification?
• Is there assistance available if I have more questions about certification application disclosure?

If I make a disclosure on my application, what do I need to submit to ASHA?

If you have ever been convicted, been found guilty, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to (a) any misdemeanor involving dishonesty, physical harm to the person or property of another, or a threat of physical harm to the person or property of another, or (b) any felony, you must submit:

• a certified copy of each court record or docket entry of the finding, conviction, or plea;
• if applicable, a certified copy from the governmental agency(s) that includes the pleas and/or convictions and demonstrates remediation.

If you have ever been disciplined or sanctioned, other than for insufficient professional or continuing education, by any professional association, professional licensing authority or board, or other professional regulatory body; or denied a license or a professional credential by any professional association, professional licensing authority or board, or other professional regulatory body, you must submit:

• a certified copy of documentation from that professional agency(s) that includes the denial, discipline, or sanctions imposed and demonstrates, if applicable, remediation;
• a resume reflecting your work history since the time of the offense.

After I submit my application that contains an affirmative disclosure (in the "Disclosure Information" section), what can I expect to happen?

All applications that include an affirmative disclosure in the “Disclosure Information” section are subject to a separate review process, which depending on the seriousness of the disclosure made, will take additional application processing time. Please contact your certification manager with questions about the status of that process.

If my affirmative disclosure is related to an expunged and/or sealed criminal plea, guilty verdict or conviction, what should I do?

Submit a certified document verifying the expungement or sealed case record from the court or agency that granted the expungement or sealed the case record.

What is a certified document?

A certified document is a document that has been certified as true and correct by an authorized person. The person may certify the document through a dated stamp, a dated written notation, or both.

What is a certified copy?

A certified copy is a copy of an original document where that copy has been certified as a true and correct copy by an authorized person. The person may certify the copy of the original document through a dated stamp, a dated written notation, or both.

Who is an "authorized person"?

An authorized person can be a court clerk, an executive director, or any designated agent of a court, professional organization, or government agency.

How do I obtain a certified copy of a document?

Certified document(s) may be obtained from the court, or governmental or professional agency from which it was originally issued. It is suggested that you first call or go online to determine the proper procedure for requesting documents as each court or agency's procedures may vary. For instance, some agencies may allow you to walk in, while others may require you to mail or e-mail your request. Keep in mind that you may be required to pay a fee for your document(s) and should allow plenty of time to receive your document(s) before the date in which they must be submitted to ASHA.

What if I am unable to obtain a certified copy?

If you are unable to obtain a certified copy of any documentation required to answer disclosure questions, a written certified statement must be obtained from the appropriate court, government agency, or professional organization explaining why the documentation is unavailable.

Can a notary public certify my documents?

No. Notaries do not possess the authority necessary to certify a document or to make a certified copy of it. Certified documents must come from the governmental or professional agency from which they were originally issued.

If I become "Not Current," will I have to answer disclosure questions upon renewing my certification?

Yes. Renewing certificate holders who are Not Current are required to complete and submit a Certification Maintenance Compliance Form, contained in which are three disclosure questions.

Is there assistance available if I have more questions about certification disclosure?

Yes, please e-mail your certification disclosure questions to disclosure@asha.org for further assistance.