Decertification…Did You Know?
Certified floodplain managers can lose their CFM for reasons other than letting their certification lapse or failing to obtain the required number of Continuing Education Credits. A CFM may be decertified for unprofessional conduct if he or she has:
- Been convicted of a crime or any felony directly related to his or her professional duties;
- Falsified, intentionally destroyed or modified official records or documents relating to his or her professional duties, or otherwise knowingly provided misleading information related to his or her duties or floodplain management;
- Received or solicited money or anything of value directly or indirectly that may be expected to influence his or her actions or judgment in a manner outside of commonly acceptable practices or values;
- Used his or her position in an illegal, dishonest or unprofessional way to influence or gain a finan-cial or other benefit, advantage or privilege for his or her benefit, or for benefit of his or her im-mediate family or organization with which he or she is associated; or
- Violated the Code of Ethics Policy
As certified floodplain management professionals, we have an obligation to hold ourselves, our co-work-ers and peers to a high standard of accountability. In our industry, the safety of the public depends, in large part, on how well we enforce floodplain regulations and manage the country’s floodplain resources. There also remains an expectation that we, as CFMs, will act ethically and professionally in the perfor-mance of our duties and responsibilities.
What happens if you believe a fellow CFM has violated the Code of Ethics? You should submit information about the alleged unethical behavior, in writing, to the ASFPM executive office. No anonymous complaints will be accepted. A formal investigation will be conducted to determine what disciplinary action, if any, should be taken. If a complaint is validated, and after an optional appeal process, the case may end with the individual losing his or her CFM credentials.
Other professions have a way of policing themselves and culling out bad performers. Licensed professionals (engineers, land surveyors, doctors, etc.) regularly report unlawful or unethical behaviors within their industry to state boards or professional organizations. CFMs have the same duty to our profession and society. Maintaining high professional standards and reinforcing ethical practices across our industry helps preserve the value of the CFM credential and strengthens the floodplain management profession.
