Ethics and Discipline
Ethics is an essential component of IBCLC's practice. Ethical practice, in its broadest sense, is also essential for the reputation of our profession. Public trust and the trust of other Health Care Providers must be earned. All IBCLCs must practice within the IBLCE’s Code of Professional Conduct. It protects mothers and babies from unethical behaviour and guides IBCLCs on how to behave ethically.
To protect the credential and to assure responsible practice by its certificants, the IBLCE depends on IBCLCs, members of the coordinating and supervising health professions, employers and the public to report incidents which may require action by the IBLCE Ethics and Discipline Committee.
The committee’s deliberations are confidential and follow strict legal procedures. They report to the IBLCE Board. When an IBCLC is found to have violated the Code of Professional Conduct, Sanctions can range from a private reprimand to permanent revocation of certification.
Lodging a Complaint
Only signed, written complaints based on first-hand knowledge of the alleged violation(s) will be considered.
The person making the complaint (the complainant) must provide a full explanation of the alleged violation, with supporting details, and must have first-hand knowledge of the conduct in question, as the IBLCE will become involved only in matters that can be factually determined.
The IBCLC against whom the complaint is being made (the respondent) will be notified of the complaint, along with a copy of the complaint. The respondent will be given the opportunity to respond to the complaint in a professional and legally defensible manner.
If you wish to lodge a complaint, please use the Code of Professional Conduct Complaint Form
Complaints which appear to fit the scope of the Discipline Committee’s responsibilities should be sent to:
The Secretary
IBLCE Ethics and Discipline Committee
6402 Arlington Blvd., Suite 350
Falls Church, VA 22042-3217 USA
To discuss your situation with the Regional Director you can email rd@iblce.edu.au or phone +61 7 5529 8811 or within Australia (07) 5529 8811.
Related Information
Code of Professional Conduct Complaint Form
Minimising Commercial Influence on Education Policy
- "I would like to sit the Exam to become an IBCLC"
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- Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC)
- IBCLC Lactation Care Award
