Whistleblower Policy

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) is committed to preventing reprisals against employees, volunteers and any individual associated with the COA who report activity undertaken by other COA employees or volunteers in connection with the performance of official COA activity that may be in violation of (i) any state or federal law or related regulation; or (ii) the COA’s corporate accounting practices, internal financial controls, or audit (collectively referred to as “Protected Disclosure”).

The COA, and any individual associated with the COA, will not:

  • Retaliate against an employee or volunteer who has made a Protected Disclosure or who has refused to obey an illegal or unethical request, or otherwise harass or cause such persons to suffer adverse employment consequences;
  • Directly or indirectly use or attempt to use the official authority or influence of his/her position for the purpose of interfering with the right of an employee or volunteer to make a Protected Disclosure to COA leadership.

The COA Whistleblower Policy will be made available via the COA Website and COA employee break rooms.

Reporting Violations

The COA suggests that employees and volunteers share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with someone who can address them properly. In most cases, an employee’s supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, individuals should always feel free to contact the Chair of the COA’s Audit Committee directly, if they so choose. Supervisors are required to report suspected violations to the COA’s Audit Committee Chair.

Violations should be reported to the COA’s Audit Committee Chair in writing and should be addressed as follows:

Audit Committee Chair

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
c/o John Przypyszny
1500 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC
20005-1209

Electronic submissions may be directed to the Audit Committee Chair via email to:  paustin5@gmail.com.

Audit Committee

The COA’s Audit Committee is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning Protected Disclosures and, at the discretion of the Audit Committee Chair, shall advise the Chief Executive Officer.

The Audit Committee shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding COA violation of state or federal law, corporate accounting practices, internal financial controls or auditing. The Audit Committee Chair shall immediately notify the Audit Committee of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

Confidentiality

Protected Disclosures may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations

The Audit Committee Chair will promptly notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of a Protected Disclosure (unless such report was submitted anonymously). All reports will be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation. Reports and copies of Protected Disclosures shall be retained by the COA’s legal counsel.