Important Note: Please view the handbook for information on all SPCB requirements, policies, and procedures.

Certificates

Candidates who complete their CSP candidacy will receive a non-transferable certificate specifying that the CSP designation has been awarded. Certificants will receive a certificate that includes their name, credential awarded, and expiration date. The certificate may only be displayed during the time period for which the credential is valid. Certificates remain the property of SPCB and must be returned to SPCB upon request.

Code of Conduct

The SPCB supports appropriate, professional standards designed to serve the public. SPCB certificants and applicants for certification provide Specialty Pharmacy services in a manner that promotes integrity and reflects positively on the profession, consistent with accepted moral, ethical, and legal standards.

The Code of Conduct establishes the basic ethical standards for the professional behavior of SPCB certificants and candidates. The Code is designed to provide both appropriate ethical practice guidelines and enforceable standards of conduct for all certificants and candidates.

The SPCB Code of Conduct applies to each individual credentialed by the SPCB as a specialty pharmacist or related Specialty Pharmacy professional; and, each individual seeking certification from SPCB (candidates or applicants).

To read the full Code of Conduct, please see the handbook.

Disciplinary Policy

In order to maintain and enhance the credibility of the SPCB certification program the SPCB has adopted procedures to allow individuals to bring complaints concerning the conduct of individuals who are candidates or certificants of the SPCB.

In the event an individual candidate or certificant violates the SPCB Code of Conduct, certification rules, or SPCB policies the SPCB Board of Directors may reprimand or suspend the individual or may revoke certification.

The grounds for sanctions under these procedures may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  1. Violation of the SPCB Code of Conduct.
  2. Violation of established SPCB policies, rules, and requirements.
  3. Conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude under federal or state/provincial law in a matter related to the practice of, or qualifications for, employment support services.
  4. Failure to maintain professional licensure.
  5. Gross negligence, willful misconduct, or other unethical conduct in the performance of services for which the individual has achieved certification from SPCB.
  6. Fraud or misrepresentation in an initial application or renewal application for certification.

Complaints may be submitted by any individual or entity. Complaints should be reported to SPCB in writing and should include the name of the person submitting the complaint, the name of the person the complaint is regarding along with other relevant identifying information, a detailed description of factual allegations supporting the charges, and any relevant supporting documentation. Information submitted during the complaint and investigation process is considered confidential and will be handled in accordance with SPCB’s Confidentiality policy.

To view the full Complaints and Disciplinary Actions policy, please see the handbook.

Non-Discrimination Statement

SPCB adheres to principles of fairness and due process and endorses the principles of equal opportunity. In administering the certification program, SPCB does not discriminate or deny opportunity to anyone on the basis of race, color, creed, age, gender, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge status, source of income, or any other status protected by applicable law.

All candidates for certification are judged solely on the published eligibility and recertification criteria determined by the SPCB Board of Directors.

Ownership of the Mark and Logo

The certification marks and logo are the property of the NASP. Permission to use the certification mark or logo is granted to credentialed persons at the discretion of the SPCB Board of Directors, for permissible uses only.

The CSP marks and logo may not be revised or altered in any way. They must be displayed in the same form as produced by SPCB and cannot be reproduced unless such reproduction is identical to the mark provided by SPCB.

The mark or logo may not be used in any manner which could bring SPCB into disrepute or in any way is considered misleading or unauthorized. This includes any use of the mark or logo that the public might construe as an endorsement, approval or sponsorship by SPCB of a certificants business or any product thereof.

Trademarks

The terms “Certified Specialty Pharmacist” (reg. no. 5954020) and “CSP” (reg. no. 5954019) are registered trademarks of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy. Violation of the copyright will lead to prosecution under federal copyright laws.

Use of the Certification Mark

After receiving official notification of CSP certification, the credential may be used only as long as certification remains valid and in good standing.  Individuals may not use the CSP, or any other credential awarded by SPCB, until they have received specific written notification that they have successfully completed all requirements, including passing the examination and documenting the specified experience.

Certificants must comply with all recertification requirements to maintain use of the credential.

Certification is a non-transferable, revocable, limited, non-exclusive license to use the certification designation “CSP” or “Certified Specialty Pharmacist”, subject to compliance with the policies and procedures, as may be revised from time to time. Correct usage of the certification mark is detailed in the candidate handbook.

Except as permitted by this policy, any use or display of SPCB certification marks and/or logos without the prior written permission of the SPCB is prohibited. Any candidate or certificant who manufacturers, modifies, reproduces, distributes or uses a fraudulent or otherwise unauthorized SPCB certificate, SPCB designation or other credential may be subject to disciplinary action, including denial or revocation of eligibility or certification. Any individual who engages in such behavior also may be subject to legal action.

Education and training providers may not use the SPCB name, logos, or certification marks to state or imply any approval or endorsement by SPCB or any affiliation with SPCB.