The hearing procedures are entirely set by C.A.R./NAR and except for the appointment of the chairman and panelists, we have no input. The President should appoint the chair from among experienced members, who have served on the panel for at least two years and attended the C.A.R. Pro Standards seminar the prior year. While not necessary, a past President should have the strongest consideration because of his/her knowledge of the process. There should be a mix of broker/agent and large/small office panelists.  It is required that committee members serve at least one year on Grievance Committee prior to serving on Arbitration & Professional Standards Committee. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS POLICY

There will be a standing committee, known as the Grievance Committee, of at least 9 Board Members in good standing, of whom at least a majority shall be REALTOR® principals.  The members of the committee shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors, and shall serve for staggered three (3) year terms.  There will not be term limits.  The President shall annually designate the Chairperson using the guidelines previously described for selection.  Each member of the Grievance Committee shall attend an annual training course at least once every two years.

There shall be a Professional Standards Committee of at least 13 Association Members in good standing, of whom at least a majority shall be Designated REALTORS®, appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors.  There will not be term limits.  Members of the Professional Standards Committee shall be selected to serve on Hearing Panels as required to hear matters of alleged unethical conduct by Board Members or to provide arbitration as requested. The President shall annually designate the Chairperson using the guidelines previously described for selection.  Each member of the Grievance Committee shall attend an annual training course at least once every two years.

Adoption of alternative enforcement procedures:  

• Association will adopt use of hearing officers. 
• Association will adopt use of ombudsmen. 
• Association will adopt use of mediation of ethics complaints. 
• The Grievance Committee will request response for each ethics complaint.  
• The Grievance Committee will request response for each arbitration request.  
• The Respondent will have 14 days to respond in Ethics/Arbitration.  

At the Grievance level, the response will not be sent back to the Complainant.  

In Arbitration, parties must deposit $500.00 (max $500.00). 

In an Inter-board Arbitration, parties must deposit $500.00 (max $500.00). 

Committee Members: