Code of Good Practice
The establishment and maintenance of public confidence in the skill, honesty, and integrity of the profession of monument building is fundamental to the future success of the monument industry.
Special responsibilities of sensitivity, dignity, and reliability are imposed upon the profession of monument building.
As a result, Monument Builders of North America as the trade association of the industry, seeks to work closely with all other segments of the memorial industry and cemeteries to protect the interest of the public. To do so, members of the association must subscribe to this Code and give notice that they clearly recognize the need to preserve and encourage fair and equitable competition and fair trade practices among all who are engaged in the sale of memorials to the public.
Therefore, the Monument Builders of North America Association and our members have adopted this Code of Good Practice for the monument building industry. The public will know that those who subscribe to this Code are those in the monument industry who are sincerely concerned with the protection and interests of those who come in contact with the industry.
Members of MBNA must adhere to the MBNA Code of Good Practice. Members and nonmembers may file a complaint against members they believe are not meeting this standard via this complaint form. Incidents reported should be within three years of the date of the complaint.
Complaint Process:
Filing of Complaint:
- Complete and submit the official MBNA Complaint Form within three years of the incident.
- The Grievance Committee Chair reviews the complaint to determine if it is a matter for the Grievance Committee or better suited for legal/regulatory authorities.
Complaint Review Process:
- If it qualifies as an ethical issue, the complaint and response forms are exchanged between the Complainant and Respondent, who have 30 days to respond. (Complaints may not be submitted anonymously.)
- If a Grievance Hearing is warranted, the Grievance Committee is convened, and all related documentation is reviewed.
Grievance Hearing:
- The hearing is held within 30 days by online meeting, with confidentiality agreements signed.
- Both parties may submit additional evidence at their own cost.
Decision:
- The Grievance Committee votes on whether a violation occurred. If a violation is confirmed, a recommendation is made to the Board of Directors for possible reprimand, suspension, or revocation of membership.
Final Actions and Communication:
- The Board finalizes the decision, and disciplinary actions are recorded.
- Decisions, particularly suspensions or revocations, are communicated via MBNA publications, with revocation publicly noted.
Please feel free to reach out to MBNA Executive Vice President, Kim Paugh, at kpaugh@monumentbuilders.org with any questions.