Certification and Professional Conduct

Members of ALCA who are in the Advanced Professional Level of membership represent the standard of excellence in the profession through attaining:

• Formal higher education
• Established and supervised work experience
• Professional certification

Like other professions in which people have to meet minimum requirements or maintain certain certifications, ALCA promotes and reinforces the professional standards established by the profession that seeks to improve the quality of life for the elderly and their families through experienced and qualified Aging Life Care™ services.

Requirements to be an Advanced Professional

A Baccalaureate, Master’s or Ph.D. with at least one degree held in a field related to Aging Life Care management, i.e. counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology or social work; and is primarily engaged in a paid position in the direct practice, administration or supervision of client-centered services to the elderly and their families; and has two years of post-degree supervised experience in a paid position in the field of Aging Life Care management within the last ten years; and holds a current ALCA-approved certification. OR

Certified members may be other individuals with a Baccalaureate, Master’s or Ph.D. degree, who are primarily engaged in a paid position in the direct practice, administration or supervision of client-centered services to the elderly and their families; and has three years of post-degree supervised experience in the field of Aging Life Care management within the last ten years; and holds a current ALCA-approved certification.

• ALL ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL LEVEL MEMBERS MUST HOLD AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING APPROVED CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Care Manager Certified (CMC) – from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM)
  • Certified Case Manager (CCM) – from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC)
  • Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) – from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) – from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Please note that ALCA does not endorse any individual members, but rather serves as a resource to interested consumers looking to verify the qualifications of Aging Life Care Professionals of interest.

Please use the Member Verification Form to verify the membership of Aging Life Care Professionals of interest.

Professional Conduct Review Process

A Peer Review Committee is in place to review formal complaints alleging that an ALCA member has violated the ALCA Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice. The purpose of this process is to promote professional behavior by ALCA members.

The ALCA Professional Review Process is not a dispute resolution mechanism, nor a means to pursue legal or financial remedies. Fee and similar contract disputes involving consumers are generally outside the scope of this process.  We recommend that persons with such concerns discuss them directly with the Aging Life Care Professional. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, other options include a local Better Business Bureau or formal Alternative Dispute Resolution organizations.

Additionally, there are other authorities which may be more appropriate for reporting alleged misconduct. If the Aging Life Care Professional is a licensed professional, for example, you may make a complaint to their professional licensing body, especially if you believe there is an imminent risk of material harm. If an Aging Life Care Professional is appointed as a guardian, you may file a complaint with the Center for Guardianship Certification.

Complaints generally may be filed to ALCA by any person, including ALCA members, related professionals, consumers, and other members of the public. However, complaining parties must submit materials to ALCA directly and not through an attorney or other representative.

Complaints may be submitted directly through the website by completing a professional review form.  Individuals may also contact the ALCA office directly by phone at (520) 881-8008 and staff will mail you the appropriate forms. If you wish to submit a complaint, please review the Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics before doing so. Also note the Aging Life Care Professional MUST be a current member of ALCA.

Professional Conduct Review Form
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice