Which term best describes who reviews, investigates and sanctions ethical breaches?

Which term best describes who reviews, investigates and sanctions ethical breaches?

• A. Ethics Committee.
• B. Hearing Panel.
• C. Appeals Committee.
• D. Hearing Officer.

Answer: (B)

Hearing Panel is the term that best fits who reviews, investigates, and sanctions ethical breaches. A hearing panel is typically a group empowered to examine evidence, conduct hearings, and decide on sanctions based on what they find. This combination of review, adjudication, and penalty is characteristic of a panel rather than a single person. Ethics committees usually focus on establishing policies and overseeing the ethics program rather than conducting formal investigations and imposing sanctions. Appeals committees come into play after a decision is made, reviewing that decision rather than handling the initial investigation or sanctioning. A hearing officer may oversee the hearing process, but final sanctions are typically determined by the panel or the governing body, not a lone officer.

Hearing Panel is the term that best fits who reviews, investigates, and sanctions ethical breaches. A hearing panel is typically a group empowered to examine evidence, conduct hearings, and decide on sanctions based on what they find. This combination of review, adjudication, and penalty is characteristic of a panel rather than a single person.

Ethics committees usually focus on establishing policies and overseeing the ethics program rather than conducting formal investigations and imposing sanctions. Appeals committees come into play after a decision is made, reviewing that decision rather than handling the initial investigation or sanctioning. A hearing officer may oversee the hearing process, but final sanctions are typically determined by the panel or the governing body, not a lone officer.