Credential Use Policy
1. Overview
The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (“NCCDP”) is the exclusive owner of the following registered trademarks and credentials:
These credentials represent a commitment to excellence in dementia care and must be used in accordance with this policy. The use of these marks is a privilege granted to certified individuals and organizations, and any misuse may result in decertification and/or legal action.
2. Authorized Use of Credentials and Marks
Certified individuals may use the credential(s) they have earned in accordance with the following guidelines:
- Proper Credential Display: Individuals who hold an active certification may use the appropriate credential (e.g., “John Doe, CDP”) on business cards, email signatures, resumes, and professional bios.
- Marketing Materials: Certified individuals may reference their certification status on their personal LinkedIn profile, website biography, or professional portfolios, provided they do not imply company-wide certification or an official affiliation with NCCDP.
- Verbal and Written Reference: Individuals may verbally or in writing state that they have earned the credential from NCCDP (e.g., “I am a Certified Dementia Practitioner through NCCDP”).
Organizations may only reference certification as follows:
- They may acknowledge that employees or individuals within the organization have received certification, but they may not imply that the organization itself is certified.
- Organizations may not use “CDP” or any other marks in their business names, domain names, marketing materials, or product names.
3. Unauthorized Use of Trademarks and Credentials
Misuse of any trademark, credential, or certification-related term is strictly prohibited. Examples of unauthorized use include, but are not limited to:
- Business Names & Branding: No individual or entity may incorporate “CDP,” “Certified Dementia Practitioner,” or any other protected mark into a business name, LLC, corporation, website domain name, or product title.
- Misrepresentation of Certification: Individuals or organizations may not falsely claim certification or mislead consumers about their affiliation with NCCDP.
- Modification of Marks: The marks must not be altered, abbreviated, or stylized in any way that deviates from the approved usage.
- Expired or Revoked Certification: If an individual’s certification expires, is suspended, or is revoked, they must immediately cease using the credential.
4. Consequences of Misuse
Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following actions:
- Decertification: Individuals who misuse the credentials may have their certification revoked.
- Legal Action: NCCDP reserves the right to take legal action, including seeking injunctive relief and damages, to protect its trademarks and intellectual property.
- Public Notice: If necessary, NCCDP may issue public statements clarifying that an individual or organization is not certified or affiliated.
5. Reporting Misuse
If you become aware of any misuse of the CDP credential or other protected marks, please report it to nccdpoffice@nccdp.org so that we can take appropriate action.
By earning and using the CDP or any other credential issued by NCCDP, you agree to comply with the terms of this Credential Use Policy.
Code of Ethics
1. The CDP provides services to the health care profession with respect and dignity to the Dementia Client.
2. The CDP recognizes and respects the Dementia Client individuality.
3. The CDP participates in ongoing education and stays current with regards to Dementia issues and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Body of Knowledge.
4. The CDP maintains competence in his chosen profession.
5. The CDP will report to the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners any acts by a Certified Dementia Practitioner that is illegal or unethical.
6. The CDP assumes absolute responsibility for your own individual actions.
7. The CDP will stay current with certifications with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.
8. The CDP ensures the privacy of the dementia client and applies all HIPPA Regulations.
9. The CDP works to implement innovative ideas to the health care setting that may help a Dementia Client.
10. The CDP works to ensures that quality of life is provided for the Dementia Clients residing in your health care setting.
11. The CDP networks with other health care professionals, attends Dementia / Alzheimer’s Seminars, Conventions, Support Groups and Ethics Committees.
12.The CDP respects the Dementia Clients customs, religious beliefs, and philosophy.
13. The CDP is truthful and avoids providing false or misleading information.
14. The CDP will not use the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners on any brochure or advertising without the express permission of this organization and in no way benefit directly or Indirectly at the expense of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.
15. The CDP understands that its certification with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners does not in any way confer upon the CDP any type of licensure as a health care provider.