Legal & Compliance

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing ASCS Agency services, submitting certification applications, or using ASCS certification marks, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use ASCS services or certification marks.

2. ASCS Authority & Role

ASCS Agency operates as an independent certification authority and standards body. ASCS establishes certification criteria, evaluates compliance, issues certifications, and maintains a public trust registry. ASCS does not provide senior care services, operate facilities, or engage in service delivery.

3. Certification Application

Organizations applying for certification must provide accurate, complete, and current information. Misrepresentation, omission, or falsification of information constitutes grounds for application denial or certification revocation. All application materials become property of ASCS upon submission.

4. Evaluation & Decision Authority

ASCS exercises sole discretion over certification decisions. Automated evaluation systems assess applications against established standards. Applications meeting threshold requirements are approved automatically; those falling below thresholds or triggering exception criteria undergo manual review. Certification decisions are final and binding upon acceptance of certification terms.

5. Certification Fees

Certification requires payment of applicable fees including application fees, annual certification fees, and monitoring subscription fees. Fees are non-refundable regardless of certification outcome. Fee schedules are published on ASCS website and subject to change with notice.

6. Certification Validity & Renewal

Certifications are valid for one year from issuance date. Renewal requires submission of renewal application, payment of renewal fees, and continued compliance with certification standards. Failure to renew results in certification expiration and removal from public registry.

7. Ongoing Compliance & Monitoring

Certified organizations must maintain ongoing compliance with certification standards and participate in periodic monitoring. ASCS reserves the right to conduct compliance verification, request updated documentation, and perform audits. Non-compliance may result in certification suspension or revocation.

8. Certification Mark Usage

Certified organizations receive limited authorization to display ASCS certification marks in accordance with usage guidelines. Marks may only be used while certification remains active. Misuse, unauthorized use, or continued use after certification expiration constitutes trademark infringement.

9. Suspension & Revocation

ASCS may suspend or revoke certification for non-compliance, misrepresentation, failure to maintain standards, non-payment of fees, or violation of certification terms. Suspension or revocation results in immediate removal from public registry and termination of mark usage rights.

10. Limitation of Liability

ASCS liability is limited to certification decisions and registry accuracy. ASCS assumes no liability for actions, omissions, or outcomes related to care delivery by certified organizations. Maximum liability is limited to fees paid for certification services.

11. Indemnification

Certified organizations agree to indemnify and hold harmless ASCS from claims, damages, or liabilities arising from their operations, service delivery, or use of certification marks.

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by applicable law. Disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration.