Complaint Resolution Policy, IJMJ

International Journal of Medical Justice

1. Purpose The International Journal of Medical Justice (IJMJ) is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness in all its operations. This Complaint Resolution Policy provides a structured process for addressing complaints related to the publication process, editorial decisions, ethical concerns, and other aspects of the journal’s operations.

2. Scope This policy applies to complaints from authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders regarding any aspect of the journal’s functioning, including but not limited to:

• Editorial decisions
• Peer review processes
• Ethical misconduct or breaches
• Delays in publication
• Errors in published articles
• Allegations of bias or discrimination

3. Principles The IJMJ resolves complaints based on the following principles:

• Fairness: All complaints will be addressed impartially.
• Transparency: The resolution process will be clear and documented.
• Confidentiality: Complainants’ identities and related information will be handled with care and discretion.
• Timeliness: Complaints will be resolved promptly within specified timeframes.

4. Procedure for Lodging Complaints

4.1 Submission of Complaints
Complaints should be submitted in writing to the journal’s editorial office via email provide on journal website or through the official complaint form available on the journal’s website. The complaint must include:

• Full name and contact details of the complainant
• A clear description of the issue
• Relevant evidence or supporting documentation, if applicable

4.2 Acknowledgment
The IJMJ will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within Seven (7) business days and provide a reference number for tracking.

4.3 Review and Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief (or a designated representative) will conduct an initial assessment to determine the validity of the complaint and assign it to the appropriate department for further investigation. If the complaint involves the Editor-in-Chief, it will be escalated to an independent oversight committee.

5. Investigation Process

5.1 Data Collection
Relevant parties (e.g., authors, reviewers, editors) will be contacted to provide information or clarification. All communications will be documented.

5.2 Resolution Timeline
The investigation will typically be completed within thirty (30) calendar days of acknowledgment. If additional time is required, the complainant will be informed.

5.3 Outcome Notification
Once the investigation is complete, the complainant will receive a written response detailing:

• The findings of the investigation
• Actions taken to address the issue
• Further steps or recommendations, if applicable

6. Appeals If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, they may appeal the decision within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving the outcome. Appeals will be reviewed by an independent oversight committee, and a final decision will be provided within thirty (30) calendar days of the appeal submission.

7. Record-Keeping All complaints, investigations, and resolutions will be documented and retained for a minimum of three (3) years for auditing and continuous improvement purposes.

8. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation The IJMJ ensures that:

• Complainants are protected from any form of retaliation.
• All details of the complaint and resolution process remain confidential.

9. Continuous Improvement The IJMJ will regularly review complaints and resolution trends to identify areas for improvement in journal policies and procedures.

10. Contact Information Complaints and inquiries should be directed to:

Editor-in-Chief/Editor

International Journal of Medical Justice

Address: G-1, Ground Floor, City Center, Medical Road,

Aligarh 202002 India

E-Mail: editor@ijmj.net editor.ijmj@gmail.com Web: www.ijmj.net    www.glafims.org www.glafims.com

Last Updated: Friday September 27, 2024

Sources and related content: https://ijmj.net/policies/index.htm