Mandatory Standards of Professionalism are one component of the Professional Compliance Program (PCP) which was created to address the issue of inappropriate or fraudulent expert witness testimony. The program has developed procedures to review, hear and adjudicate professional compliance grievances. 

The AAOS does not take its responsibility in reviewing grievances lightly. Each grievance undergoes an intensive review beginning with the Committee on Professionalism. This committee reviews materials submitted by both grievance parties and makes a prima facie (preliminary) determination whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing on allegations. Grievances may be based on the six Standards of Professionalism outlined below.