Complaints Process

Any person may make a complaint regarding the professional conduct or the ability to practice of a registered nurse.

The Health Services Commissioner (HSC) must be informed of all complaints received from a consumer. Consultation will occur between the Board and HSC to determine the appropriate authority to deal with the matter.

In order for the Board to proceed with an investigation, the complaint must be in writing, be supported with evidence and examples, and the identity of the complainant must be known.

The Board determines the outcomes of all complaints about the professional conduct of registered nurses. The outcome may be that no further action is taken or the matter may proceed to a hearing.

The Board's procedures ensure all complaints are taken seriously, and processed in a fair and transparent manner, in the interests of the patient, the public and the nurses themselves.

The Board has the power to suspend a registration, cancel it, issue a caution or reprimand and impose conditions or restrictions and require the nurse to undergo further education.