How to report a complaint
How to report a complaint
There is no time limit to reporting a complaint as long as a registered nurse maintains their status as a regulated member.
However, submitting a complaint early ensures easier recollection of details.
| Nature of the complaint | How to submit a complaint |
| Involves one or more registered nurses (RN) | In order to process your complaint, we require:
- Your name and contact information. Please note that if your complaint is followed by an investigation, the regulated member being investigated will be provided with your name and
a copy of the letter of complaint, but will not include your contact information.
- A signature (physical or electronic) from one person who will be considered the sole complainant. If others are involved, they can become witnesses should the matter be investigated. The complainant
should be the person directly involved, when possible.
- The first and last name of the registered nurse is required. We do not have the access or authority to acquire the name on your behalf. If you aren't sure you can:
- Ask the RN directly to identify him or herself.
- Contact the health facility where the RN works.
- Review your clinical record which should include the signatures and professional designations of those providing care.
- If still unable to determine the name of the RN, you may contact the registrar.
- A summary about what that nurse did which you consider unprofessional conduct. Examples include:
- concerns with appropriate nursing care
- neglect/abuse (verbal, physical, emotional, sexual)
- medication administration error
- patient safety
- breach of privacy/confidentiality
- theft/fraud/deceit
- conflict of interest
- use of rude, unprofessional language
- inappropriate relationship
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| Involves a licensed practical nurse (LPN) | Contact the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. |
| Involves a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) | Contact the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta. |
| About a facility | Contact the facility's administration office. |
| Patient abuse involving any health-care provider, including registered nurses | - If your complaint regarding patient abuse involves a registered nurse, follow the steps to submitting a complaint to CARNA.
- You should submit a report to the Protection for Persons in Care (PPIC). You do not need the name of an individual
health-care provider to file a complaint with PPC. To report abuse:
- Call the PPC reporting line at 1.888.357.9339 (Please note, this is not a crisis line. It operates weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Report in writing and mail or fax it to:
Alberta Health
Attn: Protection for Persons in Care
Station M, Box 476
Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1
Fax: 780.415.8611
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