File a complaint about a nurse

Be specific in your complaint description. Please include the following information about the incident you are reporting:

• The nurse's name
• The nurse's license number, if you have it
• Location
• Date
• Any documentation to support your complaint, such as medical records
• Your contact information

Use a separate Complaint Form for each nurse named in the complaint.

Anonymous complaints

We may, at our discretion, investigate an anonymous complaint if:

• The complaint is in writing
• The complaint allegations constitute violations of law or regulations warranting Board action
• Preliminary inquiry reveals enough information to determine that the allegations may be true.
• Proving the allegations does not need the identification and/or testimony of the person filing the complaint.

A complaint can be filed against a nurse who may have violated standards of professional conduct.

Grounds for complaints may include:

• Negligence
• Practice beyond the scope of licensure
• Fraud
• Obtaining a license by fraudulent means
• Practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Sexual misconduct
• Practicing while license is expired
• Practicing without a license

The Board does not investigate issues related to billing and fee disputes.

After you file the complaint

After a written complaint is received and processed by the Office of Public Protection, Board staff will review the complaint. If the matter falls within the Board's jurisdiction, the Office of Public Protection will notify you and an investigation will begin. We will provide a copy of the complaint to the licensee.

The investigation may include interviews with you, the nurse, and other appropriate individuals, as well as on-site visits to health care facilities to review records and make observations.