File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

If a health care professional or facility violates standards of professional conduct, you have a right to file a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure.

Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

The Details of File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

What you need for File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

  • If your complaint is about treatment you received as a patient, we may need treatment or medical records to investigate your complain
    • You or a legal guardian will need to sign the complaint form to release records
  • Be specific in your complaint description
  • Include copies of pertinent medical records, correspondence, contracts, and any other documents that support your complaint
  • Use a separate form for each person or facility you are filing a complaint against

A complaint can be filed against the following license types online

  • Allied Health Professionals License 

  • Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions License 

  • Chiropractic Facility License 

  • Chiropractor License 

  • Dietitian and Nutritionist License 

  • Dispensing Optician License 

  • Genetic Counselor License

  • Hearing Instrument Apprentice License 

  • Hearing Instrument Specialist License 

  • Naturopathic Doctor License

  • Optometrist License 

  • Perfusionist License

  • Podiatrist License 

  • Psychologist License 

  • Social Worker License 

  • Speech-Language Pathology and Audiologist License 

For Healthcare Fraud Reporting:

  • You may submit a health care fraud complaint online.

Issues that aren't within our authority

  • Fee disputes, such as payment for missed appointments
  • Billing disputes, such as the amount a licensee charges for services
  • Personality conflicts (unless such rises to the level of unprofessional conduct)

How to file File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

  1. Choose the complaint form you need, depending on the practice type. Forms are listed below under Downloads.
    • Dental
    • Nursing
    • Nursing Home Administrator
    • Pharmacy
    • Physician Assistant
    • Respiratory Care
    • Community Health Workers
  2. Fill out the form.
  3. Attach any and all supporting documentation.
  4. Mail to:
    Department of Public Health
    Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
    Attn: Office of Public Protection
    250 Washington St.
    Boston, MA 02108

Next steps for File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

Response and decisions

We will send written notification of any action on your complaint.

If we determine your allegations are possible violations of laws or regulations:

  • We will open a complaint for investigation
  • We will provide a copy of the complaint to the health care registrant or licensee

More info for File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

Anonymous complaints

We may, in 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 doesn't need the identification and/or testimony of the person filing the complaint

Downloads for File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

Contact for File a complaint with the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

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