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About complaints and discipline


 It's your right

Our work is guided by provincial legislation called the Health Professions Act. It is your right to submit a written complaint to BCCNM if you believe that the concerns that you have about a nurse or midwife's conduct or competence warrants a formal investigation by the regulatory body.

About complaints and discipline

​​BCCNM is required by law to regulate the nursing and midwifery professions in the public interest. As part of this responsibility, BCCNM ensures:

  • The public is protected from incompetent, unethical, or impaired nursing or midwifery practice.

  • Nurses and midwives do not practice unless they can do so safely.

When yo​u have a concern about a ​nurse or midwife

BCCNM receives complaints about the conduct or competence of a nurse or midwife from patients and their families, employers, and colleagues. We also receive complaints alleging that a nurse or midwife has a health ailment impairing his/her ability to practice safely.

When you have a concern about a nurse or midwife’s practice, we recommend:

  • if possible, you discuss the problem directly with the nurse/midwife, the n​urse/midwife’s supervisor or both.

  • you consider pursuing the matter with the Patient Care Quality Office and/or health care agency where the nurse or midwife works ​if your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction after speaking to the nurse/midwife and/or supervisor.

Independent practitioners

Most midwives, as well as some NPs and nurses, are independent practitioners, meaning they do not have an employer or supervisor/manager. 

When you have a concern about an individual's practice in this situation, we recommend:

  • if possible, discuss the problem directly with the midwife, NP or nurse.

  • If the problem occurred within a hospital setting, you consider pursuing the matter with the Patient Care Quality Office and/or health care agency where the problem occurred .​

Regardless of how (or whether) you attempt to address your concern directly with the nurse/midwife or health care agency, you can always submit a written complaint to BCCNM.​