The CRNS regulates nursing practice in the public’s best interest through the fair and impartial investigation of complaints related to a registrant’s professional competence or conduct. When appropriate, education and remediation may be used to support improved practice, while more serious matters may proceed to a formal discipline hearing under The Registered Nurses Act, 1988.

Investigation Committee

The Investigation Committee is a statutory committee with their power and authority outlined in The Registered Nurses Act, 1988 and the CRNS bylaws. They decide the outcome of all complaints alleging professional incompetence and/or misconduct submitted to the CRNS.

Investigation Process

Under The Registered Nurses Act, 1988, the Investigation Committee has the authority to take necessary steps to investigate a complaint, as outlined in section 28.1 of the Act.

• When the CRNS receives a complaint about an RN, Professional Conduct confirms receipt with the person that submitted the complaint (complainant) and contacts them if any information is missing.
• Professional Conduct notifies the nurse that a complaint has been received and the complaint is sent to the nurse to provide a response.
• The complaint is prioritized based on the risk to the public and when the complaint was received.
• The Investigator may ask for patient charts and collect relevant documents.
• The Investigator may conduct interviews with witnesses, the complainant and the nurse.
• The Investigator gathers all of the relevant information and presents it to the Investigation Committee. The Investigator is not a decision-maker in the process.
• The Investigation Committee, made up of Registered Nurses and Public Representatives, look at all of the evidence and determines the outcome of the complaint.
• A report will be prepared and sent to the nurse and complainant outlining the investigation and the reasons for the Investigation Committee’s decision.

Investigation & Discipline process map.

Investigation Outcomes

When the investigation concludes, the Investigation Committee may do one or more of the following:

No Further Action

The Investigation Committee has determined there is not enough evidence to support the claim of misconduct or incompetence, and no further action will be taken.

Mediation

The Investigation Committee may ask both the complainant and the registrant to participate in mediation to resolve the complaint. This option is used when the issue only involves the complainant and registrant, poses no public risk and both parties agree to mediation.

Caution *

The Investigation Committee requires the registrant to appear in person to address concerns about their conduct. The goal is to help the registrant improve their practice and prevent them from repeating the behaviour in the future.

Required Education *

The Investigation Committee requires the registrant to complete specific continuing education or remediation to address concerns found during the investigation process and help improve the registrants practice, ensuring they practice safely, competently and ethically.

Voluntary Surrender of Registration or License *

The Investigation Committee accepts that the registrant has voluntarily surrendered their license to practice nursing.

Undertaking *

The Investigation Committee accepts an undertaking from the registrant that contains agreed-upon terms, conditions and/or restrictions on the registrant’s license to practice.

Other Appropriate Action

The Investigation Committee takes other appropriate action to address the concerns found in the investigation.

Discipline Hearing *

The Investigation Committee recommends that it is in the public’s best interest for the complaint to be referred to the discipline committee for further review.

* These outcomes will be noted on the public e-register until completed.