Last updated April 1, 2026
It's your right
Our work is guided by provincial legislation called the Health Professions and Occupations 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 you 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 their ability to practice safely.
When you have a concern about a nurse or midwife's practice, we recommend:
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If possible, you discuss the problem directly with the nurse/midwife, the nurse/midwife's supervisor or both.
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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.
- Find Patient Care Quality offices
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Each health authority in British Columbia has a Patient Care Quality Office. The purpose of these offices is to assist in the resolution of complaints. They have direct access to staff and health records information to assist in addressing your concerns.
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.
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 .
- Find Patient Care Quality offices
-
Each health authority in British Columbia has a Patient Care Quality Office. The purpose of these offices is to assist in the resolution of complaints. They have direct access to staff and health records information to assist in addressing your concerns.
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.
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.