The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) is the governing body for Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the province of Alberta. The CRPNA mandate is to serve the interest of the public and to guide the professionof psychiatric nursing. The CRPNA regulates its registrants in accordance with provincial legislation, the Health Professions Act (HPA).
One way that the CRPNA protects the public is by addressing complaints that are brought against Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), Psychiatric Nurses (PNs) or former Registered Psychiatric Nurses.*
There are a number of avenues within the health-care system for making a complaint. If you are concerned about the practice or the conduct of a Registered Psychiatric Nurse or a Psychiatric Nurse, the first course of action might be to talk to the RPN directly or to their supervisor. These concerns may also be reported to the CRPNA. Complaints can be made by employers, other RPNs, other health professionals, or members of the public.
Please note, all employers are legally obligated to report practice concerns, discipline issued, terminations, suspensions, or suspicious resignations to the CRPNA. [Health Professions Act of AB, Part 4 Professional Conduct 57(1-3)].
The CRPNA takes complaints seriously. The Complaints Director reviews all complaints and employer reports to determine the direction to be taken.
Public interest and the protection of the public are always our priority.
*A complaint may be made about a former registrant, but only if the complaint is made within two years after the cancellation of the registration or practice permit. The complaint must relate to conduct that occurred prior to the cancellation. [Health Professions Act of AB, Part 4 Professional Conduct 54(3)].
The CRPNA can only address complaints that fall within its legislated authority as outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). Before filing a complaint, it is important to ensure that CRPNA is the appropriate organization to address your concerns.
CRPNA investigates complaints against individual Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) specifically related to their professional conduct. Not all concerns about RPNs require a report to CRPNA, as there are other avenues available for resolution. If you would like to discuss the issue or if you are not sure whether you should report the incident to the College, please call us. The Complaints Director or Deputy Complaints Director can help you decide if you want to make a formal complaint.
Steps to Resolve Concerns
- Speak Directly with the RPN or Employer
- If you have concerns about psychiatric nursing services, CRPNA encourages you to discuss the matter directly with the RPN or their employer (e.g., manager, department head, or facility leadership).
- Employers are responsible for managing concerns about their staff, including RPNs, and most concerns can be addressed at this level.
- Escalate if Needed
- If your concerns are not resolved after speaking with the RPN or their supervisor, you may want to speak with CRPNA's Complaints Department to confirm whether CRPNA has jurisdiction in the matter and explore the best way to proceed.
Types of Complaints CRPNA Cannot Address
Before filing a formal complaint, please ensure your concern falls within CRPNA's jurisdiction. CRPNA cannot address the following types of complaints:
- Complaints About Other Professionals
- If your concern involves a member of another nursing college or a different professional college, contact that specific regulatory body.
- Complaints About Unregulated Practitioners
- CRPNA can only address complaints about individuals who are regulated members of CRPNA, including Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) or Psychiatric Nurses (PNs). If the individual is not using one of these titles, they are likely not a regulated member of CRPNA, and CRPNA cannot take action.
- Complaints Outside CRPNA's Authority
- CRPNA's authority is limited to issues outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). CRPNA cannot address:
- Employment or labor relations difficulties
- Compensation issues related to actions of an RPN
- Organizational or societal issues
- CRPNA's authority is limited to issues outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). CRPNA cannot address:
Need Guidance?
If you're unsure whether CRPNA can help with your concern or need additional guidance, please contact our Complaints Department at:
- Phone: 780.434.7666
- Toll Free: 1.877.234.7666
- Email: crpna@crpna.ab.ca
CRPNA recommends reviewing this information carefully to ensure you are directing your complaint to the appropriate organization.
There is no time limit as long as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse maintains their status as a regulated member; however, by submitting your complaint in a timely manner it is more likely details can be recalled more easily by those involved. A complaint against a former member must be made within two years from the time they stopped being a member of CRPNA.
When the Complaints Director receives a written complaint, they may:
- encourage the complainant and the investigated person to communicate with each other and resolve the complaint;
- attempt to resolve the complaint (with the consent of the complainant and the investigated person);
- refer the complaint to an alternative complaint resolution process;
- request an expert to assess and provide a written report on the matter of the complaint;
- conduct , or appoint an investigator to conduct an investigation;
- dismiss the complaint, if satisfied that it is trivial or vexations;
- dismiss the complaint, if satisfied that there is insufficient or no evidence of unprofessional conduct.
If a complaint is investigated:
Once the investigation is complete, the Complaints Director decides whether a complaint should be dismissed or referred for a hearing.
The CRPNA endeavors, when appropriate, to address complaints through informal resolution processes that align with the potential outcomes of a formal proceeding. Informal resolution is typically faster and more collaborative than formal hearings. Such resolutions may only occur with the consent of both the complainant and the Registered Psychiatric Nurse.
This option is not given for matters that may require an investigation, or for allegations of sexual abuse and/or misconduct or other serious boundary violation allegations. The informal process is also not available when the only way to determine the facts requires a more extensive investigation and access to otherwise confidential information, such a client’s file or record. In such cases a formal complaint is required, as the HPA grants authority to the CRPNA Complaints Director and/or investigators to collect any information required, regardless of the consent of clients or other parties.
Under the Health Professions Act, the complainant can file an appeal, in writing with reasons, to the hearings director to request a review of the decision by the Complaint Review Committee. The appeal must be filed within 30 days.
If you have a question or concern about the fairness of how your complaint was handled, you may contact the Alberta Ombudsman Office:
The Alberta Ombudsman
2800, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 5C3
Phone: Edmonton 780.427.2756 or Calgary 403.297.6185
Toll Free: 1.888.455.2756
Email: info@ombudsman.ab.ca
Website: ombudsman.ab.ca
CRPNA requires a first and last name to come from you. We do not have the access or authority to acquire the name on your behalf. If you aren’t sure you can:
- Ask the RPN directly to identify him or herself
- Contact the health facility where the RPN works
- Review your clinical record which should include the signatures of those providing care
- If still unable to determine the name of the RPN, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
You'll need to submit a separate complaint letter for each Registered Psychiatric Nurse, as well as identify the role of each individual as it relates to your complaint. Each complaint will be investigated separately.
When an RPN becomes the subject of a complaint or a mandatory employer report, they are formally notified and provided with a copy of the complaint. The RPN is required to submit a written response to the allegation as part of the review process.
As part of their professional obligations, the RPN must refrain from discussing the matter with the complainant or any potential witnesses. Any attempt to influence, interfere with, or communicate with individuals involved in the complaint could be considered professional misconduct.
Once the review is complete and a decision is reached, the RPN is notified in writing. The complainant is also informed of the outcome, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
If you have a concern about a Registered Psychiatric Nurse related to patient abuse, you should report this to the employer and CRPNA. You may also report this to the Protection for Persons in Care (PPC). For other concerns related to patient abuse, not involving a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, you need to contact PPC. You do not need to know the name of an individual health care provider to file a complaint with PPC.
Further information about patient abuse can be found at: health.alberta.ca/services/protection-persons-care.
To report abuse:
Call the PPC reporting line at 1.888.357.9339 (Please note, this is not a crisis line. It operates weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Report in writing and mail or fax it to:
Alberta Health
Attn: Protection for Persons in Care
Station M, Box 476
Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1
Fax: 780.415.8611
We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual abuse or misconduct can be very difficult. If you believe a Registered Psychiatric Nurse may have crossed a sexual boundary, we urge you to contact us at 1-780-434-7666 or 1-877-234-7666 to learn more about the complaint process. For more information about the process of reporting sexual abuse or sexual misconduct of a patient, click here.
If after speaking with a member of the Complaints Department, it is determined a formal complaint is necessary take the following steps:
- Request a Complaint Reporting Form by contacting CRPNA phone at 1.877.234.7666 or by email at crpna@crpna.ab.ca.
- The Health Professions Act (HPA) requires that complaints be submitted in writing and signed with full signature. A completed Complaint Reporting Form can be submitted at:
College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta
#201, 9711 - 45 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5V8
Phone: 780.434.7666
Toll Free: 1.877.234.7666
Fax: 780.436.4165
Email: crpna@crpna.ab.ca
The Complaints Director will review your written statement. If necessary, the Complaints Director will appoint a preliminary investigator to look into the allegations. You will receive correspondence from the Complaints Director to inform you of the decision concerning your complaint.
2025 Updated Entry Level Competencies
June 12, 2025Education Fund Moves
May 22, 2025
